Clubs WA Board

Clubs WA Incorporated’s Board is made up of passionate club members from metropolitan and regional clubs across Western Australia. The Board meets every month to discuss Clubs WA’s development and the issues facing our industry.

Board Members

President – Wayne Barrett

How long have you been involved with clubs, and which club are you with now?

I have been a member with Thornlie Football & Sports Club for 42 years after joining in 1981. I was also a member with Kenwick Rotary Club for 6 years from 1995 to 2001.

What’s the best thing about being part of a club?

Definitely the people. Being involved with a sports club you meet a lot of people from within your own club and from other clubs and the camaraderie you get with others is a lifelong friendship. Also, you get to see and support those playing sports particular the young ones and it gives a sense of pride that you have had a helping hand in giving to your community.

What is your professional background/work experience and how did that lead you to nominate for a role on the Clubs WA Board?

I had a stint in the Army through National Service and was placed with the Artillery Battalion in Townsville and ended up in the field working on Long Range Ballistic movement, which was cool. After my car accident in 1974 I began work with CIG – now BOC Gases in Sales Management and gained considerable knowledge in Marketing Programs, Building and maintaining Client relationships, Sales Reports and Budgets. In 1996 through to when I retired, I ran my own business which made me the General Manager one day and the blue-collar worker the next, you learn to do all when in your own business .

What advice do you have for club committee members?

Listen to your members. You won’t always agree with them but give them time. Otherwise enjoy the time, the people, the pride in doing something for yourself and the Community. You will have ups and downs, highs and lows but that is minor in the work that you achieve for your club and its Members.

What do you believe is the biggest challenge for clubs and associations today and how can Clubs WA help with this?

I think our Kickstarter program is a great initiative and I think we are having a big impact in regional Western Australia. The program helps with all aspects of running a club from compliance through to looking after members and volunteers, and they can be really hard things to do nowadays.

What’s the best thing on your club calendar?

It has to be our ladies day, where we raise funds for the community

Metro Vice-President – Geof Irvin

I am an ex Vietnam 9th squadron serviceman. This experience has shaped my charity work and my club volunteer roles. I especially love my charity work with education support schools which includes school visits to educate these children about veterans. I appreciate these young people who are our future.

I’ve had a lot of experience with various clubs throughout WA and I understand the issues the club industry is facing both as a volunteer and from a strategic point of view.

I’d like to bring the industry together more, including hubs to help regional clubs grow and network. I’m keen to hear from your club on any feedback or ideas you may have.

Regional Vice-President – Lesley Wiles

How long have you been involved with clubs, and which club are you with now?

Two years with Clubs WA; member of Denmark Country Club.

What’s the best thing about being part of a club?

Fellowship of friends; Opportunity to offer voluntary service.

What is your professional background/work experience and how did that lead you to nominate for a role on the Clubs WA Board?

Professional: 30+ years in Recruitment: 23 years as Managing Director, of our own WA based Recruitment Company. Service Association: 12 years Perth Rotary Club; Three years National Board of Personnel Consultants; multiple community involvements.

What advice do you have for club committee members?

Understand your commitment: commit to commit!
Embrace Change: be courageous,
Let your commitment be contagious, encouraging others.

What do you believe is the biggest challenge for clubs and associations today and how can Clubs WA help with this?

Ageing demographic of non metropolitan clubs,
Poor succession planning,
Inadequate compliances: built around personalities and incumbents not processes,
Clubs are businesses: Boards need to make tough decisions and stakeholders need to recognise the challenges rather than revert to, “ we have always done it this way”. Tradition needs to be celebrated not used as a rationale,
Achieving a balance between the Business of the Club and the expectations of the member stakeholders.
The opportunity for training across all these areas is huge: it is something Clubs WA needs to review

What’s the best thing on your club calendar?

The Denmark Golf Classic, run by the Golf Section Sub Committee: it attracts over 240 people from across the State playing three days in February. It epitomises regional hospitality and life style, thoroughly supported by Denmark businesses and community.

Treasurer – Chris Richardson

How long have you been involved with clubs, and which club are you with now?

I have been involved with club (licensed venues) committees since the 1980’s. I was on the committee of the Dalkeith Nedlands Bowling Club from 2002-2019. Currently I am involved with the Katanning Club Inc and Broomehill Bowling Club.

What’s the best thing about being part of a club?

For me, in a word, comradery. In many of the small rural communities within WA, the local club is the social hub of the district especially in communities that do not have a hotel or tavern.

What is your professional background/work experience and how did that lead you to nominate for a role on the Clubs WA Board?

I have an agricultural background however I also spent 20 years in Perth in an administration business with an agricultural focus. I have more than 30 years experience as a company director and also experience with WA Government bodies – The Agriculture Protection Board and the WA Biosecurity Council.

What advice do you have for club committee members?

I believe first and foremost committee members need to be aware of their responsibilities as a committee person, be prepared to ask questions on matters they are unsure of and to have a good understanding of the club financials.

What do you believe is the biggest challenge for clubs and associations today and how can Clubs WA help with this?

Recent times have been particularly challenging for Clubs WA, as it has been for many clubs. Looking to the future I believe that the focus of Clubs WA on matters of planning, good governance and committee member training will prove to be very beneficial for many clubs.

What’s the best thing on the menu at your club?

Friday afternoon bush chooks.

Metro Board Member – David Whitby

How long have you been involved with clubs, and which club are you with now?

My involvement with Clubs dates back to the early 1970’s when I was seconded as treasurer for a semi-professional soccer club. I took on various roles, mainly treasurer due to working in a Bank, which included junior football clubs and country golf clubs. I am currently with Lakelands Country Club in Gnangara having just spent 8 years in various Board positions with the last 4 years as President.

What’s the best thing about being part of a club?

I find that camaraderie is probably the most significant benefit of being a member of a club.

What is your professional background/work experience and how did that lead you to nominate for a role on the Clubs WA Board?

My career extended over 40 years in the finance industry, namely Banking. I held senior executive positions within WA, interstate and overseas.

What advice do you have for club committee members?

Naturally honesty and integrity are a given, but I believe having an open and enquiring mind is equally important. Depending upon the size and structure of the Club, Board members should have a long term strategic focus and try not to become involved in the day to day operations.

What do you believe is the biggest challenge for clubs and associations today and how can Clubs WA help with this?

All aspects of membership, including growth in members, retention, benefits and engagement.

What’s the best thing on your club calendar?

There are two major golfing events which define Lakeland Country Club and they are Australia Day and ANZAC Day. They are recognised as being the most significant event in which to participate.

Metro Board Member – Matt Stiller: More info coming soon.

Regional Board Member – Rob O’Connell: More info coming soon.