Like golfers in metropolitan Melbourne, Golf Australia was disappointed to learn from Sunday’s announcement by the State Government that golf clubs and facilities will have to continue to remain closed for at least a few more weeks.
Since the beginning of Victoria’s COVID-19 second wave, Golf Australia has been liaising with Sport & Recreation Victoria, VicSport, the Office of Minister for Sport and the Office of Minister for Community Sport and submitted Return to Play plans to all.
Within that Return to Play submission, Golf Australia has requested:
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Golf to be played in groups of four
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Club Competitions to be allowed
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Practice areas and driving ranges to be able to operate under physical distancing restrictions
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MyGolf, Get Into Golf and coaching to be able to operate under physical distancing restrictions
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Clubs/facilities are able to offer hire equipment to participants
Golf Australia believes that under strict and specific safety protocols that golf can be played at minimal risk to the public. The physical and mental health benefits that our sport provides are extremely important to our community.
Golf Australia has seen these safety protocols – including keeping gloves on and not touching hands with playing partners, not sharing carts, leaving flags in, reducing hole depth, greater times between groups, not exchanging cards, not using bunker rakes and maintaining personal hygiene – implemented professionally by golf clubs and facilities throughout the pandemic in Victoria and across the country.
Golf Australia will continue to advocate for a return of our sport in metropolitan Melbourne as soon as possible.
View latest COVID-19 State specific directives here
For all clubs and facilities in Victoria, it is important to note the range of Victorian government support opportunities available to you. These are outlined below:
Victorian Government Business Resilience Package
The Victorian Government has released a range of support programs to assist business, including golf clubs and facilities through the extended period of restrictions.
Golf Australia encourages clubs/facilities to read through all the guidelines of the grants to determine their eligibility and to make an application and make an application for the programs which will provide the most benefit to them
Round 3 – Business Support Fund
The Victorian Government recently announced a third round of the Business Support Fund – ensuring businesses impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions continue to receive the support they need to make it through restricted trading
Through this third round of the Business Support Fund, eligible businesses will receive grants of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000, depending on the business’ annual payroll.
Information and applications for the Business Support Fund can be found on this page of the Business Victoria website .
Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund
The Victorian Government is providing support for licensed pubs, clubs, hotels, bars, restaurants and reception centres to help them survive through ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
To be eligible for a grant from this program, applicants must:
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Operate a licensed pub, club, hotel, bar, restaurant or reception centre under a general, full club or on-premises liquor licence issued by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, and
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Have premises that serve patrons and holds a Class 2 or 3 Service Sector – Certificate of Registration under the Food Act 1984 (Vic) issued by a local council.
A valid ABN or equivalent will need to be provided for the premises, as well as liquor licence and food Certificate of Registration. Note that businesses that are eligible for Licensed Hospitality Business Grant will not be eligible for third round of the Business Support Fund.
The Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund is yet to open, however further details can be found on this page of the Business Victoria website.
Sole Trader Support Fund
The Victorian Government’s Sole Trader Support Fund helps eligible non-employing businesses in sectors that continue to be affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Grants from this program will help eligible sole traders in affected sectors make it through restricted trading with eligible sole traders receiving a grant of $3000
The Sole Trader Support Fund is yet to open, however further details can be found on this page of the Business Victoria website.
Waivers & Deferrals
The Victorian Government also announced a range of waivers & deferrals which clubs/facilities may be able to access.
Information about those waivers & deferrals is available on the Business Victoria Website as part of the Business Resilience Package.
