Cessnock Golf Club goes into voluntary administration
A VOLUNTARY administrator has been called in to take control of the financially troubled Cessnock Golf Club as it struggles under the weight of more than $11 million debt.
Cessnock is one of the oldest golf clubs in the Hunter and has operated a public-access course off Mount View Road since 1926.
In 2005, the club signed a joint venture with Newcastle civil construction company Daracon Group for a $30 million redevelopment of its land for a golf-lifestyle resort known as Stonebridge Living.
It included a 138-lot residential subdivision, which still has lots for sale, and an 18-hole Jack Newton golf course and new clubhouse that opened in 2012.
President Robert Hodge said the club had more than 250 members, but no money to advertise its new facilities that include a cafe, function centre and soon-to-open kids’ playground.
He said despite Mr Mingay being “extremely patient”, the board had no choice but to call in an administrator.
“We didn’t think it was the right thing to keep trading with the way things were, we believe we can get through this but we need help from a professional to guide us,” he said.
“The important thing for people to know is that it’s business as usual and we need community support to get through this.
“We need people to visit the club and come for a round of golf.”
Mr Thorn agreed, saying community support was crucial for the club’s long-term survival.
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