The Environmental Sustainability category at the Clubs & Community Awards recognises clubs’ dedication to environmental sustainability as evidenced by the implementation of improvements, projects or initiatives that demonstrate significant real or potential benefit to the environment.
Check out this year’s winners.
Environmental Sustainability — Winner: Nelson Bay Golf Club
The winner of the Emergency Services Award this year was Nelson Bay Golf Club for their work in preserving and replenishing the local environment.
Having rebuilt the Club following a devastating fire in 2015, Nelson Bay Golf Club came up with the objective to work with, support and replenish the local environment — launching the Putting Nature First program.
The program comprises three components: course maintenance, course carers, volunteers and local wildlife welfare.
The course maintenance program began with a new irrigation system, treating the Club's bore water supply using a nanobubble water treatment system. The program focuses on reducing the number of pesticides used to ensure the health of the local flora and fauna.
With over 80 gardens on the course, the course carers program was established to support the greenskeepers and course maintenance staff.
The Local Wildlife Welfare Program was formed with an aim to save the endangered koalas of Port Stephens. Working closely with the Port Stephens Animal Hospital, the program aims to rescue, treat, rehabilitate and — when possible — release.
“This is fantastic for the Club. It's just great to acknowledge all our members, the directors, the staff, everyone who is putting in lots of hard work — not to mention our volunteers who run all of these programs,” Nelson Bay Golf Club General Manager David Lulham said.
“It's a very nice recognition for the Club.”
Environmental Sustainability — Highly Commended: Crescent Head Country Club
Crescent Head Country Club (CHCC) took out the Highly Commended award for its commitment to sustainability, implementing circular economy principles to minimise waste and pollution while maximizing resource efficiency and environmental benefits.
Through rigorous planning and community consultation, CHCC embarked on a water reuse and mini golf project, supported by various levels of government and actively involving diverse community groups.
The project includes a chemical-free mini golf facility with 930 drought-resistant native plants and solar-powered infrastructure, ensuring water conservation and energy efficiency.
It also includes three underground water irrigation tanks totalling 520,000 litres, which is fed by water captured on the Club's roof space. CHCC's self-sufficient water system not only ensures adaptability to future needs but also offers the capability to integrate greywater or effluent from council sewerage upgrades, anticipated in about a decade.
Above the water tanks, a state-of-the-art 18-hole mini golf facility has been constructed, featuring a stunning chemical-free water feature with natural cleansing plants. This self-sustaining ecosystem is replenished by the underground tank system.
Club staff regularly attend training and information sessions with a focus on sustainability and the circular club principle, as well as initiatives like food waste recycling, solar energy, and LED and motion-detecting lighting.
“It’s huge for Crescent Head and it’s great for our community because we know how much they love the golf course,” Crescent Head Country Club Secretary Manager Colan Ryan said.
CHCC continues to innovate towards its vision of becoming a circular club, promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement.
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