Summary
The Dunsborough Country Club is a not-for-profit, incorporated association managed by a volunteer Management Committee and supported by a dedicated team of staff and sub-committees. Good governance ensures the club remains sustainable, inclusive and accountable to its members and the wider community. It allows us to make sound decisions, manage risks, and plan confidently for the future. As custodians of one of Dunsborough’s most valued community assets, the club takes its governance responsibilities seriously — aligning with regulatory requirements, best practice principles, and its own values of transparency, inclusion and community-mindedness.
Structure and Leadership
The club is led by a Management Committee made up of elected volunteer members, each serving a two-year term. Elections are held annually at the AGM, with half the committee positions declared vacant each year. The President and office bearers are appointed by the incoming committee following each election. Sub-committees support each of the club’s core sporting areas (Golf, Bowls, Croquet, Tennis, Mountain Biking, and Mind Sports), and work closely with the main committee to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and effective long-term planning. The club also employs a full-time Club Manager and several part-time and casual staff to support bar service, administration, bookkeeping, and member services.
Current Committee (as of 2024)
- Gary Davies – President (since Sept 2024)
- John Watts – Vice President
- Mike Howes – Treasurer / Tennis
- David Collins – Secretary
- Terry South – Bowls Representative
- Graeme Davies – Croquet Representative
- Ron Carmody – Golf Representative
- Stuart Herbage – Mountain Biking Representative
- Eloise Jennings – Marketing
- Kevin Lambe – Mind Sports Representative
- Kathryn Brown – Club Manager (employed Feb 2022)
Governance Principles
The Management Committee is committed to strong, ethical governance, including:
- Compliance with Regulations: The club adheres to the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 (WA), Associations Incorporation Regulations 2016, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Not-for-Profit Governance Principles.
- Constitution and By-Laws: These are regularly reviewed to ensure they reflect current needs and best practice, and are actively used to guide decisions at the committee level.
- Risk Management: A monthly risk report is prepared and reviewed by the committee, addressing key areas such as safety, financial oversight, cyber security, and operational integrity.
- Succession Planning: Efforts are ongoing to attract new committee members and volunteers, with role descriptions, onboarding materials, and governance training available to support transitions and continuity.
Strategic Planning and Oversight
The club maintains a forward-thinking approach to strategic planning to ensure long-term sustainability. In partnership with the City of Busselton, the club recently completed its Strategic Intent Review 2025–2027, developed through facilitated workshops and a member-wide survey. The review outlines key priorities for the coming three years and has been formally approved by the Management Committee. Club members can access the full document via the Members Only site: https://dcc.wildapricot.org (see Committee Minutes & Reports).
2023 Masterplan Proposals
As part of a broader community planning initiative, the City of Busselton engaged Otium Planning to develop a Masterplan for the Dunsborough & Districts Country Club. This process was conducted in close consultation with club members and local stakeholders to help inform the City’s update and re-costing of the Sport & Recreation Facilities Strategy 2020–2030. Two formal Masterplan proposals were presented to the club and are now publicly available via the City of Busselton’s Your Say website. This site will serve as the central hub for all updates relating to the Masterplan project.
Visit the City of Busselton’s Your Say website to view the proposals and stay informed.
Our Commitment
As the club evolves, so too does its governance approach. With significant projects on the horizon — including clubhouse upgrades, new sporting facilities, and a renewed marketing strategy — strong leadership and clear oversight remain essential. We are proud to be a club that not only serves the community today but is planning responsibly for tomorrow.