$4m for golf and bowls plan

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan made good on his election promise to Marysville, visiting the golf club last Thursday 24 February to announce a further $400,000 towards the golf course.
Mr Ryan said the funding would complete a package of works to help ensure the popular precinct became one of regional Victoria’s key golfing destinations.
“The $1.6 million golf course renewal works, together with the $2.5 million clubhouse redevelopment, will provide a significant boost to the Marysville economy and ensure visitors have extra reason to spend time in Marysville all year round,” he said.
The only thing that survived the fires was the clubhouse building, built in the 1970s. The golf course, sheds and equipment were all destroyed.
But the clubrooms have been integral in keeping the community together since Black Saturday, and all major community meetings and government services have been delivered from the clubhouse.
Club president Doug Walter said it really was the “guts of the town”, and he was looking forward to the golf club providing more sporting opportunities to the community, as well as performing arts and accommodation.
“The manifestation of fantastic generosity towards our little club has been astronomical,” he said.
“We want to have the capacity to provide a permanent home for the Marysville Cultural Community performing arts group, as well as golf, bowls, and tennis.”
Mr Walter said nothing surprised him more than when he was confronted last year by a delegation of State Government representatives, actor Russell Crowe and golfer Greg Norman.
“They asked me what the club needs, and Greg Norman said ‘How would you like a Greg Norman golf course?’ in that American accent of his. I said, ‘Shucks, yes please’,” Mr Walter said.
“We want to attract people to the area, give them somewhere to stay, something to do, and go into town to buy meals – it really is a catalyst project to get the district going again.”