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 – Geof Irvin
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Firstly I want to thank Wally Maker for his leadership of Clubs WA for the last 20 years.He is a hard act to follow and I will do my best to keep up his work ethic.
Working with the Clubs WA Board and staff, I look forward to continuing to advocate for our industry. 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.
Going forward, 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 and can be contacted via president@clubswa.com.au
- Metro Vice-President – Wayne Barrett
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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
- Regional Vice-President – Michelle McDonnell
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How long have you been involved with clubs, and which club are you with now?
I’ve been involved with Clubs since 2003 and have been associated with the Kellerberrin and Districts Club the entire 20 years (wow!).
What’s the best thing about being part of a club?
Clubs are the perfect place to meet new people, or reconnect with old friends. Everyone who joins a Club is looking to do the same thing – meet new people, take part in activities they’re interested in and be part of a community. Particularly in a small country town, the Club becomes the hub of the community and is a very important asset for any community to survive.
What is your professional background/work experience and how did that lead you to nominate for a role on the Clubs WA Board?
I worked in Local Government for 15+ years and after having some maternity leave, took on the Secretary/Treasurer role at the Kellerberrin and Districts Club in 2003, where I stayed for 15 years. I now work for the private sector. I nominated for the Board in 2017 as I felt that my years of experience in a country club would be able to give another insight for the Board and I am passionate about the importance of Clubs and the role they play in the community, in particular regional communities.
What advice do you have for club committee members?
Never stop learning, never stop listening to the members. Always keep up to date with what is happening within the Club community and do what is best for your members.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge for clubs and associations today and how can Clubs WA help with this?
I am very excited about the Kickstarter workshops that will be happening in regional areas. As we know, it is hard to get Club Committee members to Perth for conferences etc, due to work commitments, but by Clubs WA going out to regional areas, I hope regional clubs take advantage of these sessions. There is always something to learn to help improve your club and networking with other like clubs is always a huge benefit.
What’s the best thing on your club calendar?
The best thing on Kellerberrin Club’s calendar is the Golden Grain Bowling Carnival which takes place in the 2nd week of January each year. 132 bowlers from all over the state converge on Kellerberrin for 2 ½ days of bowls, networking and having a damn good time!
- Treasurer – Chris Richardson
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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
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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 – Margaret Thomas
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How long have you been involved with clubs, and which club are you with now?
I have always been in clubs, whether it be music, sport, or community. I am a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Lesmurdie Club, Pickering Brook Sports Club, Darling Range Hub, Mandurah Sailing Club and RSL Kalamunda.
What’s the best thing about being part of a club?
The people – mixing with people who have a similar interest, whatever that may be.
What is your professional background/work experience and how did that lead you to nominate for a role on the Clubs WA Board?
Commerce Degree with a major in Accounting and Business Management – CEO/CFO of Retirees WA which has members, 20 branches, a funeral fund, 2 aged care facilities and 18 retirement villages. Also Mayor of the City of Kalamunda – 4th term. I nominated because I think this is a very worthwhile business and I know how much clubs need the help to meet the things they need to do.
What advice do you have for club committee members?
It is hard work and you mostly feel unappreciated but you will never know how much your committee has helped people and your club, so take a breath and stick with it.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge for clubs and associations today and how can Clubs WA help with this?
Just generally giving clubs the skills and advice they need to keep going – having a place to call for assistance.
What’s the best thing on the menu at your club?
Chips
- Regional Board Member – Lesley Wiles
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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.
- Regional Board Member – Ray Mansfield
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How long have you been involved with clubs, and which club are you with now?
I have been involved with clubs for over 50 years. Firstly, joining the Narrogin Town Club in about 1965, then the Narrogin Golf Club in 1971. I served on committees at the Golf Club from about 1973 to 1978. I finished as Vice President before transferring in my employment to Perth. I joined the Willetton Sports Club in 1979 as a full member, I was a foundation member of the Willetton Bowling Club in 1985 and serving on committees for over 25 years. I was elected President of the Willetton Sports Club in 2004 and served in that role until 2009. I still maintain a connection with the Bowling Club. I have been a member of the APIWA (Australian Postal Institute) for 65 years serving, as a Director for over 12 years. I am a social member of the Boddington Sports and Community Club, the Swan Yacht Club and RAAFA Bull creek.
What’s the best thing about being part of a club?
The best thing in being a member of a club is the interaction with other members and involvement in the sports provided.
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 extensive experience in various management positions in Australia Post culminating as HR manager, retiring from this position in 2004. Whilst in the role of President of the Willetton Sports Club I was approached by the then CEO of Clubs WA to join the board. I made application and was duly elected.
What advice do you have for club committee members?
We all have different ideals in life and as a Director or committee member of any club I see the most important issues are being able to be available to members, listen to the membership, value their views, and treat everybody fairly. Communication is a must. If change is proposed make sure every affected member is aware of what it is before implementation, and to be sure you are fully aware of the history before making the change.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge for clubs and associations today and how can Clubs WA help with this?
Clubs WA is in the process of extending coverage of our Training modules to the Eastern Seaboard which will improve our financial viability, giving us the opportunity to look for other avenues to support our club membership throughout the state, and I look forward to its implementation.
What’s the best thing on your club calendar?
The biggest and best thing on the Boddington Sports and Community Club calendar is the Annual Rodeo in November where hard earned profits from all the volunteer workers are returned to community projects.
