It will be a shame to destroy Moore Park Golf Course !!

CHRIS MITCHELL

Public golf under threat from sub-par local councils




Thanks Bill Ireland for pointing me to this article by Chris Mitchell of The Australian


Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, a keen golfer, banned the sport in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula during the Covid-19 pandemic, but – as with much of what he did during his reign – the result was unexpected.

The game was actually given a global shot in the arm by Covid-19. People realised what should have been obvious to Andrews: you don’t get sick playing golf in the open air.

Golf Australia on December 18 released the sport’s five-year results: a record 3.8 million Australians played golf in 2023-24. Participation rose 9 per cent, and 19 per cent of all adults played at least one round across that 12-month period.

This column plays golf three times a week – either in Sydney or at Kew on the NSW mid-north coast – and has noticed a rise in school-age students playing late afternoons. Junior participation last year rose 33.4 per cent (37.3 per cent for boys and 13.8 per cent for girls).

Yet public golf, the foundation stone of the game nationally, is under threat.

Golf Australia says as many as 50 courses nationally face pressure from community groups wanting open public space at golf courses.

Moore Park, Sydney’s 18-hole city public course, may be halved to nine holes next year after years of campaigning by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who lives in nearby East Redfern and owns property in the area.

The Minns Labor state government has conducted extensive public consultation – most of which supported the status quo – but has budgeted to start work on plans to turn 20 of the course’s 45 hectares into a park.



The Save Moore Park organisation has delivered an alternative that keeps 18 holes but reduces the course to a par 68 and offers 15 hectares of extra public space, parking, bikeways, skate park, BMX track, fitness trail, dog park and minigolf for children.

James O’Doherty in The Daily Telegraph on Friday reported the government had been warned the original plan might be far more expensive than imagined.

The compromise 18-hole option would certainly guarantee much of the $16m a year flowing from golf activities at Moore Park would continue to help finance the Greater Sydney Parklands portfolio.

Moore Park, gazetted in 1913 as the city’s workers club, is visited by 500,000 people a year, 82 per cent of whom live within 10km of the club. Many rely on public transport to access the course.

It is at the western end of 360 hectares of parklands including Centennial Park, Queens Park and the wider Moore Park grounds.

The Warringah course on the city’s northern beaches fought for years to resist a push to turn the city’s second busiest course into public open space.

Chatswood on Sydney’s north shore is being reduced to 12 holes.

In Melbourne, Darebin Council in 2022 voted to retain the Northcote course for golf after a push for it to be opened to public recreation after 3pm daily or all day Sunday.

Last year, Monash Council voted to keep the nine-hole Oakleigh Course after a push to turn the course into parkland.

Brisbane’s inner city 18-hole Victoria Park Golf Course closed in 2021 after 90 years.

The Elsternwick nine-hole course in Melbourne’s Bayside Council area closed in 2018 and was turned over to wetlands. Rosny Park Public Golf Course in Hobart closed – at least temporarily – in 2021, although no final decision appears to have been reached on the future of its land on the eastern shore of the Derwent River.

The shift to inner urban areas by young families is putting pressure on public open space, as have urban projects turning old industrial areas into modern developments.

Yet property developers in the outer areas of our big cities are required to allocate land for recreational purposes. Golfers wonder why big urban renewal projects in Sydney’s inner south are not similarly required to keep open land for recreation.

Jared Kendler, a golfer from inner-Sydney Surry Hills and campaigner for the Save Moore Park Golf Course group, makes the point.

“Local councils are often ill-informed about golf’s popularity and overall benefits to the community. Public golf courses just become an easy way for them to make a land grab to make up for poor planning decisions,” he said.

Much of the campaign against golf is driven by the idea it is an elite sport – yet it is not the elite private clubs that are being targeted because they own their own land.

Public courses do not require club membership and nine holes can cost about $27.



Don’t destroy our Golf Course! 

This newspaper’s Saturday columnist Nikki Gemmell triggered a storm when she wrote about golf in 2021, arguing public land would be better used as open space for children rather than the old men she argued receive all the benefits of golf.

Children do need open space. But there are counter-arguments in favour of public golf.

