Volunteers & community rallies to help local charity relocate
A wave of community support has helped a Nambour charity relocate its operations, with volunteers and community members stepping in to ensure programs continue despite an ongoing lease dispute.
Golf Programs Australia Incorporated (GPAI) founders Darrell and Michelle Dalton have temporarily moved out of their long-time Chadwick Chambers base and set up two doors away in the former Commonwealth Bank building.
Mr Dalton said the response from the community had been overwhelming. “We’ve had people turn up with utes, trailers and willing hands – it’s been incredible to see,” he said. “This charity has always been about community, and right now the community is carrying us.”
Mrs Dalton said the support had made a difficult situation manageable. “We simply couldn’t have done this on our own,” she said. “The volunteers have stepped in at exactly the right time and reminded us why we do what we do.”
The temporary relocation comes as the organisation continues to navigate a dispute with the new owners of its previous Currie Street premises, despite holding a lease until May 2027.
Mrs Dalton said the organisation had sought legal advice and had been working for months to defend its position while also preparing contingency plans as the situation became untenable.
The GPAI committee said the move had been financially devastating, physically exhausting and emotionally demoralising, but they were continuing on with the support of volunteers and the wider community.
“This experience has hardened our resolve to protect the charity and those it represents,” Mrs Dalton said.
The situation has already severely disrupted several operations and fundraising activities, including the “Ye Olde Empty Bottle Shoppe”, a grant-supported initiative involving repurposed glass spirit bottles, which had to be dismantled.
The disruption follows the charity’s successful Holey Moley Charity Pro-Am at Glenview Par 3 Golf Course – a world-first inclusive event where people with intellectual disabilities helped run the tournament alongside PGA professionals.
Mr Dalton said the ongoing situation had diverted time and resources away from core programs. “I should be focusing on planning the next Pro-Am and building sponsorship,” he said. “Instead, we’re spending time and funds dealing with this situation.”
Despite the upheaval, GPAI continues to operate, with programs and activities being slowly re-established at the new site.
Mrs Dalton said the focus remained on continuity.
“We’re just about at our limit here,” she said. “We’re just trying to keep everything running for the people who rely on these programs while also fighting to protect the organisation.”
But the couple said the GPAI committee remained committed to their mission and were not going to give in.
“We just want to keep doing the work we’ve been doing for the community,” Mr Dalton said. “Our athletes, volunteers and families have built something special here, and we want to make sure it continues.”
To contribute to help with legal fees for the charity go to: www.gofundme.com/f/empower-and-upskill-students-of-all-abilities or call in and make a purchase.
PGA endorses Golf Programs Australia Incorporated
from Broc Greenhalgh PGA of Australia State Manager – Membership Services (QLD / NT)
GPAI has demonstrated a strong commitment to using golf as a platform to create positive social outcomes. Through well-structured initiatives and community-focused programs, the organisation provides accessible opportunities for individuals, particularly young people and those who may not traditionally have access to the game of golf in a welcoming and supportive environment. By removing barriers to participation, GPAI has helped introduce many participants to the sport while also fostering personal development, physical activity, and social connection.
Importantly, the benefits of these programs extend well beyond learning golf skills. Participation in golf provides individuals with the opportunity to develop valuable life skills including confidence, resilience, discipline and respect. The structured and inclusive nature of GPAI’s activities ensures that participants feel supported while building these attributes. This type of community engagement plays a critical role in encouraging healthy lifestyles, strengthening local networks, and providing young people with positive recreational outlets.
From the perspective of the PGA of Australia, initiatives such as those delivered by GPAI make a meaningful contribution to the growth and sustainability of the game. Community-based organisations are essential to ensuring golf remains accessible and relevant to a broad and diverse population.
Programs that successfully introduce new participants to the sport help create future golfers, volunteers, and community advocates while reinforcing golf’s reputation as an inclusive and values-driven activity.
The positive outcomes achieved by GPAI are strongly linked to the leadership, passion, and
dedication of its founders, Michelle Dalton and Darrell Dalton. Michelle and Darrell have consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to using golf as a vehicle for community benefit. Their vision for creating accessible golf programs has translated into initiatives that are both impactful and sustainable.
Both founders bring a high level of professionalism, enthusiasm and integrity to their work. They have invested considerable time and effort into building relationships with the local community and business groups to ensure their programs reach those who can benefit most. Their collaborative approach has allowed GPAI to establish strong partnerships and deliver programs that are both meaningful and effective.
It is also apparent that Michelle and Darrell approach their work with a clear sense of purpose and responsibility. Their focus on inclusion, participation, and positive community outcomes aligns strongly with the broader objectives of the PGA, to grow the game in a way that is welcoming, accessible and creates connection. Their leadership continues to inspire confidence among partners and participants alike, and their commitment to delivering quality experiences has been instrumental in the organisation’s ongoing success.
This was evident via the success of the inaugural GPAI Charity Pro-Am in 2025 which provided an opportunity for individuals who are living with a physical or intellectual disability, to coordinate and deliver a professional golf tournament. This world first initiative is the type of activities that have Darrell and Michelle respected by the entire Australian golf industry.
The PGA are very supportive and encouraging of endeavours of which Michelle and Darrell Dalton and GPAI wishes to pursue, and we welcome any courtesies that may be presented to them on the knowledge the PGA endorse them with the highest regard.
Darrell and Michelle Dalton, centre left and centre, last Tuesday night with just a few of the many staff, volunteers and residents who have helped them move. Below, the exterior of the shop.
