The latest news from GMA

Here is a recap of the latest news from Golf Management Australia

‘One GMA’ progress

Over the past 12 months, GMA has undertaken a project to develop a more ‘unified’ approach to GMA-related activities across the country,with the project progressing well to date.

The project has involved consultation with each state executive over the past couple of months, with feedback now being addressed in the continued refinement of the proposed national model.

The GMA Board fully appreciates the movement towards a national approach is a significant commitment for all state executives, and as such the board recognises the need to ‘test’ all elements of a national model, to ensure it will enhance the organisation’s ability to support the membership.

The GMA Board are looking to endorse a ‘business case’ for consideration by state executives at a board meeting in mid-August.  This business case would include a ‘services agreement’ for supportive states to outsource all operational elements of their business to GMA for a period of two years.

All state executives have been outstanding in their willingness to work with GMA and participate in the consultation process, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued commitment to all GMA members across the country.

GMA/GMA NSW Partnership

GMA, in partnership with GMA NSW, were excited to announce the appointment of part-time GMA – State Operations Manager – NSW, Frances Cordaro.  Frances is employed by GMA but will deliver administrative services to GMA NSW members.

Frances officially commenced in the role on Monday, 11th June, following a short hand over period with incumbent Executive Officer, Graeme Carroll.

Frances comes into the role with significant experience in media and communications over the past 15 years, including in the areas of public relations, content production, program implementation and event management.  For ten years Frances was an integral part of the media unit for the Australian Olympic Team at three Olympic Games and two Youth Olympic Games.  She was also critical to the development of programs that inspire young Australians to lead active and healthy lifestyles.

2019 GMA National Conference

The venue for the 2019 GMA National Conference has now been confirmed as the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. We’re delighted with this venue and believe it will provide us with the flexibility we require for a conference such as ours and will provide an opportunity of some unique delegate experiences.

The conference dates are Sunday 6th October to Thursday 10th October 2019, with further information to follow shortly, including preferred accommodation partners.

BMI Program Update

Registrations for the BMI ‘Club Management’ courses are now open. The first course will be held at Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne from 15-19 October, with another at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney from 22-26 October.

They will be overseen by lead facilitator Dr Geoff Dickson, from La Trobe University, and supported by Professor David Shilbury, from Deakin University, and Jason Koenigsfeld, the senior vice-president of professional development from the Club Management Association of America.

We were also delighted to announce Richard Comerford as the latest facilitator to become involved, which will see him deliver the finance and accounting unit, along with the cost control unit for both courses.

Richard joins the BMI program having commenced his career as an accountant in 1991.  He has over 25-year commercial experience within the club industry, having worked closely with multiple clients including Crown Limited, The Capital Golf Club, The University of Melbourne and CPA Australia.

I would encourage all GMA members to strongly consider the BMI Club Management course as part of their professional development plan in 2018.

Provided by Jim Cail, Executive Officer, Golf Management Australia