Dear Members, thank you to all who have worked with our Club staff to enable golf to be played at Virginia over the past week . In a constantly evolving and challenging situation for all, the Board has appreciates the support of members at this time. I wanted to provide a brief update to members of actions taken thus far to endeavour to enable the Club to get through this period of time whilst Covid 19 impacts not only the Club, but the whole of society. Obviously, things will continue to change as Government’s respond on our behalf in their collective efforts to reduce the impact of the virus as it runs its course. The Club will continue to monitor Government advice and direction as received and will enact all necessary control measures as directed. We ask our members to continue to work with us to meet our regulatory and social obligations, keep people safe and enable golf to go on.
In respect of the specific actions taken by the Board, I provide the following update:
- Last week, all staff employed in our clubhouse and catering operations have been stood down without pay. The Club has offered impacted staff access to up to 2 weeks of accrued leave to support them through this period, which has been taken up by 2 staff. Any further access to accrued leave will be considered after reviewing the club’s cash position. All staff have been provided formal notice to enable them to access other support as necessary.
- All casual staff have been advised that there will be no hours available for the indefinite future and received formal advice to this effect.
- The course is being maintained on a skeleton staff basis, with 4 staff working 2 days per week. Administration staff are working 1 or 2 days per week with the balance of the week either unpaid or accessing accrued leave. At this time, the Golf Shop is being staffed by permanent staff only with no casual staff support. The Driving Range is operating relatively normally albeit patronage has been low for the last few days. We understand the impact these difficult and regrettable actions have had on our staff but were required to support the club’s cash flow in this entirely uncertain time. These matters remain under constant review and we will adapt as necessary to future Government directions.
- The Club has undertaken a detailed cash flow analysis by day until the end of May. Based on our current knowledge (and this may change at any time) and allowing for payment of creditors and other outgoings, the Board is of the view that the club’s cash position will remain sustainable through this period. We have requested and received relief from loan repayments from major creditors (NAB 6 months relief- Golf carts, Cart Shed, course equipment) and Toro (3 month relief – Course equipment) without penalty. In addition, we requested and received 3 months free rent from Catholic Education for the Driving range This support from these partners will assist greatly in our cash flow management over the next few months. We will continue to manage cash on a day by day basis, but as above, we believe our position is sustainable given what we know now and in consideration for what we can reasonably expect in the future.
We will continue to try to keep members updated as this situation evolves. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our Staff Team for their understanding of the situation we are in, and continue to do what they can to help the Club through this period.
Ray Mawdsley – President
