Curtains Begin to Fall for Industry Stalwart

“I first got a taste of the club industry while working weekend shifts under my older brother’s management, through bar work and functions,” he explains.

“Working at a small club was demanding. Back then, you were expected to do it all — bar work, cleaning, gaming and even some minor managerial duties. There were no dedicated duty managers, and if we were lucky a supervisor would be around.”

This hands-on experience, however, would be an invaluable foundation that shaped his work ethic and, he says, speedy approach to club management.

It set him up for the next 44 years in the industry, which has included managerial roles at Leeton’s Mia Club (two-and-a-half years), Tenterfield Bowling Club (two-and-a-half years), Wingham Services Club (nine years), Griffith Exies Club (11 years) and Dubbo RSL — where he’s dedicated the final 11 years of his working life.

“Looking back, I’ve racked up 36 years of management across five clubs, a journey that has taught me a lot about leadership, boards, management, staff, community and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of hospitality,” Gus says. 

Next month, Gus farewells the NSW club industry in a full-time capacity as he begins transitioning to the next stage of his life — retirement.

“As I prepare for the next chapter, I want to leave behind a legacy of commitment, leadership and service to the hospitality and club industry,” he says.

“I want my journey to serve as an inspiration to those who follow, showing that with hard work and adaptability, regional clubs can continue to thrive.”

Gus predicts a challenging future for the industry, but nothing dissimilar to the ups and downs that clubs have faced during his working life.

“From my vantage point, the hospitality industry has changed dramatically over the years. One significant shift was the introduction of poker machines in pubs, which altered the financial dynamics of clubs,” he says.

“Despite the ups and downs, I firmly believe in the importance of clubs remaining adaptable and responsive to external pressures.”

That includes decisions affecting the long-term viability of clubs, particularly small venues, amid tough cost-of-living pressures.

“Having worked in small clubs, I understand the challenges they face, often operating on tight budgets. But the reality is, unless clubs modernise and adapt to meet members’ expectations, they risk being left behind with either closure or amalgamation to ensure some identity is kept within their community,” he says.

“As someone who has navigated some of the complexities and processes of club amalgamations, I offer this advice, don’t wait until you’re drowning in debt. Have a business plan, a strategic vision and know when to reach out for help.

“While the idea of handing over management can be difficult, especially for longstanding board members or devoted members, amalgamations are often a lifeline for clubs struggling to stay afloat — it’s not about giving up, it’s about securing your club’s future in the community.”

Dubbo RSL has proudly amalgamated with clubs both locally (North Dubbo RSL Sporties) and further afield (Wingham Services Club — Gus’s former club of nine years), ensuring the long-term survival of important community facilities.

Just last month, the Club announced $38 million plans to build a completely new Sporties precinct, encompassing a three-story club, sports field, tennis courts and car park — something which ordinarily would’ve been a pipe dream.

It forms part of Gus’s proudest achievements when he looks back at more than a decade of serving the Dubbo community.

“When asked what I’m most proud of during my tenure at Dubbo RSL Club Group, it’s hard to pick just one thing,” he says with a smile.

“But if I had to choose, I’d say it’s the diversity of the Club. We’ve continued to think outside the box and take on new opportunities, ensuring that Dubbo RSL remains a leader, not just in our region but more broadly across NSW.

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved as a team, particularly in keeping up with modern trends while retaining our Club’s unique identity.”

In January he passes on the baton to Rebecca Zaia, who has given more than three decades of service to the Club already.

“Rebecca has taken on numerous roles over the years, including HR manager and now Assistant General Manager,” says Gus.

“We’ve been working together on this transition for almost 18 months and I’m sure she will do a fantastic job leading the Club into the future.”

Gus will still be a familiar face at the Club for a while yet, as he will take on a casual role as Manager of Special Projects, overseeing amalgamations, renovations and other similar work.

But he’ll have one foot firmly on the side of retirement, as the curtains begin to be drawn on his long and distinguished career in the NSW club industry.

“I am looking forward to some well-deserved relaxation and me time. I’ve just bought a caravan, so my wife Devina and I plan to travel coast to coast,” he says.

“Beyond travel, I’m excited to spend more time with our grandchildren, work on projects in the shed — or at least make some noises — and even get back to riding that Harley, something I haven’t had much time for in recent years.”