1957 -2019

The current Goughs Bay Boat Club has undergone many name changes over the years:  Mansfield Boat and Yacht Club,  Mansfield Boat Club Goughs Bay Inc.,   Mansfield Boat Club - Goughs Bay - The Community Hub,  Goughs Bay Boat Sport and Recreation Club Inc.

 

Lake Eildon’s history plays an important part in the life of this community and to many boat owners, the then Mansfield Boat Club is an integral part of that history.

 

In 1962, 57 years ago, a vision by a few led to the need for a Boat Club. At the little township of Goughs Bay, preparations for building the only boat club on this side of the lake was supervised by a club member, who was also a Mansfield Shire Council engineer, Mr. Len Lynch.

 

The construction of the club was built by members on a voluntary basis. Mr. Lynch wrote the constitution and Tony Yeates and Bill Whelan, club officials, (and others) assisted with the practicalities of the building works.

 

The site was allocated by the State Rivers and Water Commission and substantial earthworks were required to carve out the flat areas before construction could begin. Wooden poles were cut from trees towed across the lake by large cruiser boats. Holes were dug into the hard ground by hand. The floor of the building was completed in 1962.

 

In 6 years, members raised almost the entire cost of the building through functions and donations. Women were admitted as full members of the club. This was a progressive move for those times. The ladies raised $5000, a grand sum in those days.

 

Members in the timber trade supplied materials at less than cost and members in transport carried goods up from Melbourne.The clubhouse was built entirely by volunteer labour and has had many renovations since that start. Members should be proud of that achievement, not to mention the best views on Lake Eildon.

 

“We’re proud of where we came from and grateful for those who led the way.'

 

In the early 2000's the Downstairs area commonly known as the Noel Warren Bar area, whereby the supply and installation of the Stainless Steel BBQ proudly donated by members Boris & Liz Vrancic (owners of Profab Engineering at the time) This provided a much-needed food supply to the gatherings on the warmer nights taking in not only our wonderful views but also the activities on both the lake and ramps.

 

In November 2015 and throughout 2016 a major revamp of the storage area was undertaken to create the Kids Club, downstairs Kitchen and inside ablutions.  New signage at the club and around the Bay was introduced to advertise our activities and events. 

 

2016 - Willie Kersting and Harry Tylenek received acknowledgment of 20-year continued membership.

 

2017 saw a revamp of the Noel Warren bar (downstairs) and upstairs  received a facelift with the replacement of the front windows to open up the area.