Lap of luxury RACV Healesville Country Club manager Brett Mays is looking forward to a new era at t

By Kath Gannaway
THE new $85 million RACV Healesville Country Club opened its doors to members on Sunday.
In what is virtually a complete rebuild, the club is well placed to meet the previously uncatered for gap in the luxury resort market in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
Fifty new staff appointments have also added to employment opportunities in the valley.
The redevelopment has added 33 rooms and extensive conference facilities aimed at attracting the lucrative conference and meetings market.
The RACV has retained its club focus with facilities such as the library, billiards room and members’ lounge and dining area, but has moved more into the resort market with a new swimming pool, day spa and fitness centre along with the redevelopment of the recreation activities.
Among the recreation activities are a new 18-hole golf course, a short course by the lakes and walking trails. Manager Brett May has overseen the three-year project and is delighted with the final product.
He says the vision of creating a contemporary resort while retaining aspects of the heritage of the club, as well as recognising its place in the special Healesville landscape, has been a major achievement.
“The Members’ Lounge was very much ‘sacred territory’,” he says looking out to Mount Riddell in the distance.
“We had very strong messages that that was one area members did not want to change,” he said.
The earthy colours and textures throughout the building are borrowed from the surrounding landscape and there are spectacular views from the accommodation and most meeting and conference rooms.
“It has been a long time coming and what has been especially exciting is to see the hard work the team has put in and which is now ready to welcome guests,” Mr May said. Yarra Ranges CEO Glenn Patterson said the new development is just what the valley needs to supplement the quality accommodation and conference venue shortage.
“The standard of design and fitout reflects well on the RACV and aligns with the more sophisticated direction being pursued for the visitor offering in the valley,” he said. “Council believes there is evidence that more 4.5 star accommodation is required, to meet market demand. Council is ready to facilitate further developments, having undertaken a feasibility project for another Yarra Valley hotel.”
“Council congratulates the RACV on this development and is very pleased that it has made this long-term commitment to the region.”
Mr Patterson said the RACV had made a significant investment, which would produce much-needed additional jobs and career development opportunities, which were consistent with people wanting to work closer to home.