Warrnambool Golf Club receives $2 million Building Better Regions funding for clubhouse project

The grants are part of the federal government's Building Better Regions Fund and will be used to construct a new, open-plan facility.

Works will include the installation of a new retail space for a golf shop, lounge area, memorabilia display, multi-purpose room, community meeting room, change rooms and lockers, accessible toilets, parent facilities and provisions for a future virtual golf tuition area and cart storage facilities.

Club manager Ashlee Scott said the announcement was welcome after a difficult past six months.

"It's a welcome surprise," she said.

"We're very fortunate to have the funding announced and it just means we'll really need to kick ourselves into gear and progress the project into the next stage.

"With the current climate and what we've been going through the last six months because of the pandemic this has certainly given us a boost and something to look forward to for sure for the future of our club."

She said the current clubhouse had fallen into disrepair and was in need of urgent upgrades.

"The funding announcement couldn't have come at a better time," she said.

"We had a massive chunk of exterior cladding fall off the clubhouse wall the other day so when we say it needed significant repair, we mean it's literally falling apart and it's something the committee has been aware of for a while now."

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She said the community deserved amazing facilities.

"A clubhouse facility is the fabric of any community organisation and is fundamental in supporting and maximising the outcomes of sport," she said.

"We believe that this project not only offers great benefit for our members and its visitors but it will increase the profile of our beautiful region and establishes a sustainable and bright future for our club.

"Our community deserves amazing facilities and the new clubhouse will be a fantastic asset in attracting and retaining members, hosting events and celebrations and increasing golf tourism".

WGC president Paul Blain said the announcement would significantly assist the project to move forward faster than anticipated.

"We are thrilled to have secured this funding which was a very welcome surprise and a fantastic result for the club and its members," he said.

"The club has been diligently planning this redevelopment over the past few years and after sharing the concept plans with our members earlier this year, we are really excited to be in a position where we can now progress the project to its next stage".

He added the project would result in positive flow-on effects for the Warrnambool region as a whole, including "significant economic gains to businesses, accommodation, hospitality and tourism industries".

While the draft project plan is due to be finalised, works are expected to begin on the project next year.

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