Member VolunteersAs mentioned in last week's Board update, a new Member Volunteer Policy has been implemented to support our volunteers. Below is an open letter to members providing some insight into volunteering at our club: Dear Members I would like to take this opportunity to
sincerely recognise and thank Ian Thompson and Gerry Van Hees for their
outstanding volunteer contributions to our golf course over the past 12 years. During that time, Ian and Gerry have quietly
and consistently given their time to the course - pruning trees, clearing
fallen limbs and debris, assisting with watering, and helping to maintain the
high standard of presentation we all enjoy. This work tends to go unnoticed, but
it has made a genuine and lasting difference, and it deserves our heartfelt
appreciation. The contribution of member volunteers is
integral to clubs of all sizes. It improves our ability to present the golf course and clubhouses in their best condition, and assists paid staff to concentrate on other priorities. At Endeavour Hills, Ian Cahoon has been mowing
fairways every Monday and Thursday for the past 15 years. He originally began
volunteering alongside Bill Logan, a past Life Member, emptying bins and
assisting with a variety of tasks before both progressed to operating the rough
mowers. More recently, Rob Boyes has been pruning hedges and maintaining
shrubbery to ensure the clubhouse surrounds and tee gardens remain neat and
welcoming. On a personal note, I began volunteering in
2008 while on long service leave. After retiring a few years later, I have
continued to help out almost every Monday since. What began as paspalum control
has expanded to include weed control in the rough, on paths, in bunkers, garden
beds, around dams and boundary fences, as well as assisting with garden bed
modifications, clearing drains, and removing debris as required. It is
rewarding work and a great way to give back to the club. Mondays work particularly well at Endeavour
Hills, as the course is quieter. Mornings also provide the chance to share a
coffee with the ground staff, discuss priorities for the day, and, of course,
talk a bit of footy or whatever else comes up. It’s a relaxed and social
environment, and every bit of help makes a difference. That said, volunteering
doesn’t have to be on a Monday, nor does it have to be every week. Any day and
any amount of time you can offer is greatly appreciated. At Rowville, Ross Hogan and Leigh Simons mow
rough and fairways, Jeff Somers and Ray Thomas retrieve range balls, and
Mike Richards maintains the practice fairway and surrounds, while also
assisting wherever help is needed. Ron
Pickett helps to maintain and our gardens, in particular the roses. Jim Scoular and Garry Billing are everything
bowls from greens preparation to precinct maintenance. Colin Kaye and Andrew Heap kindly assist with various clubhouse and pro shop maintenance items. Greater assistance will be valued at both clubhouses, golf courses and the bowls green. Volunteers are welcome to contribute as much or as little
time as they are able. No special skills are required, just a willingness to
help and a sense of pride in our club. If you are interested, further
information can be obtained from Matthew Taylor (General Manager), Troy Cashman (Course Superintendent),
or any of the current or past volunteers—or simply show up. I know Troy and his
team would greatly appreciate the support. Once again, thank you to Ian and Gerry, and to
all past and present volunteers. If you can lend a hand, we would love to hear
from you. Kind regards Geoff Ellis | 
1 November - 31 March
