Friends of Vincentia Golf Club

22/06/2025

De-Amalgamation – what does the legislation say?

It’s an interesting concept – just like an amalgamation is not a purchase, a de-amalgamation is not a sale.

In an amalgamation, the assets and liabilities of the dissolved club are transferred to the amalgamated entity, creating a unified Balance Sheet. During a de-amalgamation, this process is effectively reversed. A new Balance Sheet is prepared for the de-amalgamated club following careful evaluation and agreement. The intent is to ensure that both the de-amalgamated club and the parent club are financially viable moving forward.

The legislative framework for this process is outlined in Division 1B, Section 17AJ of the Registered Clubs Act 1976. One aspect of the process is the transfer of assets and, potentially, a sum of money known in the legislation as “consideration.” This is not a purchase price, but rather a negotiated value for the assets being transferred. These assets may include tangible property, gaming machine entitlements, or leasehold interests.

So, in our situation… Vincentia Golf Club merged with St Georges Basin Country Club in 2017 and the two became one, with Vincentia becoming the dissolved club. In December 2024, the Board of the Country Club voted unanimously to approve de-amalgamation of Country Club Vincentia.

The de-amalgamation process is initiated by an Expression of Interest (EOI). In this case, the CC released an EOI on the 28 January 2025 calling for interest in a re-amalgamation which is a process that would involve de-amalgamation followed by a new amalgamation with another registered club. The newly formed JBCSC submitted an EOI for a stand-alone de-amalgamation under the Act in February. The current situation is that no other EOIs are still on the table and, as requested by CC, JBCSC submitted a letter of offer last Friday (20th June).

The Independent Liquor and Gaming (ILGA) are very important in the de-amalgamation process. They are “the Authority” for the Act. ILGA oversee the de-amalgamation process and the requirements the Act places on the parent club and the new club. They need to approve items such as a transfer of the liquor licence, business plans and financial viability assessments (for both clubs going forward), the new club’s constitution and its ability to become a Registered Club.

Members get a say with a vote - providing their membership is current, on whether to agree to de-amalgamate. To quote from the Act “at separate extraordinary general meetings of the ordinary members of the parent club and the members of the dissolved club”.
This means, two separate votes - for current Country Club members, and for the “dissolved club”, those who were members of Vincentia Golf Club at the time of amalgamation in 2017 and are current financial members of the Country Club.

In summary, Vincentia was not bought by the Country Club and is not going to be sold to JBCSC. Rather, the process involves the transfer of assets and liabilities under the de-amalgamation provisions in the Act with the “consideration” amount will depend on agreement of what assets are to be transferred.

Let’s hope that both parties can move forward through this process and negotiate a de-amalgamation outcome in good faith. Hopefully this can happen as quickly as possible understanding there is still a lot of work to do - we will all need to be patient.

18/01/2025

There will be a few gazebos set up by Sunday 10:30am, so BYO folding chair if you want to claim a space. Coffee available from 11am. Kings Porker BBQ will be smoking up a storm from 12noon.

18/01/2025

Kings Porker BBQ is cancelling food truck today due wet weather but they will definitely be serving tomorrow!!

12/01/2025

Celebrate 56 years since the opening of Vincentia Golf Course!

The Vincentia Golf Sub-Clubs are hosting a special celebration next week… it is 56 years since Vincentia Golf course was officially opened!!

Our official celebration is happening on Sunday 19 January 2025.

For Golfers - a 4-person Ambrose Team Game starting with tee times off the 1st from 8:30 am.
Comp cost is $12 for CC members and $29 for non-members.
Players without GA handicap are welcome to play in a team (we will allocate you a handicap for the day).
CC Golf members book online https://vincentiacountryclub.thymesoft.net/
Non-members can book via Proshop Ph: 44415621

For Everyone - from 12:00 noon we have the Kings Porker BBQ food truck https://www.kingsporker.com.au/ serving great burgers and other meals for adults and kids. Drinks including beer, wines and other beverages on offer from the Proshop.
There’s kids entertainment including free face painting & jumping castle from 12 noon - 3.30pm, so bring the kids along for a fun-filled Sunday afternoon!!

We also encourage foundation members and/or relatives of foundation members to bring any photos or memorabilia along to share with us. There will be an opportunity for a few people to share their memories at 2pm.

Please note Kings Porker BBQ & Catering food truck https://www.kingsporker.com.au/ will also be serving food for VGC members and guests on Saturday 18 January from 12 noon - 4pm as well. We encourage all locals, visitors and guests to drop by on Saturday for lunch overlooking the course or drop by and order some takeaway from Jay at Kings Porker BBQ & Catering.

Further detail about the event is here https://www.fovgc.net/post/celebrate-56-years-since-the-opening-of-vincentia-golf-course-on-sunday-19-january

11/12/2024

FoVGC understands the VGC Working Group is in negotiation with the CC Board & Management to re-open the course and Club based on certain conditions, and at this time we ask our followers to be respectful of giving the designated parties time to engage. At this time we will stop seeking signatures for the FoVGC Resolution. We seek your support and respect with this request.

06/10/2024

Reminder: ON TODAY - Let’s chat at Burton St Mall 4-5pm

VRRA as the recognised Community Consultative body is hosting a drop-in session today from 4-5pm at Burton Steet Mall Vincentia (local shops).

This a chance for supporters of Vincentia Golf Club to have a conversation, discuss ideas and find out what’s happening.