Lifelong ratepayers who access public golf are in effect being asked to sacrifice facilities so that people who have only recently moved into new higher-density developments can access open space that councils did not demand developers provide.

When Sydney’s old Manly Council – now part of the merged Northern Beaches Council – targeted Warringah public course for open recreational space, many critics of golf pointed to the nearby Manly course as an alternative. But Manly is private, and membership is very expensive.

Most people who use the Warringah course are locals, including many women and teenagers.





Club professional Rob Richards says golf is misrepresented as an elite sport for older men.

He says while about 40 per cent of players at the course are over 55, about 25 per cent would be under 30.

Richards says new players “anchor their golf at Warringah”. Indeed, even if new players could afford to play on a private course it is hard to see how most could justify such a financial commitment early in their time with such a difficult sport.

Says Kendler: “I use the example of Jason Day. He is one of the world’s best pro golfers but he started out playing with a club his dad found at the tip.”

Day, who has won 13 US tournaments, has often spoken about how he was introduced to the sport as a three-year-old in Beaudesert, south of Brisbane, with a three wood his father picked up at the dump.

He formally joined the Beaudesert public course as a junior, aged six, and turned professional in 2006 at age 19. He won the US PGA in 2015 and has held the world No.1 ranking. He has won 19 tournament in the US, Europe and Australia.

Warringah’s Richards says golf also teaches life skills: “It requires dedication, training, learning in a social environment with a strong tilt towards rules and behaviour.”

Adds Kendler: “Golf courses are melting pots that bring together people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.

“ In what other sport do you see a 12-year-old spending four and a half hours with a 70-year-old engaging in meaningful conversations and learning life lessons while focusing on a game, (and) away from mobile phones?’’

Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer summed up the sport: “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and challenges the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is without doubt the greatest game mankind has invented.”

What a tragedy it would be if it became a sport only for the rich !!






Ari Kinger’s - rule of 1 - Focus make things super simple




Focus - and make things as simple as possible .


This could be the difference between scaling your startup or chasing shadows !!

Have Chrystal Clarity  
Earn the right to grow by mastering the 1

The Rule of 1

  • One mission keeps team aligned 
  • One core product or platform - make it perfect 
  • One group of best customers - be laser focused on your ideal avatar - give them exceptional cx - building loyalty and trust 
  • One primary growth motion and distribution channel - look after them like gold.
  • One CEO.

The Fight for Simplicity

Focus isn’t easy. It’s a fight. Distractions and shiny new opportunities, investor pressure, the urge to “keep up”,

Gem 💎

Resist the temptation to bolt on features or chase every customer segment until the core is unassailable.

The Rule of 1 demands discipline. It’s saying no to the good so you can say yes to the great. 


Earning the Right to Expand - build a foundation 

Mastery of one unlocks the door to more, enabling sustainable growth that doesn’t crumble under its own weight. 

Once your mission resonates, your product delights, and your customers evangelise, you’ve built a platform to layer on complexity thoughtfully.

Think of it like a tree: a strong trunk supports sprawling branches, but only if the roots run deep first.

The Rule of 1 isn’t sexy. It won’t grab headlines or dazzle at pitch days. But it’s a quiet power.

For founders, it’s a compass through the noise, proof that simplicity can be the ultimate competitive edge. 

Start with the Rule of One. Do it better than anyone. Grow from there.

🌾 The Future of Agribusiness: Innovation, Resilience, and Growth 🌍



My friend Zsolt Nagy is arguably one of the most connected humans on the planet.

He has various onterests around the world 🌍, including an agribusiness in Slovakia .

Here is his takeouts from a mastermind of 168 agribusiness leaders and innovators from around the world at a high-level strategic forum, , where they  tackled some of the most pressing challenges and groundbreaking opportunities shaping the future of agriculture.

🌾 The Future of Agribusiness: Innovation, Resilience, and Growth 🌍

This wasn’t just a program—it was a global exchange of ideas, exploring how we can future-proof agribusiness through innovation, sustainability, and strategic adaptation.

🔥 Key themes that shaped our discussions:
🌍 Climate Resilience – The impact of shifting weather patterns on crop yields and how adaptive farming can mitigate risks.
📊 Data & Technology – Precision farming, AI-driven decision-making, and automation as the foundation of modern agribusiness.
🌾 Sustainability & Consumer Demand – How transparency, regenerative practices, and alternative food systems are reshaping the industry.
💼 Strategic Business Models – Agility, market diversification, and value-chain collaboration as tools for long-term success.

