A Sunshine Coast charity and social enterprise has made a vital move after a challenging period.
Golf Programs Australia Incorporated, which uses golf to support people with disabilities, has relocated to a space on the main street of Nambour.
The shift to Shop 3, 81 Currie Street, was a welcome relief for founders Darrell and Michelle Dalton, after an agreement could not be reached with the owners of their previous base a couple of doors down, which led to concerns for GPAI’s future.
“It has been a rough season for our charity, having to leave our premises long before we had anticipated,” they said via a newsletter.
“We will not go into the details as they are drawn out and exhausting and, instead, we will share the good news of our move to new premises.
“The best news is we have been able to remain in the town of Nambour and, strangely, we are still next to Hologram Zoo (but) just on the other side in another building.
“Our new landlords are lovely. The building was once the old Commonwealth Bank, so we retain the amazing huge bank vault door, missing the gold sadly.
“We take this time to reflect on the tremendous outpouring of support for GPAI. As the founders of this charity, we are amazed we survived and witnessed help at every turn.”
Since its establishment in 2015, GPAI has grown from a weekly golf program into one of Australia’s leading all abilities golf organisations, delivering inclusive golf programs, mentor-based training, employment pathways and social enterprise engagement from its retail charity golf pro-shop and curio-gift store.
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The charity also has a vision of establishing a purpose-built golf facility that would provide “a permanent venue for all golf programs and opportunities for mentor-based training, employment and GPAI’s version of community-based accommodation”.
The Daltons said the charity was taking some time to settle into the new location.
“There are changes as to how the new premises operate,” they said.
“The golf shop, however, is our main priority and is functional and fantastic. There is no golf sim or plane swing in the new store sadly, (but the) regrip service is still available and (there is a) full range of golf equipment, pre-loved.”
“The gift shop did not survive, and Michelle and her team are working hard to set up the social enterprise area, essential oils and circular economy division. The stock remains packed away until we can think how to showcase, promote and sell. For now, we are pleased to say our seven social enterprise students are all still with us and their brands are developing at lightning speed.”
The Daltons said the charity has “taken a hit on many levels recently, especially in the area of finances” but they said “our vision for the future has been delayed not destroyed.”
GPAI will host a key event on its calendar, the Holey Moley Charity Pro-Am Tour Scramble, at the Glenview Par 3 golf course on October 22.
“The event will bring together PGA professionals, local businesses and amateur golfers for a fundraising event with a purpose that extends well beyond the golf course,” they said.
“Funds raised will support GPAI’s ongoing all-abilities golf programs, mentoring initiatives and social enterprise pathways, helping participants build confidence, develop practical skills and experience a greater sense of belonging.”
