Effective Leadership in Emotional Environments: (30 mins + Q&A)

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In this presentation Cameron reflects on the reality that leaders are often called upon when emotions are at their most heightened—when organisations are underperforming, trust is fractured, or the stakes are deeply personal.

 

His AFL career was defined by stepping into clubs “at their lowest ebb… facing deep financial, structural and cultural issues,” and guiding them through periods where fear, frustration and uncertainty were part of daily life. Drawing on these experiences, he explores how leaders can create clarity when emotions cloud judgment, build trust when belief has eroded, and unify groups when pressure threatens to pull them apart.

 

As his bio notes, he built a reputation for “restoring belief and guiding organisations through complexity toward long‑term strength,” and he brings these lessons to life with honesty, humility and practical insight.

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Golf Club Governance State of Play in 2026 (30 mins)

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Through its work with clubs, facilities and other industry players, Golf Australia (GA) is increasingly aware of the need for good governance and the role it plays in ensuring vibrant, successful, and sustainable golf clubs. 

 

Partnering with GBAS, in 2026 the governance research was expanded to reach a national audience. Key findings from this report will be released by Damien and Nick, CEO of corporate research firm BoardSurveys and the report's joint author.

 

The session will highlight the changing challenges within Australian clubs, also examining the level of alignment present between Boards and Management.

The Key Traits of Strategic Leaders (30 mins + Q&A)

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In this presentation Ray reflects on what nearly two decades of working with more than 1,000 private clubs has taught him about leadership at its highest level. Strategic leaders, he argues, are defined by their ability to rise above the noise of day‑to‑day operations and focus on the decisions that create long‑term health and resilience.

 

As he notes, private clubs are “complex, fragile, and important,” and the leaders who succeed are those who embrace that complexity rather than shy away from it. They commit to fact‑based insight, build shared understanding, and recognise that better decisions emerge when boards, managers, and members are aligned around the same truths.

 

Ray’s own shift toward research, writing, and scalable education reflects a core strategic trait: the discipline to prioritise impact over activity. His message is clear — strategic leadership is not about doing more, but about elevating the thinking, literacy, and decision‑making of entire organisations so that healthier outcomes become predictable rather than accidental.

Board Leader Panel (45 mins + Q&A)

Margot, through her consultancy Boardroom Excellence Australia, provides governance advice, insights, training and board reviews to and for a variety of organisations including many in the sports industry.  

 

Margot will lead our governance and leadership panel, probing 3 Golf Club Chairs about their learnings, challenges, solutions adopted at their respective clubs. This interactive session will be a highlight of the Forum as real world issues are discussed. These conversations will show how Club Boards can navigate their way to better governance structures, processes and performance.

The Power of your People - Are they being nurtured to drive better outcomes?
(30 mins)

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In this session, James challenges Club Directors to take a closer look at the asset that has the greatest impact on club success: their people. Facilities and amenities matter, but it is people who shape the member experience, drive culture, and influence results every day.

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James will explore why nurturing your team is not just an HR responsibility — it is a leadership priority that belongs in the boardroom. He will connect under-investment in people to the issues clubs feel most: inconsistency, complaints, absenteeism, low morale, and reduced pride in performance.

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With practical ideas, straight talk, and a few honest reality checks, James will leave the group with simple ways to better support, develop, and recognize their people. Because when you invest in your team, they do a better job of protecting the member experience — and the future of the club.