What truly set this gathering apart were the real-world case studies, offering deep insights into the transformations happening across Europe and Slovakia. From agritech-driven efficiency in Central Europe to the rise of biogas as a sustainable energy source, the message was clear—small, smart changes drive exponential impact.

💡 Key takeaways as an agribusiness expert:
🔸 Technology is no longer optional—it’s the competitive edge that will define the next generation of agricultural success.
🔸 Collaboration is power—supply chain resilience depends on stronger partnerships between farmers, processors, and retailers.
🔸 Adaptability is survival—those who embrace new revenue streams, sustainable models, and consumer-driven changes will lead the industry.

With agriculture in Slovakia and Europe undergoing a major transformation, the opportunity to drive meaningful change has never been greater. 🚜💡 From integrating renewable energy to expanding precision agriculture, I am more motivated than ever to apply these insights and push the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry.

🌟 What trends or innovations do you see shaping the future of agribusiness in 2025? Let’s connect and discuss!

#Agribusiness #Innovation #Sustainability #FutureOfFarming #AgricultureLeadership #AgriTech #Growth

How Immigrants can add massive value to a nation




💥The meteoric rise of Indians in America - showcasing the power of what immigration of smart people can do to develop innovation , wealth and health of a country !!!

This article showcases a few powerful people, including my friend Kanwal Rekhi - one of the founders of venture capital and innovation in Silicon Valley.

💥A similar story can be told about the rise of South Africans in America - that can include the likes of Elon Musk ,Steve Collis and countless others that have made a positive influence to their communities . 

💥You can change the narrative of this article by cutting and pasting America  with Australia .

I am proud of what Kala Philip (MAICD, GAICD) and  BSI Learning is doing in collaborating with innovation and education with Indian Universities - and look forward to the day when Australian Politicians will open up immigration again  to people looking to study and learn and add value to our magnificent nation which I am proud  to call home 🏠.

Both Australia and America and indeed most countries on this fragile rock on which we live , can show how the power of immigration can benefit from the positive power of what and how immigration of people with similar ethics and values of people  can do for a country ! 

DFAT #immigration #innovation #lifelonglearning TiE

Some articles 


https://www.linkedin.com/posts/austrade-south-asia_india-australia-restaurants-activity-7136291111039385600-rbNz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios


South African in USA  https://www.sagoodnews.co.za/how-south-african-expats-have-risen-to-the-top-of-key-american-sectors/


https://businesstech.co.za/news/wealth/634447/these-are-the-richest-south-africans-living-in-the-us-uk-and-australia/#:~:text=One%20South%20African%2Dborn%20businessman,rich%20list%20for%20this%20year.


https://businesstech.co.za/news/wealth/634447/these-are-the-richest-south-africans-living-in-the-us-uk-and-australia/#:~:text=One%20South%20African%2Dborn%20businessman,rich%20list%20for%20this%20year.


https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/mca/files/2016-cis-south-africa.PDF


https://issuu.com/witsalumnirelations/docs/wits_review_november_2022_issuu/s/17333655



Climate Salad - Mentor of the year finalist - James Stewart

Awesome work James Stewart for being a finalist in the Climate Salad mentor of the year awards - well deserved !!




Wolves vs Termites



David Werdiger - founder of Familosophy,

writes a great article on how to protect your home from collapsing.


Some people think that building a big house with adequate security - will prevent you and your family from danger .


Your family, community or organisation is like a house - not only does it need adequate security from external dangers  such as the big bad wolf - and a strong foundation to cope with internal crises !!!


A strong foundation of a family , says David , is based on 3 core qualities  


  1. Communication & trust
  2. Shared vision & purpose and 
  3. Good governance


The wolf - external threats 

From time to time, wolves will come to the door. 


Wolves are crises that you need to deal with immediately. They are usually things external to the family – changes in market conditions or the economic environment, or competitive factors that affect operating business.


These external challenges can relate to financial capital. You can keep the wolves from the door by ensuring that you (as a family) are aligned on purpose, have well-articulated investment policy and governance, and are suitably diversified. 


