CEO Update – April 2026

At a Glance
Strong engagement at Members’ Information Night (15 April) and continued focus on long-term planning.
Governance: Constitution review underway; procurement controls in place.
Site updates: golf ball features, Ocean Drive signage, and front fence security improvements progressing.
Trading: quarterly profit approx. $66k; costs rising — member support remains important.
Sponsors: flexible packages available — expressions of interest welcomed.
Master Plan: conceptual only; Southern Holes DA remains active and tender preparation continues.

Member’s Information Night – Wednesday 15th April 2026

In opening the Members’ Information Night, I reflected on my five years as Chief Executive Officer and acknowledged both the challenges encountered during that time and the strong and consistent support shown by many Members.

Members were reminded that Port Macquarie Golf Club has always been shaped by long‑term thinking. Around 70 years ago, our foundation Members made the bold decision to relocate the Club from town to its current site, a decision that ultimately laid the foundations for the Club we enjoy today.

That same responsibility now sits with the current generation of Board Members and Management, as we plan for the Club’s future.

I would like to sincerely thank all Members who attended the Members’ Information Night on Wednesday 15 April. It was extremely encouraging to see such strong interest in the future direction of Port Macquarie Golf Club.

The purpose of the evening was to share the journey that has brought the Club to its current position, outline the thinking behind the direction being taken, and explain why these decisions are important for the Club’s long‑term sustainability.

Acknowledgement and Attendance

President Gavin Roberts, Vice President Paul Atkin, Captain Lindsay Verdon, and the Club’s Directors were in attendance, along with members of the Management Team.

The Board and Management were also joined by a number of external advisers who have been supporting the Club’s planning and investigations, including representatives from:

Harrison Golf
Hopkins Consulting
PDD Advisory Group
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Aura Holdings
APLAS (Quantity Surveying)
Pigott Stinson Lawyers

I would personally like to thank all presenters for their highly professional approach and clear delivery on the night. A special mention must go to Cara Dale of C2Hills Consultancy, who continues to be a valuable asset to our Club.

The presence of these advisers reflected the depth of professional input currently being applied to ensure that future decisions are well informed, responsibly scoped, and in the best interests of Members.

Planning Context and Learnings

The evening also provided important context around previous planning efforts, including:

A long‑standing Development Application dating back to 2010–2011
Past course improvement concepts that differed in scope from that DA 2011. To clarify, the 2018 Course Improvement Plan was entirely separate from the Development Application approved in 2012 for the Southern Holes. The two should not be confused. The 2018 Course Improvement Plan proposed broader changes across the course and did require a new Development Application. However, during that period, changes were made to the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and associated planning controls. As a result of those changes, the proposal faced significantly increased planning constraints and did not proceed.

As explained at the Members’ Information Night, Andrew Lister (Hopkins Consultants) outlined that the planning environment had changed substantially at that time, which ultimately prevented the 2018 Course Improvement Plan from advancing.

Importantly, this outcome did not affect the 2011/2012 Southern Holes approval, which remains valid due to substantial commencement works undertaken in the years following its approval.

Understanding this history is critical in ensuring clarity, reducing confusion, and allowing us to make better, more informed decisions moving forward.

Strategic Planning and Professional Advice

Over the past two years, the Club has taken a more structured and disciplined approach to planning. In April and September 2025, strategic planning sessions were facilitated by Cara Dale of C2Hills Consultancy. This work has supported:

The development of the Club’s formal Strategic Plan
Engagement with Council
Grant applications
Clearer long‑term direction setting

In parallel, the Club has worked closely with specialist advisers across planning, golf course development, construction, finance, and legal disciplines to thoroughly assess opportunities and constraints. This collective professional input has enabled the Board to take a balanced, realistic, and well‑informed view of the Club’s future.

Please use the button below to be redirected to the Member’s Strategic Plan.

Port Macquarie Golf Club Strategic Plan

To support sound governance and ensure the Club’s governing framework remains contemporary and compliant, Pigott Stinson Lawyers have been engaged —consistent with their previous engagement in 2022 — to undertake a comprehensive review of the Club’s Constitution.

This review will ensure the Constitution:

Complies with the Registered Clubs Act 1976 (NSW) and associated regulations
Aligns with the Corporations Act 2001
Reflects current best‑practice governance standards
Incorporates necessary amendments arising from legislative change and the Club’s evolving operational environment

The outcome of this review will ensure the Club’s Constitution remains robust, legally compliant, and fit‑for‑purpose into the future.

Procurement & Governance Controls

The Club now operates under a formal Procurement and Purchasing Policy to ensure fairness, transparency, and value for money. All major projects require Board approval, competitive quoting, and appropriate risk assessment.

