IT is often said that in times of tragedy you know who your real friends are.
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Equally, it can also be a real test of character.
Luckily, Nelson Bay Golf Club is lacking neither. When fire destroyed its facilities they did not despair, they simply got on with rebuilding.
It has been a task made easier with the support of loyal members through what has been a trying time.
And for many the Father’s Day fire of 2015 is still fresh in their minds.
It would be too easy for the rest of us to forget the effort it took them to even dust off the ashes, let alone dare to dream again.
The board to its credit took the opportunity to assess where they could take the club to best serve its members.
Much planning went into the new clubhouse and function facilities.
And what the board has built will no doubt attract golfers from across Australia and overseas, as the sport continues to find new players by the day – making it a extremely lucrative industry.
Especially when dealing with golf tourism.
Just as importantly it will serve the community equally well as a functions venue, be it for weddings or conferences. The combined function rooms will hold up to 230 people. For young members there will be a sports bar to whet their appetite.
Outside, the club will even provide for an outdoor wedding ceremony area, as well as a courtyard and playground for children.
All said the club will have spent $10 million to achieve its vision.
Club captain and project team leader Peter Power said it will be “state of the art” and will “attract a lot of people”.
We are sure it will.
It is facilities like these that help the Tomaree Peninsula, and Port Stephens, as a whole, thrive.
The area is blessed with a high standard of venues and and golf courses for that matter.
Truly community minded people will not see developments like this as competition but another plank in the raft of our combined fortunes.
A buoyant tourism sector is built on such things and cooperation can’t be undervalued.
Lastly, congratulations should got to all involved in this project, from the board and its members, through to its partners in this long journey, including Club Projects Newcastle, and EJE Architecture and Coffey Project Management.