By Peter Owen
HE’S just landed one of the plum jobs in Queensland golf club management but had circumstances been a little different, Dan Chandler may have become a crime fighter, following in the footsteps of his dad Mark, a police sergeant who recently retired after 30 years in the force.
Instead, Dan has just been appointed general manager of Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort – a dream job for a man who has already spent 14 years in a variety of roles at the resort.
After growing up in Victoria, and flirting with that idea of becoming a policeman, Chandler studied at TAFE and university, graduating with tertiary qualifications in business management and hospitality management.

Then he joined a Hastings St, Noosa, restaurant for a year’s work experience – and his future career was set in stone.
That experience led to a couple of years in Canada, where he worked at the spectacular Fairmont Chateau in the heart of the Banff National Park.
Perched on the shores of Lake Louise, the resort, styled after a Scottish baronial castle, provides exceptional skiing and an award-winning European-style spa all year round.
When he returned to Noosa, Chandler found work at another Hastings St restaurant, the Flying Fish, where he was later appointed manager.
Chandler joined Noosa Springs 14 years ago, firstly as food and beverage supervisor, then front of house manager and, most recently, as operations manager before being appointed to the top job.
“I know I have big shoes to fill,” he said. “It’s gratifying to also know that my work here has been appreciated and I am looking forward to helping take Noosa Springs to a new level.”
Chandler replaces Mark Brady, who retired at the end of June after 23 years at Noosa Springs.