A Night of Recognition and Remarkable Stories: QGC Awards Presentation Wrap-Up
Saturday 29 November saw QGC host its annual Awards Presentation, an evening dedicated to celebrating the achievements, contributions and spirit of our golf community. While attendance was lower than hoped, those who joined enjoyed a warm and lively night filled with delicious complimentary finger food—fresh from the Clubhouse Kitchen thanks to Lyndsey and Cath—plus a few celebratory drinks and plenty of memorable moments.
Across the evening, we recognised our 2024 and 2025 event winners and Club Champions, applauding the talent and dedication that continues to raise the bar at QGC. We also paused to acknowledge some extraordinary service behind the scenes.
Two Merit Awards were presented:
The Monday Work Group
Recognised for their tireless energy and commitment to keeping the clubhouse and course in top condition. Their work often goes unnoticed—those small, unglamorous but vital jobs that keep everything running smoothly. Their contribution is invaluable, and this award reflects the deep appreciation felt across the club.
Greg Monahan
Honoured for his generous contribution over many years, including countless volunteer hours and the donation of specialist equipment to support major course renovations. From moving tonnes of soil for the wetlands project to helping create the new mounds on the 11th and 12th fairways, Greg’s impact will be enjoyed by members for many years to come.
The Club also proudly inducted two new Life Members:
John Merriman
A member for 40 years, John has served as Captain, volunteered tirelessly across club operations, run the bar and clubhouse services, and even hand-painted the white lines in the car park. His steady dedication has been a cornerstone of the club’s progress and culture.
Greg Graham
A member for an extraordinary 57 years, Greg was pivotal in bringing one of QGC’s most important sponsors, McHarry’s Buslines, on board. As a junior, he was part of the club’s pennant success, and throughout his decades of membership, he represented QGC with pride across the region. His long-term commitment embodies the very best of our club’s history and spirit.
Throughout the evening, standout stories added colour and character to the celebrations.
Wally Tarticchio—who collected multiple awards across the two years—captivated the room when interviewed by Club President Brad Teal OAM, revealing he still plays using the same clubs he started with 57 years ago, including the very first putter ever produced by Ping.
Neale Walter and Phil Shay also enjoyed plenty of time on the dais, collecting an impressive haul of awards. Whilst our Club Captain, Barb Luppino, proudly accepted her back-to-back Ladies’ Club Championship titles, reflecting another stellar year on course.
And in one of the night’s most heartfelt moments, Cruze Strange, our 2025 Club Champion, spoke of the influential role played by his friend, mentor, club sponsor and committee member Anthony Webber—whose support brought him to QGC and helped create the opportunity for Cruze to develop his game. Cruze credited the camaraderie and friendships he’s found at the club as a driving force behind his growth and success.
While the crowd was smaller than expected, the spirit of the night was unmistakably strong—a celebration not just of victories, but of the people, stories and contributions that make QGC such a special place to belong.
Filed under: Members, Members Slider, Guests