Maleny Golf Club recognised for environmental work

Max Whitten, Penny Edwards and Superintendent Mick McCombe, along with a volunteer army, have converted the largely-neglected Armstrong Farm into a nine-hole course which opened in June 2015.

Maleny Golf Club has won high praise and recognition among peers by picking up Queensland Golf Industry Awards in two categories and fielding a finalist in another. Awards were announced at a gala dinner, attended by 400 guests at the Star Casino, Gold Coast on Thursday evening, 10th October.

Superintendent Mick McCombe’s commitment to environmental stewardship was recognised with the prestigious 2024 Environment and Safety Management Award.   

Penny Edwards was a finalist (Volunteer of the Year) while Max Whitten was honoured as Board Member of the Year. 

During his acceptance speech Mick thanked his staff, the Greens Committee and a strong band of volunteers who all helped to make this outcome possible. Reflecting its environmental credentials, the Club is just one of six golf clubs globally to implement the Audubon Certification program demonstrating that golf and the environment can pursue shared goals.

In accepting his award Max reminisced on his election as President of the Club at its first AGM in December 2000 when the Club had no land, no money – just a dream.  

Fourteen years later Mick was appointed as the club’s first and sole staff member by which time the Club had secured a Council lease, raised $700,000 and was working to a design by leading golf architect, Graham Papworth, recognised for his environmental credentials.  Mick coordinated a volunteer army, converting the largely neglected Armstrong Farm into a nine-hole course which opened in June 2015.

The Club’s dream was finally realised in February 2020, when Mayor Jamieson opened the 18-hole course at a total cost under $2m, and without debt. The butterfly-friendly course, resilient to extreme weather conditions and irrigated with the town’s recycled water, is rapidly gaining a reputation as a destination golf course generating flow-on benefits for the local community.