By RON LANE
TO USE the expression, by the community for the community, is I think, a good way of describing the Citizens Memorial Club branch, of the Tewantin Noosa RSL and Citizens Memorial Club. On 8 June 1979 when Sir Thomas Hiley K.B.E. opened the first of the major extensions of the RSL he said, “When it comes to national purpose and putting Australia first, the RSL stands like a beacon.’’
Then in 1995 the club became the RSL Citizens and Memorial Incorporated, and in 1996 the club expanded into the now existing building.
Now with the Citizens Memorial Club firmly entrenched within our community, the full meaning of these words really hits home. Under the control of a nine- person board of directors, the structure gives a good indication as to their success.
The board consists of a chairman John Favell OAM, secretary William Nock, treasurer Steve Drake and six other directors Barry Bridger, Dean Harlow, John Coert, Bruce Huntington, Peter Elmslie and William Kippen.
To ensure that the workload is evenly distributed, the board is supported by five sub committees with each being chaired by a member of the board of directors. All personnel are volunteers and some like Favell, Bridger, Harlow and Huntington have many years of loyal and dedicated service to their credit – John Favell (Finance), Barry Bridger (Building), Dean Harlow (Community Support), Bruce Huntington (Membership) and John Coert (Courtesy).
The day-to-day running of the Citizens Club, which consists of the restaurant bar and pokies is under the control of the chief executive officer Phil Stephenson. With a membership of 450 ex-servicemen, 10,200 citizens and a staff of 85 plus 5 Epic Staff, harmony is indeed a major factor.
As with all successful clubs, there are also smaller groups who work on the side and give tremendous help to the board and sub committees. In this case, they have the War Widows, Womens Auxiliary, Legacy, Laurel Club and also the Tewantin Noosa RAAF Association.
“We have just finished a very successful year, and our figures as confirmed by the auditors, gives a true indication as to our success,” John Favell said.
“Our CEO Phil Stephenson has taken the club from strength to strength with his wealth of knowledge and managerial experience.
He is supported by a team of loyal and diligent managers and hard-working staff which makes this club the success that it is.”
Further to this, Favell said, “As always, the community is one of the clubs major priorities and it did not disappoint again this year.”
For example, the figures for the 2014/’15 financial year show the club contributed $413,000 in cash and kind; up nearly $62,000 on last year.
However, if we address the figures for the last six years the club has given over $2 million in cash and kind and this is without a doubt one of the best indications as to their ongoing commitment to the community.
The hard work of the staff and the financial contribution to the community is indeed a good interpretation of the expression by the people for the people. When one reads through the names of just some of the staff, it is indeed very obvious that they are definitely our people.
Take for example Kerin Robertson, the gaming manager. Affectionately known to one and all as Skeeta, Kerin joined the staff back in 1984.
“In those days all that we had was that room,” she said pointing to what is now known as the Diggers Bar.
“That was our bar and where the steps are now was the end wall. It seems like 100 years ago,” she said with a laugh, “but boy we have come a long way since then.”
Then there is Lindy McAskill, reception supervisor. “I have been here some 21 years and it has been great.” she said. “The feeling within the club is good.” Another staffer, Julie Plant administration manager indeed has a strong local community connection. It was her father, John, who has the honour of being the foundation senior coach of the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club.
The section of the club known as the Diggers Bar and TAB is under the management of Lynn McClelland.
This lady is yet another example of local loyalty for it is now 15 years since Lynn started in the Bistro of the club, doing split shifts.
“It is a great place to work,” said Lynn, “a nice family feeling. Our bar is a meeting place for a lot of the old locals who enjoy telling stories about the old days. We also cater for sporting fraternity in this section, and as such the bar is well supported.
“You should have been here for the big Mayweather vs Pacquiao World Title fight”, she said shaking her head.
“You couldn’t move. They were standing in the stairway trying to get in.To see our local people supporting us like that makes it all worthwhile. It was billed as one of the biggest sporting events of the decade; and the Diggers Club played host for the screening.”
“Also since starting here, I have obtained my Diploma in Hospitality, courtesy of the club. It is great the way they promote the loyal staff,” she said.
In the restaurant, the head chef Dwayne Purdie started his career as a first year apprentice in the club and has now worked his way up to head chef.
For all those who visit the club for their coffee and snacks, they have Sabine Franz manager of the Coffee Shop to thank for the delightful menu.
“I have been with the club for five years and love it; and yes I do cook everything on the menu,” she said. “Cooking all the food then selling it to our customers is like feeding my own family,” she said with a beautiful smile.
“It’s a really good feeling, serving the community.”
Prior to joining the club Sabine had several years in the restaurant business in New Zealand.
Treasurer Steve Drake, OAM, points out that members of the financial staff have undergone external studies at the club’s expense to enhance their qualifications to meet the clubs growing needs. Julie Plant and Katie Young are two who have studied accountancy, and in the process have achieved high distinction.
In the annual report, chief executive officer Phil Stephenson said, “I pride myself with the fact that the entire management team have been promoted from within the existing pool of staff.” He then went on to say that, “All eighty-five staff deserves credit.”
It is also important to note that the club is an equal opportunity employer and as such employs six Epic staff who has varying disabilities.
The importance of good local staff within our community organisations cannot be emphasised enough. It is these people who leave us with a feeling of belonging, and this, in turn, draws us back thus enabling the club to continue its support of those in need.
A classic example of the community support given by the people of the Citizens Club is their contribution to the little known Shoes and Socks 4 Kids program
“With many families struggling to cover the rising cost of food, power and water, shoes are often a luxury they can’t afford.” Some children are going to school wearing thongs, or worn-out shoes held together with staples or sticky tape. Sadly for many, these are the only shoes they own.
The loyalty and work attitude of the staff of the Tewantin Noosa RSL and Citizens Memorial Club is what makes the ongoing assistance of needy children such as these a possibility. Let there be no doubt, the Citizens Club is staffed by our people for our people.
