Statement from the Board and Management of Cromer Golf Club
Posted on: 18 August
The Board and Management of Cromer have recently been made aware of allegations concerning the service of alcohol on Cromer premises. As befits a Club of Cromer’s standing, the Board and Management have endeavoured to maintain a professional and principled approach in response to these matters. Until recently, it has not been appropriate for the Board and Management to comment, while these allegations were investigated.
The purpose of this statement is to update members on the status of the investigation in to these allegations, and the actions taken by the Board and Management. In dealing with this matter the Board and Management acted swiftly, decisively, with integrity and in accordance with the Club’s constitution. We will continue to do so.
On 17 July 2025, two parents contacted the Club with serious complaints that their children had been offered and supplied with alcohol while playing at Cromer. A third member came forward shortly thereafter with a similar complaint.
The individual in question was informed of the complaints. In accordance with the Club’s Constitution, the membership of the individual was suspended with immediate effect, pending a disciplinary hearing.
The individual was given the requisite 14 days’ notice of a disciplinary hearing as required under the Club’s Constitution. To ensure transparency and fairness, a former magistrate was engaged to oversee the proceedings.
The Board convened on 4 August 2025 to hear and consider the allegations that the individual, who was the subject of the disciplinary proceeding, had brought alcohol onto the premises of the Cromer Golf Club, had on separate occasions offered alcohol to three minors, and had on separate occasions supplied alcohol to two minors.
During the hearing, the individual denied the allegations other than admitting to bringing liquor onto the course and consuming the alcohol in the presence of minors.
Following its consideration of the evidence before it, the Board formed and unanimously reached the opinion that the individual had engaged in conduct which was prejudicial to the interests of the Club.
In accordance with the disciplinary procedures set out under the Club’s Constitution, and prior to requiring the Board to consider the issue of sanction, the individual elected to tender their written resignation as a member of the Club, which was accepted by the Board.
The Board will continue to uphold its obligations under the Constitution, the Corporations Law, the Registered Clubs Act and the Liquor licensing laws, and exercise its duty of care to members and staff.