Matt Rafton

Matt started his hospitality career working in a pub at age 16. Shortly after, he entered the licensed club industry and worked in a variety of operational roles while completing his Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Management).

In 2006 he was promoted to the position of Marketing Manager for Caboolture Sports Club, growing the membership base from 16,000 – 60,000 in just five years. He then moved into the role of Assistant Manager, overseeing operations for Caboolture Sports Club and Centenary Lakes Sports Club. During this tenure Matt was Awarded the Clubs Queensland Young Manager of the Year.

In 2013, Matt commenced in the role of General Manager – Marketing for Brisbane Racing Club, responsible for marketing of the BRC’s operations at Doomben & Eagle Farm racecourses, Gallopers Sports Club, Eagle Farm Markets and the $1.5B BRC Masterplan.

In 2015, Matt retuned to Caboolture Sports Club and led the rebranding of the organisation to CSC Group. After the acquisition of Caboolture RSL, CSC Group developed Queensland’s first greenfield community club in two decades (North Lakes Sports Club), opening in May 2017.

Matt was an integral part of the launch of North Lakes Sports Club, completing feasibility studies, community engagement, research and a marketing plan that gained more than 20,000 new members during the pre-opening and first month of operation.

In 2020, Matt Co-founded Maer Group, with a vision to share the combined experience of Maer Group, while developing the next generation of marketers. Matt now works with numerous clients across a diverse range of projects including marketing, research, strategic planning, systems, integrations and digital marketing.