January 2012 

Victoria’s up and coming professional golfers will descend upon the Growling Frog Golf Course in Yan Yean next month in an effort to help save Victoria’s most threatened wildlife.

City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Stevan Kozmevski, has announced that the City of Whittlesea’s own Growling Frog Golf Course will host the Governor’s Conservation Charity Golf Pro Am on Thursday 23 February 2012.

The event will also see some of Melbourne’s most prominent business people, including Zoos Victoria Foundation Chairman, Mr Sidney Myer AM, joined by event patron and patron of Zoos Victoria, The Honourable Alex Chernov, AO, QC, Governor of Victoria, take to the greens to raise much needed funds for Zoos Victoria’s Threatened Species Program.

Team and individual registrations are now available with all proceeds from the event going towards Zoos Victoria’s Threatened Species Program to help ensure that no more Victorian terrestrial vertebrate species become extinct.  Zoos Victoria is a not-for-profit conservation organisation, operating Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Melbourne Zoo will celebrate its 150th birthday in 2012.

Councillor Kozmevski said the Governor’s Conservation Charity Golf Pro Am is a great opportunity to play alongside some of Victoria’s best golfers and business leaders in support of a worthy cause.

“This event provides an opportunity for Australia’s up-and-coming golf professionals to compete at the Graham Marsh designed championship golf course for a total prize pool of $15,000,” said Cr Kozmevski.

“A fundraising target of around $20,000 has been set, which will be directed to Zoos Victoria’s Threatened Species program to help fight extinction of Victorian and international species.

“Key to the success of this is our local business community supporting the event and I invite businesses to register a team and play alongside our future sporting heroes for a range of non-cash prizes.”

Director of Zoos Victoria’s Foundation, Pamela Sutton-Legaud welcomed the event and the Council and community’s commitment to the conservation of native species.

“Without conservation intervention, 20 species endemic to southeastern Australia could be lost in the next 10 years,” said Ms Sutton-Legaud.  “Through this event we aim to showcase and raise much needed funds for the important work of Zoos Victoria so we can save animals like the endangered Growling Grass Frog from extinction.

“Community and business support for our work is vital and we are delighted that this event is taking place.”

Businesses and individuals can secure a team in the Governor’s Conservation Charity Golf Pro Am by registering online at www.growlingfroggolfcourse.com.au

Sponsorship packages are also available and can be discussed by calling 9217 2153.