At the club’s AGM last Sunday, Judy said whatever she has tried to do, there’s always been “a total commitment to a club that means the world” to her and “indeed” is her world.
The club’s existing vice-captain made the comments in her acceptance speech for being awarded life membership, a fact made by Life Member and record 13-time lady club champion Karen Droop who nominated Judy.
“Judy has not only shown exceptional golfing ability over the past 40 years but has dedicated her life to this club,” club number one member Karen said.
A former senior primary school teacher in Cobram, Judy has submitted weekly reports to the Yarrawonga Chronicle, golfing results on Facebook and has photographed countless club events.
She has held many positions on the ladies committee, being vice-captain and captain twice, handicapper and board member in 1996-7; was elected as vice-captain in 2024.
“Judy has worked in the garden club and, during Covid, worked with Dad's Army. She's also volunteered many times at major golf events and tournaments involving YMGCR,” Karen said.
“Recently she been working with the Women's Australian Junior Girls scholarship foundation and continues to work tirelessly with local future young members.”
Karen outlined Judy’s impressive record on the course:
•YMGCR Ladies Champion nine times and runner-up 17 times
•Three-time North East Champion of Champions winner
•Two-time North East Sandgreen Champion
•Five-time Ladies Foursomes winner
•Six-time Mixed Championship winner
•Two-time Golf Victoria Autumn Town and Country Champion
•Represented the North East Ladies in numerous country teams
Judy has also won five Victorian Senior State Titles, two Victorian Open Sandgreen Titles, and was runner-up in the Australian Senior Championship in Tasmania — narrowly losing on the 19th hole. Her lowest handicap was 2, and her best round was a 69 off the stick in 2002.
“It's not just about the years of achievements both on and off the course, it's really about the contribution, commitment and character of a person,” Karen emphasised.
Judy expressed “overwhelming gratitude” to Karen and seconder Sharyn Wilson for their nomination.
“It’s been a great journey with an incredible club since 1985,” she said.
“Thank you to all the people who have played a part in supporting me and been with me. In particular, (husband) Bob, whose astuteness and love I couldn’t have done without.”
Judy’s speech concluded with a message for all club golfers. “Let’s together, side by side, continue to enhance and nurture our club’s success into the future for not only the future generation, but for us all to enjoy as we grow older.”
65-year journey by Vin
Also honoured with Life Membership was Vin ‘Casey’ Slattery, whose remarkable 65-year association with the club began as a nine-year-old.
The highly decorated Slattery, popularly known as ’Casey’ recalled his early days of jumping the fence and playing one hole before fearing the consequences when star member Alan Zotti noticed him. But Casey birdied a hole in front of Mr Zotti and was encouraged to join up, which he did in December 1960 and worked in the Pro Shop aged 12-14 years.
Backed by YMGCR Captain Steve Buckley, President Andrew Shell nominated Vin for life membership and mentioned his background: elected to the board as vice-captain on October 28, 2005 (three years), elected as captain on October 30, 2008 (four years) and retiring on October 31, 2013.
“Vin was instrumental in the implementation of concrete paths on the Lake and Executive Courses,” Mr Shell said.
“He was the instigator of the change of name and rebranding of Yarrawonga & Border Golf Club to Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, in fact Vin wanted it Mulwala Golf Club Resort.
“In 2010 he was a major decision maker in the appointment of Chris Burgess to course superintendent to make these courses what they are today – magnificent.”
Vin had a distinguished career of 37 years associated with Fire + Rescue NSW at Mulwala – including almost 19 years as captain - for which he received national medals and was simultaneously emergency response captain at Australian Munitions Mulwala for a total of 38 years, receiving formal leadership recognition.
“Vin was the instigator of the fire detection system throughout the clubhouse well before legislation required it,” Mr Shell said.
Vin was a long-time supporter and player regarding various pennant sides from Junior Handicap Scratch and Summer Pennant from the age of 17 years; got down to a 2 handicap.
He has several other awards, including Mulwala Citizen of the Year and an Australian Sports Medal, whose sporting career included over 200 senior games of football with Mulwala.
“I’m extremely honoured to receive life membership,” Casey said last Sunday.
“I thank everybody involved in supporting me. It’s something I’ll cherish forever.”
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