STRONGER BOARDS START WITH STRONGER DIRECTORS
Across Australia, licensed clubs are navigating an increasingly complex governance environment.
Directors today are expected to balance strategic planning, financial oversight, compliance obligations, risk management, community expectations and long-term sustainability—all while serving in roles that are often voluntary.
Yet despite the significance of these responsibilities, many club directors have limited access to ongoing governance support once they join a board. Opportunities to discuss real governance issues with experienced advisers or fellow directors can be difficult to find, leaving many boards to tackle increasingly complex challenges in isolation.
Recognising this gap, experienced governance advisers Geoff Wohlsen and Warren Tapp have established the Institute of Club Directors Australia (ICD)—a professional membership organisation created exclusively for people involved in club governance.
Rather than delivering formal director training, the Institute has been developed as an ongoing resource where club directors can continue learning, remain informed and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of governing member-based organisations.
Supporting Better Governance
Every successful club relies on effective governance.
Good governance isn’t simply about compliance. It influences organisational culture, financial sustainability, strategic decision-making and ultimately the long-term success of the club and the community it serves.
The Institute has been designed to help directors strengthen these capabilities by providing practical information that can be applied immediately within the boardroom.
Members gain access to governance articles, practical resources, templates, webinars, governance updates and educational material developed specifically for Australia’s licensed club sector.
Importantly, the focus is on practical guidance rather than theory—helping directors make more informed decisions with confidence.
Built on Decades of Industry Experience
The Institute draws on the extensive governance experience of its founders.
Geoff Wohlsen has spent more than twenty-five years advising licensed clubs and not-for-profit organisations throughout Australia. With qualifications in Law and Economics and membership of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Geoff has worked alongside countless boards on governance, strategy, legal responsibilities and organisational performance.
Warren Tapp complements this experience with an MBA, Master of Laws and ongoing doctoral research examining governance and leadership. Throughout his career, Warren has assisted clubs across Australia to improve governance systems, strengthen board effectiveness and support strategic planning.
Together, they have worked with hundreds of club boards and understand the real issues directors face every day.
That practical understanding sits at the heart of the Institute.
More Than Information
Membership is designed to provide ongoing professional support throughout a director’s governance journey.
Benefits include:
- Practical governance articles and resources
- Board templates and governance tools
- Exclusive webinars and online discussions
- Industry news and governance updates
- Access to experienced governance advisers
- Opportunities to connect with directors from clubs across Australia
- Annual online governance workshops
- Professional recognition through the post-nominal MICD
The Institute also encourages collaboration between members, creating opportunities for directors to share ideas, discuss governance challenges and learn from one another’s experiences.
An Invitation to Australia’s Club Leaders
Whether you’re an experienced board member, a newly appointed director or someone preparing to take on a governance role, the Institute has been created to support your ongoing development.
As the governance landscape continues to evolve, staying connected to current thinking, practical resources and experienced advisers has never been more valuable.
To celebrate the launch of the Institute, the first 200 Foundation Members will receive a complimentary holiday voucher valued at up to $1,000, recognising those who join during the inaugural membership campaign.
Geoff Wohlsen and Warren Tapp have also recorded an introductory video explaining why the Institute was created, the governance challenges facing modern club boards and their vision for supporting directors across Australia.
If you’re committed to stronger governance and better outcomes for your club, now is the ideal time to become part of Australia’s newest professional community for club directors.
Learn more or become a Foundation Member today:
https://instituteofclubdirectors.com.au/join/
