THE Wonthaggi Club, in McBride Avenue, has been a central part of life in Wonthaggi, almost from the town's inception.
It's been the place to meet friends and enjoy great hospitality for more than 100 years, and since 2015, the club's great hospitality has been extended to "The Clubhouse" at the Wonthaggi Golf Club.
And at both venues, you'll find plenty of good reasons to call in for lunch or dinner. Both venues offer food themes and great prices at most times through the week, and especially on Friday and Saturday nights, it pays to book ahead on 56721007 or 56721437. There's also plenty of incentive to become a club member, from as little as $5-a-year.
Take the Wonthaggi Club in McBride Avenue, from Monday to Sunday, there's something special on the menu every day: Monday is pasta day for $13.50, Tuesday it's "Celebrity Parmas" for $18, Wednesday it's the mixed grill special, Thursday is "Seniors Day" two courses for $12, Friday night it's free finger food and raffles and this Sunday, there's a special soup and roast lunch for $18.50.
The Clubhouse has similar food themes and watch out for the entertainment as well including the Creedence Clearwater Survival tribute band on Saturday, September 17.
Both venues have come back strongly after the challenges of the past few years, and manager Steve Curtis says he has the community and his staff to thank for that.
“The club would like to thank the community for their support over the past few years, and the understanding that the hospitality industry has a huge deficit of experienced and available staff to make up,” said Steve.
“Over the past eight weeks, the club has recruited close to a dozen new staff, including juniors, and some mature-age recruits that are all new to the industry.
“In order to furlough staff as required and train all the new recruits, it's been a real juggling act to be able to open the doors at both properties, 7 days-a-week.
“With a supportive board of directors, the club strives to look after its staff as best we can, who in turn look after our members, their guests, and visitors to town.
“Without the support of the community, and patronage of the not-for-profit operation, The Wonthaggi Club would have struggled to stay in business.
“So, while we move forward and look to increase trade, and recruit more staff, and do more for the community, the club really wants to let the community know how grateful we are for its support.”
According to Mr Curtis, the Club has plans in the pipeline to help improve the facilities at Wonthaggi Golf Club and is currently looking to establish caravan and camping facilities to help bring travellers into town. Then further down the track, the grand plan includes major upgrades to the course irrigation and drainage, as well as establishing a top-class functions and events centre.
The Wonthaggi Club is also well known for its support of sporting and community groups. For example, it is a major sponsor of Wonthaggi Citizens Band, Wonthaggi Power FNC, the Club Cricket Club, Bass Coast Breakers, Wonthaggi Bowls Club, Dalyston FNC, Kilcunda Bass FNC, and supports more than a dozen other local clubs and not for profits.
The Club hosts regular meetings for Rotary Club of Wonthaggi, Wonthaggi Lions, the VIEW Club, all the local schools, emergency services and many, many more.
So, when it comes time to book a table for Fathers' Day, catchup with family and friends, consider The Clubhouse at Wonthaggi Golf Club or The Wonthaggi Club in McBride Avenue, and in doing so, know that you're helping to support a local employer that supports the community.