Maroondah City Council has been recognised on the national stage for embedding golf in community life through access, inclusion and sustainability, selected as a winner in the inaugural Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence.
The awards are designed to recognise the clubs, venues, partners and individuals who have set new benchmarks for innovation, participation, and leadership in the game.
The Local Government Recognition Award celebrates Maroondah’s long-term strategy and public-golf leadership across the local government area’s two 18-hole public courses – Ringwood Golf and Dorset Golf.
“Maroondah City Council is incredibly honoured to receive the 2025 Golf Australia Local Government Recognition Award,” said Mayor, Kylie Spears.
“This acknowledgment is a testament to the hard work and vision of Council’s Golf and Sportsfield team and everyone who supports golf in Maroondah.
“This recognition shows that local government can play a transformative role in making golf accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for all members of the community.”
The Council’s 10-year Maroondah Golf Strategy (2020–2030) commits to enhancing facilities, diversifying opportunities, and increasing inclusion. Since its adoption, Council says the results have been striking, with more than 187,000 rounds played last financial year, including record numbers at Ringwood Golf (believed to be the busiest 18-hole public venue in Australia). Programs like MyGolf and TeeMates have surged from zero to more than 100 juniors weekly, while Get Into Golf has brought adults — especially women — into the game at scale.
“Investing in public golf goes beyond maintaining high quality fairways and greens; our two golf courses serve as welcoming green spaces and community hubs that nurture community wellbeing, promote healthy lifestyles and provide social connections for people of all ages and backgrounds,” Mayor Spears said.
The Mayor said facility investment has been central. A $4.6 million capital program and $14.5 million in course maintenance have delivered drainage upgrades, cart paths, and fairway redesigns, ensuring year-round play. A proposed Dorset Golf clubhouse redevelopment will integrate eco-design features, while solar panels, rechargeable carts, and robotic mowers demonstrate leadership in sustainability. Habitat creation along Dandenong Creek adds biodiversity and aligns with Melbourne Water’s conservation goals.
“Councils have a unique ability to shape the future of golf by setting and implementing policies that champion access, inclusion, and environmental stewardship,” Mayor Spears said.
“As the needs of communities evolve, we can lead by example by making golf welcoming, affordable, and aligned with broader urban and environmental goals. From partnering with schools and disability services to advancing gender equity, we are well placed to ensure golf remains a vibrant and relevant sport for every generation and ability level.
“We are most excited to see golf continue to grow in Maroondah as a truly accessible and inclusive activity.
“The next phase of our strategy will see us deepen our sustainability efforts, foster partnerships with key stakeholders and introduce more people, especially women, juniors, and those new to golf, to the game. Knowing that we are delivering a lasting positive impact in our community as part of our ongoing investments and hard work is very rewarding.”
By embedding golf within its broader leisure offering, Council has reframed the sport as affordable, inclusive, and vital to community wellbeing. From seniors staying active to kids discovering the game for the first time, golf in Maroondah is a story of local government at its best — evidence that policy, investment, and passion can turn public courses into community treasures, the Mayor said.
Full List of 2025 Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence Winners:
Mandurah Country Club (WA) – Most Outstanding Club, Facility or Place to Play (Metropolitan)
Mollymook Golf Club (NSW) – Most Outstanding Club, Facility or Place to Play (Regional)
X-Golf Palmerston (NT) – Most Outstanding Club, Facility or Place to Play (Off-course)
The Pat GC (SA) – Most Outstanding Environmental Initiative
Glenelg Golf Club (SA) – MyGolf Venue of the Year
Barwon Valley Golf Club (VIC) – Get Into Golf Venue of the Year
Windaroo Lakes Golf Club (QLD) – Women & Girls in Golf Award
Maroondah City Council (VIC) – Local Government Recognition Award
Esther Rika (NT) – Volunteer of the Year
Greenway Turf Solutions (National) – Golf Supplier of the Year
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said the Awards are more than a celebration of achievement.
“They are a glimpse into the future of our sport. Each winner demonstrates how golf can evolve, diversify and thrive while staying rooted in community. Together, they form a blueprint for how golf across the country is growing stronger, more inclusive, and more relevant,” he said.
“The winners of our new national awards demonstrate everything that is great about golf in Australia. They recognise how leadership, inclusion and innovation can transform the game, on and off the course,” said General Manager – Places to Play, Golf Australia, Damien de Bohun.
The winners will be further recognised at the Men’s Australian Open on Thursday 4 December.
