With over 25 years of experience in the yacht club and sailing industry, Rod Austin brings a proven track record in stakeholder engagement, event management, club administration, staff leadership, and financial oversight. 

He has served as Club Manager at leading Victorian clubs, including Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, Mornington Yacht Club, Ranelagh Club, and Hobsons Bay Yacht Club. Austin has also held key operational roles with Yachting Victoria, contributing to major initiatives such as Sail Melbourne and The Boatshed.  

 When it comes to his new role as General Manager, he is hoping to have an impact on the Victorian sailing community.  

“One reason I applied for the job is I felt like I could contribute. I always want to enter a job and feel like I've improved it when I've left. One of my skills is communication and people skills. Having been in the industry since 2000, I’ve got 25 years of networking and knowledge - everything from Tackers or Dinghies to Keelboats,” he said. 

Austin is excited to be back at Albert Park Lake where he helped Yachting Victoria establish The Boatshed back in 2009.  

“Sailing’s always been my passion since I was a kid. I’m lucky to have a job that’s always been from a hobby I’m passionate about.” 

In his most recent role as General Manager of the Hobsons Bay Yacht Club in Victoria, Austin led a community club with 750 members and had a direct focus in nurturing and increasing the membership experience. During his tenure, the club was the recipient of Yacht Club of the Year in 2023 and Austin was awarded the 2023 Victorian Sports Professional of the Year by Australian Sailing.  

As he begins his role as Victorian General Manager, he will lead the Victorian office with the Victorian team consisting of Alexandra Starkova, Meg Goodfellow and Liam Whitehouse. Alexandra, Meg and Liam, all of which have a passion for sailing, will offer their technical and general support required to deliver successful programs and efficient clubs.