Fundraising calendar to improve course

Available for $10 each, all proceeds will fund the project to replace the irrigation system damaged in the 2016 floods.

Deniliquin Golf Club manager Norm Purtill said the irrigation project is expected to cost ‘‘hundreds of thousands of dollars’’.

‘‘While the calendars obviously won’t cover the cost, any little bit will help,’’ he said.

‘‘We have applied for grant funding but want to try and raise any other amount of money we can to help out.

‘‘The original infrastructure on the 12 holes on the Memorial Park side of the levee bank was left slightly damaged after the floods.

‘‘We have had a few issues with the irrigation system, which has cost the club about $1000 each time these issues have arisen.

‘‘Upgrading the irrigation and sprinkler system is essential to keep the course well irrigated, to ensure we still have a course to play on.

‘‘If we don’t get this fixed, we could see less golfers come to use our course, which would see less visitors come to town.’’

The idea to create a calendar was raised by club member Laurie Hughes.

His idea has been received so well already, the club will produce a fundraising calendar each year.

Copies will be sent to members who live outside the Edward River Council area, as part of their membership package.

‘‘I saw calendars of other golf courses and thought it would be a good promotional thing for the club,’’ Mr Hughes said.

‘‘I created my own small committee to get the calendar organised and it’s come up beautifully.

‘‘We contacted Sue Miles from the In Focus Photography group and they were happy to help out.

‘‘We picked our favourite photos and managed to pick up a sponsor for each month, which covered the cost of producing the calendar.

‘‘We have a fair few things that need to be upgraded out at the club, so hopefully this can help out.’’

The calendar can be purchased at the Deniliquin Golf Club, its Pro Shop and Deniliquin Newsagency.