Corporate Governance
News & updates
2024 BOARD ELECTION RESULTS
GENERAL UPDATES
Meet our Directors
PRESIDENT
Ben Hatcher
A former board member of Mollymook Golf Club, and current Mollymook SLS member, Ben Hatcher is a volunteer ethics teacher with a Bachelor of Business and Masters of Applied Finance.
Ben, owner of Taylor-Made Financial Services, operating in Milton since 2002, has worked for the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and UBS Bank. He loves the 9- and 18-hole Mollymook courses as they’re “very different” golfing experiences, and believes there’s no better way to relax than with an icy cold beer while taking in the iconic beach views.
VICE PRESIDENT
Dawn Makeham
With over 20 years in the hospitality and tourism industry, I have enjoyed a long and successful career in business management. This required the development of business plans and use of best practice models to turn ventures from underperforming mediocre businesses into thriving successful ventures.
CAPTAIN
Sean Carson
“Not only is Mollymook the best town in Australia, it has one of the best and most enjoyable golf courses in the country”, says Sean Carson, meteorologist and lead spokesperson for media and communications with the Bureau of Meteorology. With a Bachelor of Science - Physics, Sean is also a liaison officer for the Australian Defence Force; and involved with Emergency Management Australia, Rural Fire Service, and State Emergency Services.
JIM JOHNSON
I have over 25 years of experience in senior executive and board roles with large international organisations, along with 12 years as a board member of Masters Electricians Australia, a group with over 4,000 members. I hold a Master of Business from the University of Technology Sydney and a Diploma in Strategic Management from Harvard Business School.
Throughout my career, I have focused on ensuring that the organisations I represent follow their strategic goals. My analytical, leadership, and communication skills have been developed while managing successful businesses, will enable me to work well with all members of Mollymook Golf Club, regardless of membership type.
The club plays an important role in the local community and for visitors, serving as a hub for golf, dining, and social interactions. I believe every member is important, and I will advocate for their needs.
I am eager to work with other board members to achieve goals that benefit everyone. I am confident that my skills, passion, and financial background would be a valuable addition to the club's future. I look forward to hearing your ideas on how we can enhance this wonderful club together.
MARK STEWART
Mollymook Golf Club is an important economic venture and home to two great golf courses. As club members, we are responsible for maintaining these valuable community assets, ensuring we develop them sustainably for everyone's benefit. The MGC Board represents all members in this effort.
For many years, I advised CEOs and Boards on strategic development, finance, and governance, leading important transactions like takeovers and acquisitions. Recently, I have focused on educating future corporate advisers as a Professor at Macquarie University Business School, where I teach postgraduate courses, mentor academics, and review PhD theses.
Previously, I worked as an investment banker in Mergers and Acquisitions with firms like Deutsche Bank, Rand Merchant Bank, and Deloitte. My wife, Heather, and I have enjoyed family vacations on the South Coast since the late 1970s, playing at Beachside and Hilltop many times. In 1999, we bought a farm in Croobyar, moving there in 2015 after raising our family in Sydney.
As I approach retirement, I look forward to using my experience to benefit the MGC Board.
PAULINE WILSON
During my working life I obtained broad experience in a variety of fields, particularly in various areas of legal practice such as intellectual property, contract negotiation and drafting and corporate governance. My business experience includes having been the owner and manager of a number of small hospitality and printing businesses and later being responsible for the procurement of high value high risk IT and non-IT goods and services for NAB. With its unrivalled location, beauty and facilities Mollymook Golf Club and courses are unique to the area and I am proud to be able to promote and represent them to visitors and to the broader community. I love the social and collegiate aspects of our Club, the friends I have made while playing our magnificent courses and the opportunity to be outdoors to enjoy the allure of our marvellous local environment.
PETER BULL
Peter is a retired senior business executive with 23 years experience with Thales and Australian Defence Industries (ADI). Peter brings extensive experience in business leadership, strategy, and governance in the digital sector. Prior to Thales, Peter spent 12 years in the RAAF in a financial accounting role. Peter is currently also a board director with Informatech, a Canberra based ICT company. Peter enjoys the relaxed lifestyle the south coast offers and can be found weekly on the Hilltops course making up for the games of golf he missed while working too hard.
Rodney Tucker
We are so lucky to have a golf course that is comparable to the top courses in the country at our doorstep and a clubhouse that has views that others dream of. Mollymook is a great place to live’ says Rodney Tucker an Elite Cricket Panel Umpire, with over 10 years on the International Cricket Council and founding owners of Tucker and McGrath Estate Agency in Mollymook & Ulladulla.
Meet Our Management Team
John Holt
General Manager
Starting his career more than 30 years ago as a cellarman, John has a wealth of experience in senior management roles in the hospitality and club industries. He prides himself on successfully developing a progressive culture and leading a team of motivated professionals. John has been a member of the Club Managers Association since 1994.
TONIA LAVALLE
Executive Assistant to General Manager & Board of Directors
Dedicated to Mollymook Golf Club for 7 years, Tonia brings extensive experience to her role as Executive Assistant to the General Manager & Board of Directors. With a versatile background spanning across various positions within the club, Tonia acts as a strategic partner to the General Manager & Board, providing crucial support to help them fulfil their responsibilities to advance the club's core values and strategic objectives.
Barry West
HILLTOP VENUE & GOLF MANAGER
Barry has been a member of the Australian PGA for 32 years and was the first PGA Member in Australia to be accredited with the Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation. Barry is currently on the Board of Golf Management Australia NSW and was formerly on the Golf Advisory Committee to Golf NSW. Barry has managed golf clubs interstate and internationally including multiple properties in China and South Korea.
Jason Clay
BEACHSIDE VENUE Manager
With a long career in hospitality, Jason is always making sure that things are running smoothly here at Mollymook Golf Club. His knowledge and 5-star customer service skills make him a great leader and asset to the team.
KELLIE MCDONALD
Human Resource Manager
With over 20 years in people management experience, Kellie has a passion for developing positive team cultures, facilitating training and development, and a keen focus on fostering employee safety and wellbeing. Additionally, Kellie possesses a personal interest in psychology and counselling, further enriching her approach to leadership and personnel growth.