Yarrambat Park Golf Course (YPGC) has been recognised for its excellence and innovation within the golfing community, receiving the ‘Inclusion Initiative of the Year’ award at the 2024 Victorian Golf Industry Awards. The awards took place on October 31st at Southern Golf Club and are a prestigious event uniting key stakeholders from across Victoria’s golfing community.
YPGC’s award-winning initiatives include the ‘Golf for Good’ All-Abilities program with Araluen and the Rainbow Golf Day. These headline initiatives were also supported with many other community spirited activities including live music nights, disability support programs, work placements and a planned community engagement approach supporting other local clubs and organisations around Nillumbik.
These initiatives embody the course’s dedication to promoting diversity, accessibility and inclusion within the sport, ensuring that golf is an enjoyable activity for everyone in the community.
Jack McDonald, National Golf Programs Manager, accepted the award on behalf of YPGC and commended the team for their hard work and commitment to inclusivity.
“The 2024 Inclusion Initiative of the Year award stands as a testament to YPGC’s vision of embracing diversity and ensuring that everyone feels welcome on the course.
“These achievements celebrate a bright future for golf in Victoria, where everyone can enjoy the game regardless of their background or ability,” Jack concluded.
Golf for Good initiative
The ‘Golf for Good’ initiative emerged from YPGC’s collaboration with Araluen, a local disability support service. This partnership facilitated a five-week Get Into Golf All-Abilities program designed to provide an accessible and enjoyable experience for individuals with disabilities. By focusing on fun, social interaction and skill development in a supportive environment, the program has made significant strides in breaking down barriers to participation.
Funded through the Belgravia Foundation’s ‘Golf for Good’ fundraiser, the program ensured that financial constraints would not hinder participation. The program’s success highlights YPGC’s ongoing dedication to making golf accessible and enjoyable for all individuals, regardless of ability.
Rainbow Golf Day celebrating diversity on the course
On February 25th, 2024, YPGC hosted its second Rainbow Golf Cup, an event aimed at uniting LGBTQIA+ golfers and allies. Organised in partnership with Melbourne Rainbow Golfers, Proud 2 Play, Belgravia Leisure, Golf Australia ,and Nillumbik Shire Council, the event sold out, attracting a diverse group of 72 enthusiastic participants.
The Ambrose format, chosen for its inclusive nature, allowed players of all skill levels to participate fully. With equipment available for those new to the game, the day was a celebration of acceptance and unity on the fairway. YPGC golf professionals Brock Gillard and Matt Allen provided guidance, enhancing the experience for all participants.
Community inclusion and engagement
Yarrambat Park Golf Course prides itself on being a highly regarded community golf course that provides opportunities for all. Not only golfing activities, like Goanna Golf (mini golf), lessons and themed golf days to promote inclusion but it also extends to live music events, participation in community events around Nillumbik and a planned approach to partnering with local clubs and schools.
Yarrambat Venue Manager Matt Weisheit highlights the impact, stating, “At YPGC, we’re committed to creating a welcoming space where everyone in the community can come together, not just for golf, but for a variety of activities that bring people together.
“Overall, our commitment has led to over 65,000 rounds of golf (across on-course and mini golf) and 160 functions and events this year, including the Rainbow Golf Day, Team Kill Cancer Golf Day fundraisers and the Araluen Program. This approach fosters participation and social inclusion, bringing meaningful benefits to many residents and the wider local community,” Matt concluded.
To learn more visit the Yarrambat Park Golf Course website.
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