Getting to Know Grant Easterby

ClubLIFE sat down with Grant to discuss his experience in the club industry and what he will bring to his new role. 

Q. Can you start by giving us a brief recap of your experience in the club industry? 

A. I started at Goulburn Workers Club in 1984 picking up glasses and cleaning toilets, and I have been in the industry ever since. From Goulburn, I went up to the Central Coast, then to Tamworth, and I have spent the last 30 years at Dee Why RSL — 26 of those years as CEO.

Q. Congratulations on your appointment to the ClubsNSW Board. How do you think your appointment will benefit the industry?

A. I’m hoping I’ll be able to bring strong operational experience which can help inform regulatory direction such that any changes moving forward are workable, sensible, and sustainable for clubs.

Q. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the industry at present and how should they be best approached?

A. One of our biggest challenges is the industry’s profile. We are often misunderstood, and this can manifest itself in negative perceptions as opposed to the reality of all the good that is achieved. 

Q. There has been a lot of talk about cashless gaming recently, with a handful of trials already underway. What are your thoughts about cashless gaming and what do you think the future of gaming looks like in NSW?

A. Cashless gaming is a must — but in a way that works for gamers and is akin to current cashless spending such as tap-and-go. This can be achieved seamlessly and responsibly. Customers want convenience without over-regulation.

Q. Clubs are increasingly expanding their offerings, whether it’s moving into the healthcare space or providing accommodation. What has been Dee Why RSL’s approach to diversification and what is your advice to other clubs considering new revenue streams?

A. Dee Why RSL has been pursuing diversification for over 25 years into various fields such as childcare, retirement living, ten pin bowling, laser tag, carwashes, and property. The key to diversification is not revenue but profit, and ideally to provide a much-needed asset in the local community. If the business model is meeting a demonstrated community need then it will be sustainable.

Q. Given this is the Food & Beverage edition of ClubLIFE, talk us through your approach to F&B at Dee Why RSL?

A. Quality and variety that is seen as a value offering. Our model is exceptional value for a product that is beyond the usual club market.