Who are our Management Team?
Dear Members,
There is a great deal taking place behind the scenes at Port Macquarie Golf Club, and The Board believe it is important that members have a clearer understanding of the management team responsible for ensuring the club continues to operate successfully and progress into the future.
While members naturally experience the club through their time on the course or in the clubhouse, the work required to operate a modern club of our size extends far beyond what is visible day to day. Strategic planning, financial oversight, regulatory compliance, staff leadership, and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders are all essential components of ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the club.
The Board has complete confidence in the leadership of our CEO, Ian Munro. Ian brings a depth of experience and industry standing that is highly respected both locally and within the broader clubs sector. Since joining Port Macquarie Golf Club, he has been instrumental in strengthening the club’s position within the community and the industry.
Ian has developed strong working relationships with key decision makers including senior representatives at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, leaders of the Birpai community, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and a number of prominent local businesses and organisations. These relationships are extremely important to the future of the club and are not developed quickly or easily. They are built over many years through professional credibility, trust, and mutual respect.
The Board recognises that without Ian’s experience and the relationships he has cultivated, developing this level of engagement and access would likely take many years. His reputation and standing allow our club to be involved in conversations and opportunities that ultimately benefit our members and the future of the club.
In addition to these relationships, Ian has also negotiated improved commercial arrangements with a number of our suppliers, enabling Port Macquarie Golf Club to benefit from pricing structures often available only to larger venues. These outcomes have already delivered meaningful savings in key operational areas.
Ian also introduced the club to Cara Dale from C2Hills Consulting, who has been assisting the Board and management with identifying grant opportunities, developing our strategic planning framework, and supporting discussions with council regarding future opportunities such as the potential purchase of the sewerage treatment area adjacent to the course.
Much of this work occurs quietly in the background and is not always visible to members, however it plays a vital role in ensuring the club continues to operate responsibly, remain financially sound, and position itself well for future opportunities.
Members are always encouraged to provide feedback about their experience at the club, and this is an important part of maintaining high standards. At the same time, it is important to recognise that the Board has appointed a highly experienced management team to run the club on behalf of the membership, and we are confident in the leadership and direction they are providing.
For this reason, I believe it is appropriate to highlight the experience and contribution of our senior management team. The following profiles provide an insight into the people whose work and leadership ensure Port Macquarie continues to be a strong, professionally managed, and successful club for the benefit of all members.
Know Your CEO – Ian A. Munro
Ian brings nearly 40 years of senior executive leadership to Port Macquarie Golf Club, with a distinguished career across the clubs, hospitality, gaming, and sporting sectors.
He has held several long‑term, high‑responsibility roles that reflect both his capability and the trust placed in him by boards, staff, and industry peers, including:
• CEO, Port Macquarie Golf Club (current)
• CEO, Erina Rugby League Football Club – 20 years
• CEO, Halekulani Bowling Club – 12 years
• Senior positions within national and state industry bodies
Ian has also been appointed to prominent industry leadership positions that demonstrate his expertise in governance and strategic direction:
• Director, Leagues Clubs Australia – 16 years
• President & Federal Councillor, Club Managers’ Association Australia
Career Highlights
- Recognised for transforming commercial performance and successfully delivering major redevelopment projects end‑to‑end across multiple clubs.
• Delivered a $5M redevelopment at Erina RLFC that achieved payback ahead of forecast and significantly expanded the facility.
• Achieved strong business growth, including revenue increases from $4.5M to $10M and membership growth from 3,500 to 10,000.
• Built high‑performing teams, modern governance structures, and strong workplace cultures.
• Led sporting, hospitality, and facilities management functions while navigating significant legislative and compliance changes.
• Widely regarded as a relationship‑builder with strong connections across boards, government agencies, industry organisations, and community groups.
Across his career, Ian has been responsible for shaping organisational culture, overseeing compliance, managing regulatory responsibilities, and representing clubs to boards, regulators, government agencies, and key community stakeholders. His leadership approach is grounded in professionalism, transparency, and strong governance — qualities that continue to guide his work at Port Macquarie Golf Club.
Message from the Club President
“Ian brings a wealth of experience to our club. His strong working relationships across government, gaming and racing regulators, and industry bodies have already delivered real, measurable value for our members. Through these connections and his commercial acumen, the club has achieved significant savings in key operational areas such as electricity and secured strong forward‑looking contracts in food and beverage. We are fortunate to have a CEO with such depth of knowledge, influence, and commitment to the long‑term success of Port Macquarie Golf Club.”
Know your Finance Manager – Rodney Smith
With more than 30 years’ experience in accounting, audit, and governance, our Finance Manager brings deep expertise across the club, community, and business sectors.
Professional Background
- Chartered Accountant (Fellow), Registered Company Auditor and Tax Agent
- Former equity partner of a major regional accounting firm for over two decades
- Career experience spanning Big 4 accounting, a major bank, community housing, and senior role within our Golf Club.
Industry & Community Leadership
- Long‑time leader within Chartered Accountants ANZ, including 17 years as Regional Chair for the Mid North Coast
- Active community contributor through Rotary, school and parish boards, and local volunteer organisations
Areas of Expertise
- Audit and advisory work for Registered Clubs and not‑for‑profits
- Experience across health, aged care, financial services, property development, and community organisations
Message from the CEO
“It has been a pleasure bringing Rod into the team. His professionalism and commitment to strengthening our reporting, controls, and accountability have already made a significant impact. Rod’s approach brings confidence to our staff and clarity to our members, and it is genuinely a pleasure to work with him.”
Know Your Assistant General Manager – Justin Cave
Assistant General Manager Justin Cave brings almost 30 years of hospitality experience, including 18 years in key leadership roles across Port Macquarie. Justin joined The Westport Club in 2016, helping guide a team of more than 60 staff with a strong focus on gaming operations and high service standards.
His background includes senior roles at Rydges Port Macquarie—where he was part of the leadership team behind major venue developments including Zebu Bar & Grill and The Beach House—and earlier positions at iconic Sydney hotels such as the Hilton Sydney and Swiss Grand Bondi Beach. This broad experience across hotels, restaurants, and club operations underpins Justin’s commitment to delivering exceptional member and guest experiences.
Message from the CEO
“Justin has been an outstanding addition to our leadership team. His extensive hospitality experience, steady leadership, and passion for delivering quality service have strengthened our operations and our member experience. It’s a pleasure working alongside Justin and seeing the positive impact he brings to our team and our venue.”