Note from the President – Call for Volunteers

I hope all Members are keeping safe and that property damage is being kept to a minimum during these current Brisbane Floods. It is a testing time, and my thoughts are certainly with all those Members and their families who may be impacted in all sorts of ways. However, I remain confident that our community will support each other and gradually we will all recover once again.

Regarding our golf course, there has been a major flood that continues to cover most of the property. Pleasingly there is some water receding today and our course staff have already begun a clean-up process. However, over the next few weeks we will require the assistance of volunteers for this ongoing clean-up process. Therefore, today is a time for a call to action for all those Members who may be able to assist in some way over this time.

It is essential to mention that this volunteer program needs to be sustainable for possibly a number of weeks and our planning has considered this fact. Additionally at present we only have limited parts of the golf course we can work on so as more water recedes we expect the number of volunteers being asked for will increase. Member safety is also a high priority and each volunteer group needs to be of a size that can be appropriately supervised by our staff.

Please note the course will continue to be closed to Members, unless they are attending as registered volunteers. Motorised carts are not allowed on the course as its simply too wet still.

I will now list in dot points the volunteer program that has been planned by our management team. It is essential that volunteers adhere to these guidelines going forward.

• Volunteers must register via our on-line booking sheets, just like you do to book a game of golf. There will be two shifts each day with the first being from 8am to11am and the second being from 12pm to 3pm. Each shift will be limited to 20 volunteers at this stage, however, as stated earlier these numbers will be increased as more of the water recedes. The booking sheets will open this afternoon from 2pm for the next seven days.
• It is strongly recommended that volunteers bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottles, protective clothing (like working gloves) and wear the appropriate footwear. Personal responsibility for safety is essential, so please ensure that you are comfortable with the work required, and do not overcommit to the booking program. Please also remember to cover any abrasions or cuts and note that up to date Tetanus vaccination is recommended. First Aid kits will be available at the course in case they are needed.
• Once arriving on site all volunteers must report to the registration desk situated near the carpark to register. This will allow directions to be given to individual volunteers, joining teams with supervision from staff. There will also be a waiver document to sign as a one off.
• Volunteers are encouraged to bring hand tools such as rakes, shovels, squeegees, pitch forks and brooms.
• A BBQ simple lunch, cold drinks and tea & coffee will be provided for volunteers between 11am and 12pm each day. This lunch is available for both the morning and afternoon shifts and will be served in the Member’s Lounge.

As you understand, this is the early stage of the course clean-up and we will provide additional updates and instructions as the water recedes further. It will be a lengthy process, but it is essential we all work together as a community. I am confident the Club will show its strength and resilience, with all of us being back enjoying the fairways again in the not-too-distant future.

Thank you to those Members who can assist, but also may I again wish all Members safety in their own homes and neighbourhoods.

If you have any questions please don’t hestitate to contact our CEO, Geoff Kuehner via geoff@brisbanegolfclub.com.au.

Kind regards

Mark Deuble, President