GDGA Position on
Amalgamation
The GDGA has indicated to Golf
Victoria that it favours amalgamation
with SWDLGA and has made several
attempts to initiate discussions with
that organisation, without a great deal
of success.
2
It is apparent, given the amount of
support the concept received during
the recent review conducted by Golf
Victoria, (only 14% opposed) that the
vast majority of golfers support
amalgamation.
3
That Amalgamation has already taken
place in Sunraysia and Ballarat, and is
in process in a number of other
districts would seem to support this
view.
4
The GDGA believes that unless
amalgamation is achieved in this area
soon, there is a real danger of
Geelong being left behind and the
game suffering as a result.
5
The GDGA has initiated discussions
with Colac, Birregurra, Beeac and
Apollo Bay clubs, with a view to
aligning the district consistent with
the current women’s model.
6
The GDGA believes that amalgamation
of the Geelong District Golf
Association and the South Western
District Ladies Golf Association has
the potential to bring a number of
benefits 7
 Greater efficiency in district
administration – “one game, one
controlling body.”
 Improved communication between
the men and women – “set
standard for clubs to follow.”
8
 Better and more effective access to
government and local government
bodies – “stronger position when
lobbying, negotiating resources.”
 Greater cohesion in golf clubs in
this area.
9
 Amalgamation will mean more
streamlined communication from
GV to the districts and thereby to
the clubs.
10
 Utilisation of a larger base of skills
and knowledge – utilise the best
practices of both bodies to create a
more effective organisation.
11
 Greater and more effective
investment in junior development
– avoid duplication and create a
more consistent approach.
 Better and more effective
programs to introduce new people
to the game.
12
 Decrease the number of volunteers
required to sit on the district
executive – make more effective
use of sub committees.
 Improved funding opportunities for
golf promotion and development
at district and regional level.
13
 Less confusion for golfers – “all play
the same game using the same
rules.”
14
 One website providing information
and resources to clubs and
individuals – “provide something
that is better resourced and more
professional that would encourage
both old and new and even non
golfers to access.”
15
 Coordination and rationalisation of
district events would mean a less
crowded golfing calendar.
 Opportunity to improve Country
Week, District Teams and Junior
Teams by making better use of
resources.
16
 Improved promotion of, and
participation in tournaments,
events, fundraisers etc.
17
The GDGA requests that all club
committees/boards consider this
position statement and trusts that
they will support the contention that
an amalgamated body has the
potential to produce many benefits
for the game in this area.
18
With the Victorian Open being held in the
region for the next few years, there is a
wonderful opportunity to promote and
grow the game but it requires a
coordinated effort from all associated with
the organisation and management of golf,
not least the executive members of the
men’s and women’s districts.
19
Given that both the GDGA and SWDLGA operate at the
behest of the member clubs, the clubs should
demonstrate their support by writing to both bodies as
soon as possible, instructing them to commence an
amalgamation process immediately and establish a
timeline, eg twelve months, whereby a single entity is
created to oversee and grow the game in this district.
In addition club delegates should be instructed to
present their clubs view at the earliest opportunity to
reinforce the need for haste in pursuing the
amalgamation objective.
20
“With few, if any, sports at state level with male and
female districts or regions – and with governments at
federal, state and local levels reviewing their
investment in sports based on modern governance and
best practices, there is little argument for a sport to be
made up of male and female bodies at a regional level.
” Golf Victoria - Governance and Structural Review –
Final Report and Recommendations – November
2012.”
21