President's Report

To all KCC members,

The Katherine Country Club Board has had a very busy year. Here is a brief update of the happenings.

The Board and staff have been working hard behind the scenes with a number of upgrades, which have included the new SwiftPos system, replacement of gaming machines, some new TVs, new air conditioners, new security cameras, and an upgraded sound system.

In recent months, we also recruited a new CEO and welcomed back Md Shafiqul Islam, who had previously worked at the KCC for three or four years (with a short break in between). He took up the CEO position in June and has hit the ground running.

Security has continued to be a major issue, with continual break-ins and damage to the facility. Over the coming weeks you will see the finalisation and installation of a new security fence around the clubhouse. It is not the look we ideally want for a beautiful country club like ours, but it has become necessary not only to protect the facility but also to provide safety for staff.

Early in the year we welcomed kitchen contractors Tommy Jong and Ella, who have been a breath of fresh air, introducing a new menu and weekly specials. You will see some further changes to menus over the coming months. Our staff are also busy updating the wine list, which will be launched soon.

The finalisation of the new bowling green has been a huge hit with members, locals, and visitors. Treasurer and Board member Mal Trattles has put a great deal of work into this project, which also resulted in a successful $1 million grant from the NT Government Department of Sport and Recreation to install a full shade cover over the green.

Work has commenced on the project scope and technical specifications for the tender process. The canopy will allow for all-weather access to the bowling green and encourage increased participation in bowls and other community activities.

Golf is also going very well, and we thank Sarath Ganesan for the excellent work he has put into providing a fabulous pro shop with everything you need to get into golf. Sarath has also dedicated much of his time to developing the youth golf program, and we now have approximately 15 young people playing each week.

We were proud to sponsor our junior stars John Rice, Hunter Pyle and Wade Bryant to attend the Australian Junior Age Division Championships on the Gold Coast in April 2025. John Rice recently won the Katherine Junior Club Championship and the Gross Junior at the recent Palmerston Open. Watch this space, these young golfers are going to fly high!

The Country Club is an older facility and requires some major upgrades. We have worked hard to bring all the IT, compliance, reporting and other requirements up to speed before launching into rejuvenating the clubhouse.

Plans are now well underway for a big clean-up and rejuvenation of the outdoor areas and the clubhouse. Over the coming months you will notice a fresh coat of paint, a new reception desk, and an additional till to help speed up ordering and cut down the long lines. This will bring some interruptions, but it will be well worth it.

The website upgrade is also in its final stages. Soon you will be able to access all the latest news and information, as well as order your food online for takeaway.

The Board would like to pay tribute to and thank Frank Dalton for his many years as manager, his time on the Board, and his work on the golf course. We farewell Frank and acknowledge the tough year he has had with the loss of his son. We extend our best wishes to Frank, Lorraine, and their family.

AGM: Sunday 19 October at 1.00 pm at the Katherine Country Club.

With Christmas looming, it is now time to think about booking your staff functions, bowls and/or golf days.

We look forward to seeing you at the Country Club!

Toni Tapp Coutts

President