Looking Ahead

Members were advised that:

The clubhouse, facilities, and significant portions of the golf course are ageing.
A Development Application for five new golf holes is progressing. While this presents exciting opportunity, it also involves complexity. Tender documentation is currently being prepared to go out to market.

*EXTENT OF WORKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH DA 2011/196*

Delivering future projects will require investment beyond current reserves. e.g. see below options that may be considered going forward

*DRAFT PLAN FOR POSSIBLE GOLF CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE*

Please click on the button below to be redirected to the Preliminary Master Plan as presented to the Members at the information meeting.

Preliminary Master Plan

The Club is also exploring strategic partnerships aligned with its long‑term vision to support future development and sustainability. Any proposals arising from this work will be communicated to Members and brought forward for consideration at the appropriate time.

While these challenges are significant, they also present a genuine opportunity to enhance the Member experience and secure the long‑term sustainability of Port Macquarie Golf Club, provided they are managed carefully and responsibly.

Commitment to Members

The Board and Management reaffirmed their commitment to:

Transparent communication (with further updates when available to be provided as planning progresses)
Proper consultation with Members
Thoughtful, staged decision‑making
Protecting the Club’s long‑term interests

Thank You for attending

The Board and Management sincerely thank all Members who attended, asked questions, and engaged constructively on the evening. I would also like to personally thank the many Members who have since contacted me via email, text message, and in person to offer their positive feedback and congratulations on what was widely seen as a highly professional and informative session. It is extremely encouraging to see Members genuinely engaged and looking forward to the future of Port Macquarie Golf Club.

Board Update – Stefan Walker

Board Member Stefan Walker has resigned from the Board of Directors due to personal reasons. Stefan’s written resignation was formally accepted by the Board at the monthly meeting held on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. We sincerely thank Stefan for his contribution and time during his tenure on the Board and wish him all the best for the future. The Board has resolved that the vacancy will remain unfilled and will be addressed at the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

Golf Ball Landmarks

Regarding the big golf ball on Ocean Drive and the smaller golf ball near the 10th tee, I am close to finalising arrangements with LION and Titleist to refurbish and update both installations.

Ocean Drive Signage

The static sign north of the clubhouse has recently been renewed and is looking excellent. Thank you to the Members who have taken the time to compliment the improvement.

In relation to the sign at the front of the Club that previously illuminated, we are currently investigating the installation of a new LED advertising sign to better promote the Club along Ocean Drive. As part of my recent renegotiation with LION, the contract included a contribution toward the cost of this new LED sign. We are currently progressing through the process of obtaining quotes, engineering reports, and advice on lodging a Development Application.

Ocean Drive Front Fence

The photinia hedge on the northern side of the front gate has been removed. These plants were more than 30 years old and were either dead or beyond recovery. The hedge on the southern side of the gate has also been assessed. While these plants remain in place for now, they are in poor condition and will be addressed at a later stage.

To replace the removed hedge on the northern side, the Club is progressing with the installation of sandstone blocks. A key benefit of this solution is the improved security it provides, preventing unauthorised vehicle access to the course and clubhouse precinct. Importantly, the logs can be relocated in the future if required. Additional sandstone blocks will also be installed to secure the white rope area near the Pro Shop.

Further works will include improvements to the garden beds and lighting around the golf ball feature. These works form part of the Club’s broader focus on improving presentation, safety, and the overall arrival experience.

Current Club Trading

The Club’s quarterly results for the period 1 January to 31 March 2026 will be released to members shortly. In summary, the Club recorded a profit of approximately $66,000 for the quarter, a significant improvement on the $10,000 profit achieved in the previous quarter.

Trading conditions remain challenging due to the broader economic environment. Many of our suppliers have introduced fuel levies or increased existing charges, and further price rises in goods and services are continuing to flow through. This is largely because almost everything we purchase is, in some way, impacted by fuel costs involved in production and delivery.

Fuel costs for course equipment, Club vehicles, and the courtesy bus represent the most significant area of increase. These costs are currently adding approximately $4,000–$5,000 per month to the Club’s expenses, which equates to an additional $48,000–$60,000 per annum. High-cost environments inevitably impact Club turnover, as households face similar financial pressures and discretionary spending is often reduced. This makes member support more important than ever.

We encourage members to continue supporting the Club during these challenging times. Please take advantage of our free Courtesy Bus (Thursday to Saturday evenings) and join us at the Club for a drink, a meal, and a relaxing evening with family and friends.

To better understand the Club’s financial position, the table below outlines a comparison of profits and operating cash flow over the past three financial years. This comparison demonstrates the underlying strength of the Club’s operations, even through periods of continual rain, higher costs and external challenges.

