Another large funding win for the Uralla Golf Club, members Marj Chappell, left, Noelene Porter, Carol Shields, Collen Taggart, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Michael Petrov, John Izzard, Bronnie Wilson, President Darrell Carson, Oscar Ayre and Mick Mcilveen.
Tuesday, 22 March 2022
URALLA Golf Club has had another successful ‘round’ but this time not on the course, with Northern tablelands MP Adam Marshall announcing a $209,895 State Government grant to continue the refurbishment of the aged clubhouse and course facilities.
Since 2020, the State Government has provided Uralla Golf Club with $460,915 through the Stronger Country Communities Fund to modernise its amenities, install a new in ground watering system and make the organisation financially viable for the future.
Mr Marshall said this next stage of upgrades would centre on making the clubhouse a more comfortable space for players to relax and knock back a cold one after play.
“This funding caps off the final stage of Uralla Golf Club’s ambitious plan of upgrades, started following the financial toll taken by the drought,” Mr Marshall said.
“In order to protect the building’s structural integrity old rusty roofing iron will be replaced and repairs will be made to water damage in the sealing.
“At ground level, internal rotting floorboards will be replaced with concrete and new carpet will be laid through the majority of the clubhouse.
“Outside the clubhouse, a six metre extension will be added to the green keepers shed giving additional storage space for the expensive equipment used to maintain the grounds.
“Membership generates revenue and these are all practical improvements which I think will enhance the experience for existing visitors, while encouraging new people through the doors of Uralla Golf Club.”
Uralla Golf Club President Darrell Carson said replacing the clubhouse roof would protect the building’s structural integrity and reduce the need for expensive building maintenance.
“These grants have become the lifeblood of small country clubs like ours, funding projects that help undertake expensive maintenance and reduce our operating costs,” Mr Carson said.
“As part of this project we will be replacing much of the club’s floor coverings due to water damage caused by leaks in the roof. This will have a huge impact on freshening the inside of the building up and making it more inviting.
“As a volunteer-run club our priority is spending any income we make on improving the visitor experience for our 300 members, unfortunately preventable maintenance erodes our finances and ability to do that.
“Because of delays with tradesmen due to COVID-19, we expect the clubhouse repairs and improvements won’t start until the latter half of 2022, but we are hopeful the green keeper’s shed extension will get underway this month.
“Once again we would like to thank Adam and the State Government for their assistance in securing this grant and making our club a welcoming place for locals to play and enjoy themselves.”