Podcasts

Cherry Street Sports Club CEO Tere Sheehan talks about his journey from humble beginnings to leading a successful club group. He also discusses the enormous sense of pride at growing Purple Friday from a grassroots concept to a state-wide initiative, and opens up about navigating profound personal hardship.

Bowls NSW CEO Tim Rowe discusses the governance reforms he’s undertaken, the push to attract new demographics to the sport, and how he sees the roles of ClubsNSW as a peak body and its affiliated associations. He also reflects on his lifelong passion for marathon running — including Olympics aspirations — and how the passing of his beloved sister reshaped his perspective on life.

Cessnock Hospitality Group CEO Paul Cousins talks about the biggest transformation in the history of Cessnock Leagues Club. He also discusses the relationship with the local rugby league club, the Group’s amalgamation challenges, why he enjoys serving on industry boards and his passions away from work.

Club Sapphire CEO Damien Foley discusses diversification strategies, lessons learnt from previous amalgamation attempts, and the opportunities and challenges of the Club’s reliance on tourist trade. Damien also opens up about the enormous role the Club played during the 2020 Black Summer bushfires and how his late father overcoming adversity helped to shape his own outlook on life.

In this episode of the ClubLIFE Podcast, Club York CEO Angus Rimmer discusses the unique landscape of operating a registered club in Sydney’s CBD and the venue’s recent $10 million transformation. He also speaks about the key reasons behind the Club’s trading success, his early roles turning around the fortunes of struggling clubs, how he ended up rubbing shoulders with the Queen, and what it was like moving from the city to live in regional NSW as a young child.

Pittwater RSL director Julie Emerson discusses the need for club boards to increasingly comprise more diverse skillsets that better reflect the changing expectations and demographics of the community. She also speaks about the two decades she served on the former Pittwater Council, her numerous board roles, staying ahead of the game in a competitive hospitality landscape, and her semi-retired life as a cattle farmer on the state’s Mid-North Coast.

Mingara Leisure Group CEO Paul Barnett reveals the very personal thought process behind his decision to retire in the new year. He also reflects on his time taking a modest club and turning it into an iconic Central Coast destination, the lessons he’s learnt from seven amalgamation processes, and what he sees as some of the long-term challenges facing the industry.

Gosford RSL CEO Russell Cooper discusses the Club’s $50 million redevelopment and some of the major challenges they were forced to confront throughout the build — including the pandemic. He also talks about why he naturally gravitates to RSL clubs, as well as his interests away from work.

In this episode of the ClubLIFE Podcast, Revesby Workers’ Club CEO Scott Bennetts discusses the Club’s focus on diversifying profit centres in order to ensure long-term, sustainable success. Scott also opens up on his time working as Easts Group CEO under Chair Nick Politis, as well as the early part of his career navigating complex security challenges at the Hakoah Club.

As the Club Manager of the Broken Hill PCYC, Linden Cox is dedicated to supporting young people in his local community. In this episode, Linden discusses some of the confronting situations he’s dealt with in his line of work. He also reflects on what it’s like living in one of Australia’s most famous and isolated outback towns, and the gruelling period of his life chasing his dream of playing professional football.

A six-decade veteran of the club industry, Wests Illawarra CEO Danny Munk discusses his early career at Granville Bowling Club and Parramatta Leagues Club, as well as his time at Guildford Leagues, Balmain Leagues, Panthers Group and Wests Illawarra.

Coogee Legion Club CEO Kristy Strong discusses the role she’s played in reviving the fortunes of two of the most picturesque clubs in Sydney’s Eastern Beaches.

Twin Towns Services Club Director Ragina Rogers discusses her experiences joining the board of the Club as a proud Indigenous woman and how important it is to have directors from all walks of life.

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce discusses his extensive career in the emergency services sector and what it is like to lead one of the most iconic and trusted organisations in Australia, as well as the relationship between Surf Life Saving NSW and the registered club industry. He also discusses his work/life balance in such a demanding position, and away from work an unusual TV show that he refuses to miss an episode of.

Workers Lifestyle Group CEO Morgan Stewart discusses diversification strategies and navigating red tape, as well as the sage advice he received from another club CEO that transformed his perspective on working in a team. He also talks about growing up in New Zealand, serving in the armed forces and one of his more unusual hobbies…

Dedes Waterfront Group Managing Director Con Dedes talks about growing up in clubs and how his parents influenced his love of the hospitality industry. He also shares what it was like being born with a congenital heart issue, as well as how he and his wife Kerrie spend their time when they are not busy managing eight restaurants!

ClubsNSW Deputy Chair Ron Coskerie opens up about his late father and their time serving on a club board together, his rugby league career and his thoughts on the future of the registered club industry.

Peter Negus retired in 2022 after 17 years as Secretary Manager of Club North Haven — but he’s kept his finger firmly on the industry’s pulse since then. In the last episode of the ClubLIFE Podcast for 2024, he discusses the challenges facing clubs, his proudest career moments and, of course, how he earned the nickname ‘Nugget’.

Melissa Ellery and Greg Todd — the President and Secretary Manager of Coledale RSL — describe how they managed to save the beloved Club from permanent closure, with the help of their dedicated community. They also discuss the true value of volunteers, the support they’ve received from the industry and more.

Bathurst RSL CEO Peter Sargent talks about the true value of the RSL brand, the Club’s strong relationship with the Sub-Branch and their support of the veteran community. He also discusses diversification strategies and his unique hobbies outside of work.

Campbelltown Catholic Club CEO Michael Lavorato reflects on his 35 years at the Club and how the industry has evolved. He also discusses the joy of becoming a grandfather and reveals why Catholic clubs are still relevant in an increasingly secular society.

Mounties Group CEO Dale Hunt sits down with host Darren Flynn. Dale discusses his role running one of the country’s biggest club groups, as well as some of his career highlights and life away from the industry.

ClubsNSW Chair Sallianne Faulkner chats about her new role leading the Board of the peak industry body for NSW clubs, as well as her career history — which began with a very unusual role. Plus, she reveals some fun facts about her, the art of hazelnut growing and her love of animals.