Average Profit & Cash Flow over the last 3 Years

	FY2023	FY2024	FY2025*	3 Year Average
Net Profit (Reported)	$299,547	$386,966	$246,015	$310,843
Operating Cash Flow (Reported)	$1,038,375	$945,426	$876,370	$953,390

*Note Financial Year 2025 significantly impacted by prolonged wet weather

Invitation to New Sponsors

Port Macquarie Golf Club continues to enjoy strong participation, with more than 70,000 rounds played annually, making our course one of the region’s most visible sporting and community assets. As we plan for the year ahead, we are inviting new sponsors to partner with the Club and share in this exposure while directly supporting the ongoing strength of our golf programmes and facilities.

Our sponsorship opportunities provide:

High local and regional visibility through on‑course signage and digital promotion
Direct engagement with members and guests via sponsored competition days
Hospitality and networking opportunities at presentations and events
A strong association with a well‑respected community club and destination course
Sponsorship packages are flexible and can be tailored to suit businesses of all sizes, from local operators to regional brands.

Importantly, sponsorship at Port Macquarie Golf Club is not just advertising it is a partnership. Members, partners, and local businesses who may be interested, or who know of a business that could be a good fit, are encouraged to contact the Club directly. I look forward to welcoming new sponsors into the Port Macquarie Golf Club family and thank our current sponsors for their continued support.

Upcoming Events & Promotions

“COMING SOON”

With petrol prices the way they are, why stop at the servo?

Drive straight past the pump, pull in for a schooner,
and enjoy a nice cold Lion (Tooheys) at a very nice price.
Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.

🍺 Great beer💰 Great value📍 Even better stop

Also coming soon:
👉 Stone & Wood – EASY PALE ALE joins the lineup

Further Update from the Board

Golf Course Master Plan & Southern Holes Update

At the recent Members’ Information Night, Harrison Golf presented a Golf Course Master Plan to illustrate how the course could be adapted in the future should members ever approve a development on land currently occupied by holes 10 and 18.

It is important to be clear that this Master Plan is conceptual only. It would only be activated if and when members approve any future proposal. No development proposal currently exists, and no decisions have been made.

Focus of the Information Night

The primary purpose of the Information Night was to explain the Five Southern Hole Project, which was originally approved under a Development Application (DA) granted in 2011.

Between 2012 and approximately 2017, works were undertaken that constituted “substantial commencement,” meaning the DA remains active today.

As explained by Andrew Lister (Hopkins Consultants), this existing approval is a significant asset to the Club, particularly given current planning legislation, which would make obtaining approval for a similar project today far more complex, costly, and time‑consuming.

Design & Course Improvements

Harrison Golf outlined how the Southern Holes Project uses land already owned by the Club to deliver:

Modern golf hole design consistent with contemporary best practice
A risk‑and‑reward playing style, similar in philosophy to the recently completed 7th hole
Strategic decision‑making from both tee and fairway
Options that cater to golfers of all abilities, including clear “bail‑out” areas

A key feature of the design is improved water management, addressing both drought and heavy rainfall events. The proposed works:

Increase water storage on the course
Improve drainage and flood resilience
Enable captured rainfall to be reused through the irrigation system
Reduce reliance on bore water over time

Construction Staging & Course Play

Questions raised on the night regarding disruption were addressed, noting that:

The project can be delivered in stages, subject to final contractor engagement
At least one new temporary green (currently growing‑in on Hole 3) will be required
The existing temporary Hole 18 may also be used during construction

Depending on final staging:

Members may play an 18‑hole course with one temporary green, or
A 17‑hole course with two temporary greens

Final arrangements will be confirmed once a golf course contractor is appointed.

Course Rating & Hole Indexing

Once the new holes are completed and turf has matured:

Slope rating, scratch rating, and hole indexing will be formally assessed
This process will be undertaken in consultation with Golf NSW

Preliminary discussions have already occurred, with formal assessment to take place at the appropriate time.

What This Means for the Club

Upon completion of the Five Southern Hole Project, the Club will have 20 holes in total. This provides:

Greater flexibility during maintenance
Improved resilience during future works
The ability to explore long‑term opportunities, should members choose to do so in the future

Key Message to Members

The Five Southern Hole Project:

Is based on a valid, active approval
Improves course quality, playability, and resilience
Is separate from any future development proposal
Is designed to protect and enhance the long‑term future of the Club

No land has been sold or committed, and any future proposal involving Club land would require full member approval under the Registered Clubs Act.

Thank you members

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors.

“Good Golfing”

Kind Regards,

Ian A Munro
Chief Executive Officer

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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