CEO’s Message to Members – 7th Hole Opening
Dear Members,
It’s a pleasure to share an important milestone in the ongoing improvement of our golf course and facilities. On Monday 9th February at 10:30am, we will officially open the newly completed 7th Hole, a project that represents a significant step forward in enhancing the playing experience for all members.
We are delighted that The Honourable Robert Dwyer, MP for Port Macquarie, will be joining us to perform the official opening by taking the first shot on the new hole. His support for community sport and local clubs is greatly appreciated, and we are fortunate to have him with us for this occasion.
I would also like to take this opportunity to officially welcome our new Golf Professionals, Matthew and Courtney Docking, who will commence with us on Monday 2nd February 2026. Matthew and Courtney bring extensive experience, a passion for player development, and a genuine enthusiasm for engaging with our members. We are excited to have them on board as we continue to strengthen our golf program and member services.
To help celebrate the opening of the 7th Hole, Matthew and Courtney will be hosting some light‑hearted fun on the day. Following the official proceedings, our Club Champions will be invited to take part in a Nearest‑the‑Pin challenge on the new hole. We will also conduct a draw for 25 members to participate in a putting competition on the new green to win a golf lesson with Matthew or Courtney.
The 7th Hole will then open for all members to enjoy play on Tuesday 10th February 2026.
It will be all about enjoying the moment, experiencing the improvements firsthand, and celebrating this occasion together.
This project, along with the extensive upgrades we will continue to deliver, reflects our commitment to continual improvement and the long‑term vision for our club.
Thank you for your continued support of our great club.
I look forward to seeing many of you on the day.
Ian A. Munro
Chief Executive Officer
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Update from the CEO- January 20th 2026
Dear Members,
Happy New Year to one and all.
Exciting times moving forward
Following our Annual General Meeting, I would like to provide a brief update on the progress of our current Development Application (DA), which was approved at the Strategic Planning Meeting held by the full Board in April 2025, and to outline the steps ahead during this important and exciting period for the Club.
As noted in the Annual Report by myself, the President & Captain as well as my verbal report at the 2025 AGM, the 2012 DA, endorsed by members at the AGM, has continued to progress well. During the assessment process, a minor amendment as requested by Council, to the existing DA conditions was required to cover new legislative requirements. In addition, further technical reporting was commissioned from Hopkins, including updated hydrological and water‑management assessments, along with supplementary environmental studies. These documents are now nearing completion.
We anticipate that the amended DA will be approved within the next month or so. Once approval is received, we will follow the same process used for the Hole 7 works. Hopkins will prepare the project for tender, after which contractors will be invited to submit proposals. If all proceeds according to plan, we expect construction to commence in the first half of the year.
Once the final drawings and plans are completed, they will be made available for members to view.
We look forward to keeping you informed as we move into this next phase on this exciting project.
Governance Update: Procurement & Conflicts of Interest Policies
As I informed members at the AGM, the Board has introduced both a Procurement Policy and a Conflicts of Interest Policy.
These policies strengthen fairness, transparency, and integrity across all Club operations. Below is a summary for members.
Procurement & Purchasing Policy
Our Commitment
We ensure that all purchasing and contracting decisions are:
- Fair and transparent
- Value‑focused, assessing price, quality, reliability, and sustainability
- Supportive of local businesses wherever possible
- Fully compliant with safety, licensing, and legal requirements
Decision-Making Thresholds
- Up to $1,000 – Managers source the best available price.
- Up to $50,000 – CEO approval required with at least two quotes.
- Over $50,000 – Board approval required via public tender or three competitive quotes.
Urgent Repairs
When an issue impacts safety or Club operations, the CEO may authorise immediate repairs.
All such actions are reported to the Board for transparency.
Major Projects (Over $50,000)
These projects must:
- Have a formal contract
- Include a risk assessment
- Receive Board approval
Conflicts of Interest Policy
We are committed to integrity, impartiality, and transparency in all decisions.
A conflict of interest occurs when personal, financial, or business interests could influence – or appear to influence – decisions made on behalf of the Club.
Who This Policy Applies To
- Board members
- Staff
- Volunteers
- Contractors
Types of Conflicts
- Financial – e.g., potential monetary gain
- Non‑financial – e.g., personal relationships or affiliations
- Actual, potential, or perceived conflicts
How Conflicts Are Managed
- All conflicts must be declared openly.
- Board members must declare conflicts at the start of meetings and abstain from voting on any affected matter.
- Management may restrict involvement in certain decisions or activities.
- In rare cases, individuals may be required to step aside from roles to protect the Club’s integrity.
If in doubt – declare!
Transparency protects both the individual and the Club.
Our Ongoing Commitment
- Ethical purchasing – No gifts, benefits, or favouritism.
- Environmental responsibility – Preference for sustainable products and practices.
- Annual policy review – Ensuring continuous improvement.
- Highest ethical standards – Conflicts managed openly, fairly, and consistently.
James Single – Thank you
At the AGM, I acknowledged James Single for his long and valued service to the Club. As James concludes his role this Sunday, I would now like to take this opportunity to again wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.
As mentioned at the AGM, the Board discussed holding a farewell for James, and further discussions have since been held with James. We are currently awaiting confirmation of a date that James feels comfortable with, and once this has been finalised, we will advise members who may wish to attend and extend their best wishes in person.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors,
Ian A Munro
Chief Executive Officer
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Dear Members,
Following recent discussions I held with council regarding the continuation of the fauna fencing along our boundary on the Ocean Drive Duplication works, I wish to share the following important information:
• The current fauna fence ends at the edge of the duplication project. Any extension beyond this point falls outside the project scope and would require extensive environmental approvals.
• Councils’ ecologist advised that fencing alone is not considered best practice. Effective solutions typically involve fencing both sides of the road combined with fauna underpasses or safe crossings.
• The areas south of the project and across the road include protected coastal wetlands and littoral rainforest. Clearing for additional fencing would require significant approvals and is unlikely to be supported.
• Extending the fence without integrated measures can create new risks, such as trapping koalas within the road reserve.
• Larger, integrated solutions (fencing plus underpasses) are usually delivered through major road upgrades or developer-funded projects. This approach was used in other parts of the duplication project but did not extend to the southern section near our club.
For further details, please refer to Council’s Koala Road-Strike Guidance Report for Future Road Projects (Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA). (Guidance Report for Future Road Projects – Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA)
Yours sincerely
Ian A Munro
Chief Executive Officer
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Dear Members,
We wish to advise that the Club has received a formal letter of thanks from the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority following their recent visit to Port Macquarie Golf Club. The correspondence commends the Club’s governance, risk management practices, and community initiatives.
Members are invited to review this letter at their convenience.
Thank you for your ongoing support in maintaining the high standards that make our Club a model venue.
Kind Regards
Ian A Munro
Chief Executive Officer
