Gunning Golf Club president Brent Young said the club had been experiencing a resurgence as a community asset in the wake of many years of decline.

A letter from the club tabled at the March council meeting said there had been an increase of golfing memberships.

The course also hosted off-road cycling and cross-country running events, including the Gunning school and district cross-country championships.

The letter said the volunteers who operate the club wished to broaden use of the clubhouse even further, including use by the Gunning Men’s Shed members and Gunning Women’s Rugby League side. The local Rural Fire Service will also hold training exercises on the grounds.

Mr Young also wrote to the council that thieves had stolen the club tractor and mowing equipment, causing the club to nearly fail. “They have soldiered on,” he said.

Termites had eaten part of the floor in the clubhouse and caused considerable damage to one corner. The plumbing and toilets had also rotted and were now unusable.

The club mower also caught fire, which had caused considerable damage to the mower and the surrounding grassland.

Mr Young said they had volunteers ready to help re-build the clubhouse and manage the grounds, but unfortunately not the resources.

The Golf Club has asked the council for $3000 for the purchase of a tractor, $2400 for bearers and flat timber sheets to replace the damaged clubhouse floor, and $1100 for repairs to the ride-on mower: $6500 in total.

They have raised funds through sausage sizzles at Bunnings in Goulburn and local meat raffles at the Hotel.

Cr Searl said they were trying to diversify and open to ideas to move forward.

Cr Cummins suggested they apply for funding through the Gullen Range wind farm funding grants that are now open.

Cr Kensit asked if they were eligible for the Clubs Grant funding and that this may be another avenue to follow.

The discussion was referred to the budget meeting on March 20.