Crescent Head, Nelson Bay Score Big in Clubs NSW Community Awards
Nelson Bay Golf Club won the Environmental Sustainability Award, and Crescent Head took out the Heart of the Community Prize at the 2024 Clubs and Community Awards.
The annual awards, run by Clubs NSW, were presented at the International Convention Centre (ICC) last week. Over 800 club representatives attended from all over the state to recognise the outstanding social contributions made by clubs in their local communities.
Crescent Head Country Club took out the Heart of the Community award for its work in leading a fundraising drive to support Hamish Cook, a local teenager rendered a quadriplegic following a swimming accident.
Following the tragic accident in 2021, the Club rallied the community, leading fundraising efforts that netted over $150,000 to support the Cook family.
This spirit of solidarity continued with constructing an inclusive mini-golf facility in 2023, with Hamish’s involvement ensuring its status as Australia’s best for disability access.
In addition, tanks were installed below the mini golf facility, housing 520,000 litres of water. The water is used to improve Australia’s only accredited six-hole golf course.
Beyond its charitable endeavours, Crescent Head Country Club also extends support to local schools with several initiatives, including:
- Hosting a free Golf NSW clinic for 140 Crescent Head Primary School students and contributing to the costs for a Sydney excursion.
- Assisting Melville, Saint Josephs and Kempsey Adventist schools.
- A donation of $4000 to Crescent Head Preschool for an interactive whiteboard and playground.
- Initiated a mobile library service and hosted an annual children’s Christmas party.
The Club actively engages in several community events, recently raising $4000 for Hastings Little Wishes through its Bluewater Fishing Club. Other donations include $10,000 annually to the Crescent Head Malibu Club and significant support for the Town’s ANZAC Day services.
The Club also contributes comprehensively to several local sporting bodies, including the Crescent Head Rugby 7s, the Surf Life Saving Club, Netball Club and Swimming Club.
The Club frequently holds fundraising events for the Kempsey District Hospital and aids various local organisations, including the SES and the Rural Fire Brigade.
In addition to providing entertainment and bingo, Crescent Head Country Club showcases its commitment to the community by helping individuals achieve their sporting dreams and regularly recognising dedicated staff members.
Crescent Head Country Club Chairperson Pam Bryant said the two awards were a “thrill” to all involved.
“There is no better feeling than to know you are being acknowledged by the entire state for how well you treat, lead and respect your community,” she said.
Secretary Manager Colan Ryan believes the Heart of the Community to be the most highly regarded of all the awards.
“This is a great accomplishment for our Board, management, staff and members…the award belongs to all of us.
“This is a testament to the club’s dedication and contribution to the Crescent Head Community at all levels,” Mr Ryan said.
The winning submission from the Nelson Bay Golf Club, titled ‘Putting Nature First,’ provided a comprehensive overview of the Club’s and its dedicated team’s significant environmental initiatives and their unwavering commitment to sustainability.
One key initiative showcased in the submission was course management, including using Nanobubble technology and hybrid machinery to maintain the golf course.
The invaluable work of volunteers in developing gardens, renewable pathways, and recycling programs was also highlighted, as was a collaboration with the Port Stephens Koala Hospital to rehome injured koalas.
Nelson Bay’s submission was supported by the Port Stephens Koala Hospital and Kate Washington, the Member for Port Stephens, who praised the Club in a Community Recognition Statement in Parliament.
David Lulham, General Manager of Nelson Bay Golf Club, said the Club and its members were thrilled to receive this award.
“This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, members, and staff, who are committed to positively impacting the environment.
“We are grateful for the support of our community, which is essential to the success of our initiatives,” he said.