While you can’t control or prevent those external factors, you can be ready to weather them when they happen.


The termites - internal threats 

Be aware of these tiny dangerous creatures!!


A family flare-up that relates to non-financial capital, such as family dynamics, succession & the rising gen, might seem like another wolf at the door. But it’s not.


These things don’t come out of the blue; they often fester and relate to longstanding and unresolved issues between family members. 


These are the termites in the floor.


Either you don’t notice them, you pretend they are not there, or you consider them important but not urgent. 


Dealing with them is much harder than things like investment policies. 


They relate to deeply held emotions. It’s much easier to put them on the back burner, find other priorities etc.


… until they explode and the house collapses.


This is the important difference: wolves are external threats, termites are internal. 


Most empires , organisations and families are destroyed from internal decay - the termites within!!


If an empire/family is internally strong, not only can it withstand wolves, but it is vigilant about staying termite free. 


If it is weak internally – poor communication, lack of trust, no shared vision, poor governance – then it’s just a matter of time before it will collapse.


How to be termite-free?


   1. Build a strong foundation (see above)

   2. Be on the lookout for termites

   3. Don’t delay in dealing with them



Why Trump won (in my view)

How does this relate to countries ?


USA 9/11

Israel 7/10 

Russia / Ukraine conflict 

China / Taiwan conflict 


These Are the threats dealing with the wolves - the external forces !!


And there are normally solutions to these being resolved - by force and diplomacy 


The ultimate threat of a country will be the termites gnawing at the core - national disunity !! 


  • Far right and far left 
  • the Woke crowd. 
  • Proud Boys. 
  • Black Lives Matter. 
  • Kkk
  • Antifa.
  • QAnon. 
  • The divisive forces. 


Both parties in the UsA election  recognised  the threat of the wolves and the termites. Trump , in my view, was chosen , because he showed the qualities of strong leadership!

Listen

Empathy

Attitude

Determination

Energy

Resilience 


To reestablish   national unity will require strong leadership and the bravery to commit ourselves to embracing qualities of kindness, decency, and grace towards those we disagree with ideologically .


Wishing Trump and the Global Leaders and their teams all the best to lead USA and the rest of the world - 🌎- based on strong foundations ! 

Pejman Nozad - an Iranian Immigrant made good shares 6 gems



Tony Surtees shares the story of a friend of his - 

Pejman Nozad 


Pejman exemplifies the immigrint success story of actualizing a dream by nourishing it with optimism, courage, faith and hard work. 


It has not only brought him success, but to all those people he inspired and helps along the way.



So who is Peyman 

An Iranian refugee who arrived with $700 in his pocket , Who became an Investor in Dropbox’s and door dash 


He shares with us 6 lessons he learned from his journey


1. Solve Real Problems, Not Just Big Ideas

The best entrepreneurs are deeply connected to the problems they’re solving. It’s not about chasing the “next big thing” but addressing a real, specific issue. Start with a problem you’ve experienced firsthand and understand deeply.


2. Perseverance and Resilience  Is Key

Building anything worthwhile is hard, often unpredictable. Setbacks are part of the journey, and success comes to those who adapt and keep pushing forward. When I struggled, it was my commitment that kept me going.


3. Strong Co-Founder Chemistry Matters

Founding a company is a long, challenging journey. Teams with a history of working well together tend to weather storms better. Chemistry and mutual trust among co-founders are invaluable assets.


4. Be in It for the Right Reasons

The best founders think long-term. Their drive isn’t just about quick financial wins; it’s about making an impact. Focus on creating value—whether that’s through happier users, meaningful jobs, or industry transformation.


5. Stay Paranoid (in a Good Way)

A little paranoia can be healthy. The best founders plan meticulously, double-check every step, and make decisions carefully. Yet, this caution is balanced with kindness—a quality I look for in leaders who inspire loyalty in their teams.


6. Never Give Up

My journey began with hope and the belief that I could make something of myself. Today, I’m grateful for that hope and resilience. 

From that yogurt shop attic to investing in groundbreaking companies, I’ve learned that every humble beginning holds the potential for greatness if you stay focused, work hard, and never, ever give up.