FoVGC will also be at the mall again and are after more signatures please. We would like to get lots more signatures on the Members Statement for the AGM. This statement asks the Country Club to: 1. Re-open the Vincentia course and club, and 2. For meaningful consultation. If you have already signed - thanks. For those who haven't please come along.

22/09/2024

This man has volunteered every Monday at the Sanctuary Point course for the last few months to teach the 'get into golf' program so people can be included in sport.
Why ?
Because he is truly kind and cares for others.
People spend hours before and after to assist by doing all the logistics of wheelchair, Paramotion, trailer, travel and ...
Why ?
Because they are truly kind and care for others.
What measures your humanity ?
Is it helping people with a disability to be included ?
Is it assisting those whose wellbeing is suffering ?
WHAT YOU WALK PAST IS WHAT YOU ACCEPT.
Human or Money ?
Same number of letters but the choice is life changing.
The one you choose measures your character, forever.

08/09/2024

We are seeking donations via our GoFundMe page https://gofund.me/fe35bf87

Even the smallest donation of $1, $2 or $5 will help the cause which is to save VGC's clubhouse and golf course.

Please share this post with all of your FB friends. Even if you cannot afford a donation, please spread the word.

Vincentia Golf Club members and the broader Jervis Bay community need your help to keep VGC as a social, sporting and recreational hub.

25/08/2024

Thank you everyone who went to the SGBCC, those who spoke, and those who have supported FoVGC in our efforts to bring information and dispel some of the misconceptions.
The vote was a resounding NO.
123 yes and 415 no.

It’s now time to come together across the CC, move forward and realise the potential of the Vincentia precinct.

The suggestion of a stakeholders group working together on this could be a great approach. We hope the Board listened to its members today and will give a positive approach a chance.

Stand by for more information on where to from here.

07/06/2024

Information session presented by developer Thursday 6 June 2024.

FoVGC members attended a meeting with CC Directors, CEO and the development partner (https://www.oakstand.com.au/ ) yesterday. The meeting was essentially a presentation by the developer about the possibilities and concepts behind their interest. At the suggestion of FoVGC, members from three Vincentia golf sub-clubs were also invited and attended.

The Country Club and Oakstand have been in discussion for 12 months - more intensely over the last 6 months and signed a Heads of Agreement yesterday. Oakstand were given a framework to work within and have come up with a concept of what they see as possible in developing an over 60's senior living facility. It is important to note that nothing presented is more than a concept at this stage.

A 3 phase process over 21 months was outlined to get from now to works commencing. This will involve consultation lead by a consultant - primarily with a representative committee but also directly with impacted land owners. Phase 1. Planning the development - scope, footprint, options (3 months); Phase 2. Pre Development Application: discussions with Council and other bodies to smooth the way for the DA (6 months) and Phase 3. The DA approval (12 months).

Oakstand presented their credentials for doing this type of development and also presented examples of their previous development and similar developments done by others.

Basically the concept is for between 150-170 over 60s retirement units in staged "pods" of about 30 units of up to 3 storeys on an approximately 4-5 hectare site. There would be a mix of 1,2 3 and possibly 4 bedroom units. Residents would be able to age gracefully in their units with home support (built in care) provided as needed. A high dependency unit of 30 beds would be provided for those who reach that stage. A central facility for the seniors living could contain a pool, gym, pickleball courts, a cafe, a cinema, a bowling green, a meeting room, a restaurant etc. There would be provision for golfers and Club members, as either shared access with the resident's facility, or perhaps a separate clubhouse.

The potential footprint for development included the car park, clubhouse, a portion of the 1st, 10th, 11th, and 13th and some of the land where the future golf holes could be. A possibility is to complete the development of the future holes to keep the number of holes about the same (13). We hope to be able to provide the presentation on our website when it is provided.

Disappointingly, the Country Club did not explain the process whereby one developer was chosen or how this provides the best return to Country Club members when compared to an open tender process. It is not clear how this proposal's merits have been assessed against other alternatives and some of the suggestions put forward by FoVGC and other members. A business case for the need to sell VGC land has not been forthcoming. It is worth noting that the developer was not averse to considering leasing options (but this was not put forward as an option by the Country Club).

The focus of the Country Club Board has now changed to promoting the shiny new club idea rather than how or why it has got to this point. FoVGC continues to challenge the validity of the Tully Heard report and the decision making process to this point. It seems the Country Club is seeking to divert community and member focus to this proposal by the developer. It could be very tempting to focus on achieving the best plan for the site rather than the transparency and rationale of the decision to sell land in the first place.

The Phase 1 consultation process will begin shortly. At some point, detailed information will need to be provided to members in order to make an informed decision on the Vote to change Core land to Non-core.

19/04/2024

Our official website is now live! All official information, announcements and communication will be made available via the Friends of Vincentia Golf Club Inc. website at https://www.fovgc.net/
Please take the time to subscribe to our mailing list, where you can receive important updates delivered straight to your Inbox.
There is also a form to Send us a Message if you have any questions and comments, or information about Vincentia Golf Club that you would like to share with members and the broader community.
Whether you are a Club member, a local resident, guest golfer or someone who holidays down in the Vincentia or Jervis Bay/Shoalhaven area, please subscribe to our mailing list. We want to stay connected to all people who have an interest in the future of the Vincentia Golf Club.
Please share the link to our website with family, neighbours and friends.
And of course, we will still keep connected with you on FoVGC's Facebook Group.

Friends of VGC aim to ensure the preservation and future enhancement of Vincentia Golf Club as a hospitality, golf and community recreation venue.