Staff Movement Update

The recruitment of a Course Superintendent and Finance Manager is progressing well.  The Management Team and Committee are working together to expedite the process with Geoff Kuehner (CEO), Deb Kember (President) Geoff Moore (Vice President), Andrew Mullis (Treasurer), Richard Garnham (Course Chair) leading the transition work. We have a multi-faceted approach underway to ensure continuity and quality is maintained.

Course Superintendent Transition Plan

We expect to have a course superintendent in place for Spring/Summer 2024, with the following actions completed and underway:

1. Advertised the position on seek.com.au, Golf Industry Central, social media and on the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association website. Applications close soon.

2. Convened a panel to conduct the shortlisting, interview and referee check process. Panel members are Deb Kember, Andrew Mullis, Richard Garnham, Geoff Kuehner and industry expert David Lunardelli (Director Agronomy and Operations, Troon International).  David has over three decades experience in course construction and maintenance, notably in the Asia Pacific Region.  David’s expertise and extensive industry connections will significantly assist in identifying and appointing a suitable candidate.

3. Sourced a summary from the current Course Super about the condition of the greens and a forward improvement plan. This advice will be shared with members as soon as it is available.

4. Use this information to assist the Committee develop a short term plan to improve the current standard of our greens.

5. Confirmed the continued employment of current course staff and commenced the recruitment of additional course staff.

6. Negotiating with Troon International about utilising their agronomy advisory service. This potentially means that David Lunardelli (Director Agronomy and Operations, Troon International) can assist us with the course superintendent transition. His services would extend beyond the transition period in relation to planning and monitoring documentation and strategic advice to the Committee about ensuring high standards of greens and course presentation over time.

7. Confirmed the continued engagement of project manager, Ralph Heading, as logistics supervisor for the restoration and upgrade of the Driving Range.

8. Agreed to participate in a government funded Landscape Work Readiness Program under the supervision of Astra Group Services at no cost to the Club. This team will focus on weeding the course surrounds and are expected to commence in mid-May 2024.

9. Meet, shortly, with our Club Volleys Lead Lloyd Cotterill to re-launch our volunteer program with some planting projects.

10. Consult with course shaper, Ron Nyhuis to identify and prioritise projects for immediate rectification, once the driving range project concludes.   For example, we will discuss the worsening bare patches on the Hole 3 fairway, retaining walls on Hole 2 and bunker drainage.

Finance Manager Transition Plan

The Club has appointed a Finance Manager and more details will be announced once the Club, she is coming from, communicates that change to their Members.

The following actions are completed and underway.

1. Advertised the position on seek.com.au, Golf Industry Central, social media. Applications closed Wednesday 3 April.

2. Convened a panel, consisting of Geoff Kuehner and Andrew Mullis to conduct the shortlisting, interview and referee check process.

3. Continued the contract with Robyn Hooper to support staff with the NorthStar implementation.

4. Organised for our CEO, Geoff Kuehner, to address member’s queries that were previously sent to Kymberley Patterson.

5. Placed Peter Collins and Geoff Moore in the office to ensure continuity of payroll and other completion of administrative tasks.

6. Work with the new finance manager to find a replacement for Natasha Mason in the accounts team. Natasha has indicated that she will finish her time with us as at Dave Mason’s end date.

We will keep you updated and address your questions as the staffing transition evolves.
Regards

Deb Kember
President
The Brisbane Golf Club
Email: dakember2023@gmail.com
Phone: 0419 721 905

Geoff Kuehner
CEO
The Brisbane Golf Club
Email: geoff@brisbanegolfclub.com.au
Phone: 0411 412 666