For Ian Mayer, golf has always been more than just a game. A long-time member of The Australian Golf Club in Sydney, and a serious eight-handicapper, he has used the sport he loves as a platform to make a profound difference in the lives of others.
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Over the past three decades, Mayer has helped raise an estimated $30 million for charity, with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) at the heart of his efforts.
Mayer’s philanthropic journey began at Monash Country Club more than 30 years ago. He attended what was then called the Spastic Centre Golf Day and was struck by the heartfelt words of then-CEO Rob White. “I thought, I should help these guys out,” he recalls. That conversation sparked a 30-year association that has grown into one of the most successful charity-golf initiatives in the country.
Today, Mayer chairs The Escape in Sydney and co-chairs The Retreat in Melbourne – together known as the Getaway Series. These flagship events unite media executives, corporate leaders and philanthropists in support of CPA. The two events have raised millions, while also cementing themselves as must-attend occasions that blend golf, business and philanthropy.
Alongside his charitable commitments, Mayer has been with Toyota for more than 40 years and is the co-owner and director of Chatswood Toyota. His professional success has provided a platform to give back on an extraordinary scale, and in recognition of his philanthropic work – particularly his support of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance – he has been awarded an OAM for philanthropy.
Yet Mayer is quick to deflect the spotlight. “It’s not me doing it – it’s the community,” he insists. “I’ve just been fortunate to meet generous people along the way.” That humility is part of what makes his contribution so enduring. For Mayer, golf isn’t about “networking” but about “connectivity, friendship and mateship.” He views the game as the ultimate connector – an environment where relationships are built naturally.
Milestone birthdays have even been turned into fundraising triumphs. His 60th celebration, held with his business partner and close friend ‘Looch’, raised more than $600,000. Their earlier “110th” joint party (marking Mayer’s 60th and Looch’s 50th) set the bar high, and there’s already pressure to stage a “120th” event to surpass them.
Mayer also sees strong parallels between golf and business. “Very few people can jump out of the car and play great golf. You have to prepare,” he says. “Business is exactly the same. The people who succeed are the ones who focus.”
But perhaps the clearest example of his passion is his annual commitment to CPA’s signature fundraiser, STEPtember. Each year, Mayer rallies family, friends and colleagues to support his month-long walking challenge, often logging 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day alongside his golden retriever, Bentley. Last year alone, he raised $85,000, and over time, hundreds of thousands more. To broaden participation, he even introduced a raffle for a Toyota Yaris, making it easier for everyday donors to get involved.
For Mayer, it’s never been about legacy – but his actions speak volumes. “If people remember me as a good guy who tried to help, that’s enough,” he says.
And as long as golf and community spirit continue to walk side by side each September, his impact will be felt for generations to come.
The donate to and support Ian with STEPtember, click on the links below: https://www.steptember.org.au/fundraisers/ianmayer/au-25
Click here to buy your raffle tickets to win a Toyota Yaris:
https://www.cpfundraising.org.au/raffle/yaris-raffle-2025
