2020 Australian Golf Bushfire Appeal Fund

Australian golf is pitching in to help the victims of the country’s bushfire crisis.

A central point for golf donations has been set up by the Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) which includes this GoFundMe page or a designated bank account for donors who prefer that method. The Bank Account Details can be obtained via email as required.

The industry has pledged to hand over 50 percent of the total raised to the Disaster Relief Recovery Fund run by the Australian Red Cross.

The remaining funds raised will be distributed to other bushfire-related charities (including wildlife funds) and to any golf clubs impacted by the disaster.

In addition, and as a mark of respect for our fire and emergency workers, they and their families will be admitted to the upcoming tournaments – the ISPS Handa Vic Open at 13th Beach and the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open at Royal Adelaide – free of charge.

About AGIC

AGIC was established in 2006 as a group comprising the key bodies of the golf industry in Australia, working together for the common good of the game and the industry. 

The Council is made up of representatives from Golf Australia, PGA of Australia, Australian Ladies Professional Golf, Australian Sporting Goods Association, Golf Management Australia, Australian Sports Turf Managers Association, Society of Australian Golf Course Architects and Public Golf Facilities Australia.

“Our industry is heartbroken at the devastation that has been caused by these fires,’’ said Gavin Kirkman, chair of the AGIC.

“It’s something that we need to act on and it’s something that needed a coordinated approach; a galvanisation of the golf industry.

“We’ve had contact from a number of clubs and other stakeholders looking to see what they can do to help, and we’ve had a number of high-profile players who’ve already dug into their pockets to make donations. We are aiming to pull that together.’’

Clubs and golf facilities throughout Australia are also asked to dedicate their club competitions for one week from now until the end of February 2020 to a special fundraising appeal for bushfire relief via any of the following options:

- Contributing a general donation amount.

- Collecting donations from club members/visitors during a selected week.

- Donating regular club competition fees on behalf of golfers during a selected week.

All funds raised can be lodged either via this GoFundMe page or the Australian Golf Bushfire Relief Fund Bank Account.

The golf industry recognises that a number of clubs and stakeholders have already decided to undertake their own fundraising efforts and are encouraged to continue with these appreciated efforts.

The industry applauds the efforts of all clubs, district associations, industry organisations and individuals within our sport who are working to assist the victims of the bushfires.

Please email details and these initiatives will be acknowledged via a specially created 2020 Australian Golf Bushfire Relief Fund web-page at www.golf.org.au

Footnote: Authenticity of the 2020 Australian Golf Bushfire Appeal Fund Page

- The content and fundraising process outlined in this page was adopted following a meeting of representatives of the listed Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) members on Wednesday 8 January which agreed to coordinate a Golf Industry Bushfire Relief Fund;

- Accordingly the page was established by David Greenhill, Golf Australia State Services Manager on behalf of AGIC on Friday 10 January;

- Golf Australia is a member of AGIC and the abovementioned staff member was requested to establish the page following the meeting of AGIC member representatives;

- As indicated, all funds raised will be directly distributed by AGIC to the Australian Red Cross (50%) with the remaining funds distributed to other Bushfire Relief Charities including but not limited to The Salvation Army; Country Fire Authority (Victoria); Rural Fire Service (NSW); Wildlife Information Rescue & Education Service (WIRES); WWF Australia, Rural Aid and Nature Foundation SA - Wildlife Recovery Fund;

- It is intended that all funds raised through this page be utilised to support victims of the Australian Bushfires via the above charitable institutions. AGIC will also consider direct financial support for any golf club significantly impacted by the 2020 Australian Bushfire season;

- Funds raised will be withdrawn from this account as of Monday 2 March. Following a follow meeting of AGIC representatives, these funds will be directly distributed as outlined above with a summary oy payments made to charity groups listed on this page;

- Any additional funds that are donated after Monday 2 March will be withdrawn on Tuesday 31 March at which time this page will be closed.   

The Australian Golf Industry sincerely thanks all clubs, organisations and individuals that have made contributions to the Bushfire Appeal.