Parkland Golf Club redevelopment project co-ordinator Don McKenzie with club president Greg Ryan, Kyabram Community Bank manager Faith Monnich, chair Brett Sutton and Parkland’s Les Mitchell at last week’s $25,000 donation announcement.
Golf club redevelopment: With the extension component of the re-development nearing completion, the next two stages will involve the upgrade of the club office area and, eventually, the inside of the clubhouse.
Kyabram’s Community Bank has chimed in to assist Parkland Golf Club to realize a dream of transforming the facilities at the par three golf course to an elite level.
A $25,000 sponsorship from the bank was confirmed last week when three members of the board, and the new manager, attended an official announcement of the support.
In less than a decade the bank has contributed more than $400,000 to the town and its surroundings, the latest donation the largest in its nine-year history.
Kyabram’s Community Bank steering committee was formed in 2013, chaired by businessman Vince Curtis.
Mr. Curtis was at the presentation of the check last week and told the assembled golf membership they could play a role in further community investments being directed to the town’s community-based organizations.
He said increased banking activity at the bank would have a direct impact on what could be redistributed to the company.
“Ideally, in a few years’ time, we would like to look back on this community investment as a relatively small contribution,” Mr. Curtis said.
He explained that many people in Kyabram had opened accounts with the bank.
“That has enabled us to make this donation,” he said.
“If people are not with the community bank, I’d like them to consider that option.”
Mr. Curtis said in order for the bank to recoup the golf club contribution it would need another $4 million in business.
“We really encourage people to get on board. It is surprising just how quickly the community using the community bank for their everyday banking, superannuation and credit cards can grow our business and allow investments like this today,” he said.
“It adds up quickly.”
Mr Curtis, since handing over the reins of the community bank’s chair role to Sheridan Partners accountant Brett Sutton, has taken on the role of co-ordinating sponsorships and community investments.
“I am now in the fortunate position that I can give the money away,” he said.
Mr Curtis, along with long-time directors Mr Sutton and Dale Denham, accepted the acknowledgment of the golf club membership with new manager Faith Monnich.
Mr. Curtis explained since the May 2013 establishment of the bank steering committee, and its eventual opening in 2016, there had been countless sponsorships and investments made to the community.
“They have steadily grown from a series of $500 donations on opening day to what is happening here at the golf club,” he said.
Parkland president Greg Ryan said the completed project would be an amazing community asset.
“It will be a high-end, but affordable, facility for the community to use. Things like weddings, parties and funeral services,” he said.
“Contributions like this from the community bank will allow us to finish the project.”
The Parkland project started in December 2020, following Federal Government funding support, but the goalposts moved significantly with a sharp increase in material costs.
Mr Ryan said the club was considering its options, even the possibility of “cutting the project short” due to the increased costs.
He said the bank board had recognized the magnitude of the problem and acted accordingly.
Mr. Curtis said that was exactly the reason the bank had been set up in the first place.