Meet Dean McCarthy, the new secretary manager of the Wingham Memorial Services Club.
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Dean, who started work at the Wingham club on August 5, replaces the former secretary manager, Barry Murray, who moved on to manage the Taree Aquatic Club.
Dean calls Port Macquarie home. Much of his family lives there, and, although now working in Wingham, his home base remains in Port Macquarie. He is, though, currently searching for a granny flat or similar in Wingham to live in during the week.
I'm a country boy at heart, and Wingham still has that country charm about it. Especially when you start to get to know a lot of people.
- Dean McCarthy
"Instead of commuting every day, apart from the personal toll, I think it's important that I'm part of the community as well," Dean says, "and if I live in the area at least half of the amount I think I can become part of the community instead of just Johnny that's driving in and out."
Dean started his career in clubs as assistant manager at Port Macquarie Panthers, and a 10 year stint as assistant manager at Club Forster.
"Then I decided to have a crack at sitting in the chair and from there I moved out to Griffith Leagues Club," Dean says.
I appreciate the welcome I've been given, it's been fantastic.
From Griffith, he took up the managerial position at Nelson Bay Bowling Club. When he saw the position of secretary manager of Wingham Services Club advertised, Dean jumped at the chance, as it meant being much closer to home.
Dean is very happy to be back managing a "bush" club.
"I'm a country boy at heart, and Wingham still has that country charm about it. Especially when you start to get to know a lot of people. Everyone's saying g'day when they walk past now, which is good," he says.
"I appreciate the welcome I've been given, it's been fantastic."
Dean is finding his feet by spending time out of his office and walking around the club.
"A big part of what I need to do is get to know the members. My style of management is by walking around. I understand it doesn't happen in my office, it happens out there on our floor, and I need to make sure that our customers are being looked after the way that they need to be.
I'm just wandering around and getting a bit of a feel for the club at this stage, and it's got a lot of potential.
"That's always been my philosophy, to get out there and talk to your customers and see what's going on, because they'll soon let you know what's working and what's not working!" Dean says.
"I'm just wandering around and getting a bit of a feel for the club at this stage, and it's got a lot of potential."
Dean says the next stage in the club's development is looking at their food product. They have advertised for a new head chef, and are in the process of creating a new menu.
"I'm a strong believer that in club land the rule of thumb is if your food's good, your club's good. Not that there's anything wrong with our current offering but if we can get more bums on seats through food and what we do there, well it all bodes well for the club," Dean says.