Greenbushes Golf Club Fundraising Auction

On that fateful day, Saturday 5th February 2022, Bridgetown Golf Club held its regular golfing day, it was planned with the matches starting at 8am finishing around 12 noon. The day was a hot one, with strong and hot north westly winds blowing.

Smoke was spotted to the north of the club house around 12.30pm and the players who were still around the club house were advised to leave.

But no one foresaw what was to unfold, and there was little idea as to how quickly the fire was travelling or of its hunger in consuming all in its path.

When the raging fire hit the top of Hester Hill the Bridgetown Golf Club facilities were burned down.

The Club House, the Caretaker’s Cottage attached to the club house, and two sheds were all consumed in the blaze.

The club house was a ‘treasured headquarters’, it was there from the beginning, 1915. It held the honour boards, photographs and memorabilia through its 107 years of local golfing history. It was a building which held a lot of special functions over time. With the building and history on display, members and visitors would recognise names on boards and the faces of those in photographs of members from long ago, it was always a talking point.

In the aftermath of that day, and while volunteers and club members were hand watering the greens a conversation was had between Bruce Pendlebury, Bridgetown Golf Club President and Richard Walker, a Greenbushes Golf Club member, “An auction could be held to raise some funds to go towards building a new Club House, would you like to organize one, or would you like me to do it?” Richard asked Bruce. Bruce had the feeling he had enough on his plate already and replied, “You can organize it, if you will.”

Richard Walker then started the ball rolling by going to his fellow Greenbushes Golf club members for backing, they were all eager to support the auction.

Doreen Hornby, Greenbushes Golf Club Treasurer, takes us through what happen next, “Richard really did all the leg work, contacting and gathering a wide variety of doners to the auction; Many businesses in town and across the South West provided items for the auction, which included Family swimming passes, a 3.6m mobile stock ramp, a ride-on lawn mower and trailer, hand sewn quilts, motor vehicle parts (tyres, lights and towing equipment), electric golf cars and buggies.

“South West golf clubs provided full and country memberships and playing packages, and businesses across the state donated a variety of vouchers for clothing, beauty and fuel. There was also accommodation and meal packages in Perth and throughout the South West.

“As well as golf equipment, there was supporter gear from WA’s major sporting teams Eagles, Dockers, WACA, West Coast Fever and the Wildcats, as well as small and large round bales of hay and a two-hours service of ice-cream, ideal for a child’s birthday party or a binge at home, an all you can eat, from Tony Pratico.

“All of us at the Greenbushes Golf Club were amazed at the willingness and generosity of those wanting to contribute to the auction, it seemed the Bridgetown Golf Club losses touched a need to help in the wider community.”

The twelve members of the Greenbushes Golf Club, along with other volunteers, held a successful fundraising auction in the Bridgetown Town Hall on Saturday 7th May 2022 to benefit the Bridgetown Golf Club. On behalf of Greenbushes Golf Club President Gordon James sincerely thanks all those who gave their support towards the Auction Night, that night around $14,000 was raised.

While not all the donated goods were sold at the auction, negotiations with some golf packages and other items were easily sold, then with raffles and stalls the remaining items were all sold over time.

On 18th May 2023, Doreen and Wally Hornby from the Greenbushes Golf Club handed over to Bruce Pendlebury a cheque for $16,000 from the auction. Earlier, Greenbushes Club held Bridgetown’s Men’s Veteran’s Day at Greenbushes Golf Club and raised $800 bringing their contribution to $16,800.

Bruce continues, “Since the fire which destroyed our club house, Bridgetown Golf Club has received a lot of wonderful support from the community, the support has had an uplifting effect on our spirits making the rebuilding process easier.

“The friendly rivalry between our two clubs, particularly on our play off-days is a respectful one, especially now.

“Plans for the new club house have now been drawn and we are seeking quotes for the construction. The new club house, before it’s even been built, has a legacy of support from throughout the south west, and I dare to say it, it will be built within the next two years.”

Doreen concluded with the thought, “The Greenbushes Golf fundraising contribution is just a small amount of what is required for the overall rebuilding program for Bridgetown Golf Club’s Club house, its greater value is in the ideal of helping others in time of need, which makes for a better and stronger community, and you never know when you may need that help yourself one day.”