SPOTLIGHT ON MARK WILLIAMS

1. Your name, your club and your position.

My name is Mark Williams I am the Secretary Manager of the Maclean and District Bowling Club Co-operative Ltd.

2.What is your biggest or has been your biggest challenge with the club and your role?

I commenced employment as the Secretary Manager at this Club in May of 2014 and my biggest challenge to date has been trying to appease the long-time members who do not want change while attempting to fulfil the strategies of the Club’s Board. The difficulty in small towns is gaining the trust of all parties. My role was to increase income, decrease expenditure, reduce debt and place the Club in a position to borrow over $3,000,000 to build a motel.

3. What has been some of your achievements or highlights since being at the club?

My highlights are many but the fact that we opened a 27-room motel with a managers’ residence in March this year on one of the Club’s three bowling greens is my greatest achievement. Profits in 2014 of $149,220 included a $50,000 solar rebate and was the highest in Club history, since then profits have steadily grown-2015 $316,395; 2016 $392,003; 2017 $599,486 with 2018 looking like our best year yet. This profit in 2018 will allow expenditure on the Club house for meeting rooms and refurbishment of the bathrooms and the kitchen.

4. Is there a piece of advice, or something compelling, you have learnt that you can pass on to our readers and up and coming managers?

My advice to all up and coming managers is to network with other managers, listen to their advice, be honest with your Board, staff and members, be confident in your ability and have good work ethics. My success can be attributed to having the Boards trust.

5. Outside of the club and your role there, do you have any hobbies or passions.. tell us a bit about you?

I have had a very interesting life adapting to changing demographics. As a lighthouse-keeper (1981–1998) my wife and I moved five times in 17 years, raised three children and enjoyed several hobbies, all dependent on the location of each lighthouse. The two pastimes that survived all locations were surfing and golf. Post lighthouse service I commenced in the Club Industry at South West Rocks Country Club, then Kempsey Heights Bowling Club, prior to moving to Maclean.