Dear Riverside Golf Members and Guests,
The Riverside Golf course is a landmark facility in Ascot Vale, enjoyed by the local community and visitors alike.
As you will now be aware, following a comprehensive tender process, the City of Moonee Valley has awarded leisure facility specialist BlueFit to manage Riverside as of today, Thursday 23 September, 2021.
BlueFit proudly operates approximately 35 facilities across Australia, promoting a family culture and commitment towards its motto of ‘Inspiring Community Activity’. You can find our more about us at www.bluefit.com.au
We were very pleased to hear the Victorian Government announce that golf can return once Victoria has reached its 80% first dose vaccination target which could be achieved by the middle of next week. We expect updates from the Chief Health Officer shortly and will be in touch again when we have a confirmed reopening date for Riverside.
Once we reopen, Riverside’s opening hours, pricing, facilities, memberships, visit pass and casual access will remain the same. However, there will be some changes to booking procedures and payments, and there will be some restrictions to negotiate as we emerge from the Victorian lockdown.
It is appreciated that the members and users of Riverside will have questions regarding this transition, so a series of Frequently Asked Questions has been developed.
Riverside is owned by the City of Moonee Valley Moonee Valley who have the management of the course contracted out to a leisure facility management company. An open tender process was conducted, as is standard practice, and BlueFit was awarded the contract.
BlueFit is a leisure facility management specialist, which operates approximately 35 facilities across Australia. BlueFit promotes a family culture and commitment towards its motto of ‘Inspiring Community Activity’. Website: www.bluefit.com.au
BlueFit anticipates almost total retention of the existing staff, so you will be seeing the same faces at the course upon transition.
Opening hours, pricing, facilities, memberships, visit pass and casual access will remain the same once restrictions ease and the course can reopen.
There will be some changes to booking procedures and payments, and there will be some restrictions to negotiate as we emerge from the Victorian lockdown, but essentially it will very much be ‘business as usual’ for all players. Over time BlueFit may implement enhancements to the current offer, and this would be communicated directly with all players.
Fees and charges increase on an annual basis by CPI and are controlled by the council. You will always receive 14 days’ notice in advance of any increase.
Yes, your membership will continue, however we will need you to sign a new agreement with BlueFit to allow us to accept payments from your nominated bank account or credit card. Please complete a direct debit authority form at reception upon your first visit after lockdown.
BlueFit debit all members fortnightly in advance, rather than monthly. The first payment date following our projected reopening is likely to be Friday, 8 October. This first payment will cover a partial fortnight in arrears from the opening date until 7 October, and a full fortnight in advance from 8 October until 21 October.
If you have any concerns about the change of billing frequency or completing a new debit authority please contact us at golf@moveriverside.com.au
BlueFit is committed to your safety and has a robust COVID safe plan in place for Riverside. We are constantly monitoring the regulations in place and ensuring we can provide a safe environment for all players.
The Victorian Government has advised that golf can return once Victoria has reached its 80% first dose vaccination target which could be achieved as early as this Sunday. We will reach out to members when we have a confirmed reopening date.
Further detail is expected from the Chief Health Officer in the coming days, and we will reach out with more information then. In the interim, here is what we currently know;
- Play must be in groups of two;
- Players must reside within 15km of the club/facility that they play at;
- Group coaching can take place with two people. The coach is excluded from these numbers;
- Masks must be worn at all times unless there is a medical reason not to do so. This includes while playing golf;
- All staff, members and visitors must check in using the QR service.
You can contact the BlueFit team at Riverside by calling 03 9938 4545 or sending us an email to golf@moveriverside.com.au.
Bookings will open soon (pending the announcement of a confirmed reopening date).
We look forward to seeing all Riverside golfers back on the greens vey soon and building a great connection with the community.