By Deanne Jeffers
GRAPPLING with rising operating costs and costs of living challenges, Hilltop Golf & Country Club is exploring long-term and sustainable solutions to remain viable without burdening its member base.
Since becoming general manager in March 2023, Christopher Longbottom and the committee have consulted Phil Ryan, a golf club specialist. Mr Ryan’s advice was transformative: reconfigure some of the land, increase the number of caravan sites and amenities, implement cutting-edge technology, and develop an on-course community lifestyle retirement village.
“We decided that we would look at redoing the caravan park, redoing some of the club facilities, but the biggest sustainable solution is a community retirement lifestyle village,” Christopher explained. The village could provide 200 apartments or more, in four-to-six-storey buildings.
“The current driving range is underutilised, and it is a large space. With the technology now, we don’t need 300 meters to hit a golf ball and teach – we can have what’s called a ‘high-tech driving range,’ which includes high-tech indoor, short-hitting spaces like golf simulators, and fun areas for socialising.”
Reflecting on the club and broader industries’ struggles, Christopher said, “There is no sustainable income from selling assets. For the club to be here and be sustainable, we need new solutions.”
Hilltop has received strong support from its members, Greater Shepparton City Council, and Golf Australia. There are already expressions of interest from potential residents for the lifestyle village. “This would suit the older generation wanting to downsize and enjoy managed living with access to a golf course and bowls,” Christopher said.
The expansion, though years away, would be the first of its kind in Victoria and provide a significant boost to the Tatura township. “Victoria doesn’t have one yet, but they are successful elsewhere. For us, this is groundbreaking,” Christopher said.
“There are challenges, but we must think ahead. Without the club, property values and community activities could suffer. Our job is to keep it alive, even if tough decisions are necessary,” he said. “No matter where we go with this and what happens, the golf course is our guiding light. It’s a fantastic asset and we want to make sure that it stays here.”
“The lifestyle village is not going to be here without the golf course – lifestyle is about lifestyle,” said Christopher, “The great thing for us is we’ve got bowls, we’ve got golf, we’ve got a fantastic little town that has so many services, great football clubs and soccer clubs. There’s a lot for people 50+ to do, and it’s a very caring community.
“We think that a lifestyle village is perfect because of the golf course, not despite it.”
