Strong governance has never been more important for licensed clubs across Australia.
From increasing compliance obligations to changing community expectations and long-term strategic planning, today’s club directors are navigating a more complex environment than ever before. Yet many directors continue to serve their clubs with limited opportunities to access practical governance support, share experiences with peers, or stay connected to emerging industry trends.
To help address this need, experienced governance advisers Geoff Wohlsen and Warren Tapp have launched the Institute of Club Directors Australia (ICD) — a new professional membership organisation designed specifically to support people involved in club governance and leadership.
The Institute has been established as a practical, collaborative forum for club directors, committee members, and governance professionals across Australia. Rather than operating as a training organisation, the ICD focuses on providing members with ongoing access to governance resources, industry insights, practical tools, webinars, and peer discussion opportunities that support better decision-making at board level.
Built by Experienced Club Governance Advisers
The Institute has been founded by Geoff Wohlsen and Warren Tapp, who together bring decades of experience working with licensed clubs and not-for-profit organisations throughout Australia through their advisory work with Club Governance.
Geoff Wohlsen is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most experienced advisers to the club and not-for-profit sector, with more than 25 years of experience assisting boards with governance, strategic direction, legal considerations, and organisational performance. Geoff holds degrees in Law and Economics and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Warren Tapp brings extensive practical and academic expertise to the Institute, holding qualifications including an MBA, LLM, and ongoing PhD studies focused on governance and leadership. Throughout his career, Warren has worked closely with clubs across Australia to strengthen board performance, governance systems, strategic planning, and director effectiveness.
Together, Geoff and Warren have assisted countless club boards through governance reviews, strategic planning processes, board performance discussions, and industry advisory services. Their combined experience provides members with access to highly practical insight grounded in real-world club operations.
A Place for Club Directors to Connect and Learn
Membership of the Institute of Club Directors Australia is designed to provide ongoing value to directors and club leaders through access to:
Governance articles, resources, templates and practical tools
Online governance videos and member-only educational content
Regular webinars and online discussions with industry leaders
Opportunities to connect with directors from clubs across Australia
Access to practical governance guidance and support
Industry updates and emerging governance insights
Annual online workshops and professional development opportunities
Recognition as a professional member with use of the post-nominal MICD
Importantly, members will also have opportunities to seek guidance from Geoff and Warren on governance questions, board challenges, and strategic issues affecting their clubs.
The Institute aims to create a collaborative environment where experienced leaders can share knowledge, strengthen governance capability, and contribute to the long-term success of clubs and the communities they support.
Exclusive Foundation Member Offer
To celebrate the launch of the Institute, the first 200 new members to join will receive a complimentary holiday voucher valued at up to $1,000 as part of the Foundation Member launch initiative.
This special offer is available to the first 200 individual members who join the Institute and is designed to recognise early supporters of this important new industry initiative.
Watch the Introduction Video
As part of the launch, Geoff Wohlsen and Warren Tapp have also recorded a special introductory video discussing:
Why the Institute was created
The challenges facing modern club boards
The importance of strong governance
What members can expect from the ICD community
Their vision for the future of club leadership in Australia
The video can be viewed alongside this article and provides further insight into the purpose and direction of the Institute.
Join the Institute of Club Directors Australia
The Institute of Club Directors Australia has been created for people who care about the future of clubs and recognise the importance of strong governance, informed leadership, and ongoing professional support.
Whether you are a current director, aspiring board member, or experienced club leader, the Institute provides a valuable opportunity to stay informed, connected, and supported within an evolving industry.
To learn more or become a Foundation Member, visit the Institute of Club Directors Australia website and secure your place among the first members of this new national governance community.
