It was the end of an era and the beginning of another at the Finley Returned Soldiers’ Club recently when Sharen Parmley decided to retire and handed over the reins as general manager to Matt Kook.
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It ends a career spanning almost 40 years at the club.
Sharen’s family purchased a farm at Lalalty around 1980, and she attended Finley High School from Year Nine and left school in 1982, first working at Taylor Whitty Solicitors one day a week in reception before becoming full-time receptionist at Millers Supermarket Warehouse (currently K&A Foods).
Sharen began work at the club in May 1985 as a casual bar steward, when Keith Morrish was the secretary/manager, and progressed over the next 39 years to full-time receptionist, office manager, operations manager and finally general manager in May 2012.
She fondly remembers the time working in the early days as a bar steward in the cocktail bar when the restaurant upstairs was fully operational.
Sharen has worked with several managers during her time, as well as many long-term and casual employees.
“During my time as manager I have been very fortunate to have a supportive Board of Directors for which I am forever grateful. President Robert ‘Snow’ Haynes and vice president John Hand have provided great guidance and support. Now deceased, Tom Lynch was also insightful and supportive, being a previous manager of the club himself,” Sharen said.
“I also belong to a management group called the Griffith CMA which consists of managers and industry representatives. This group is a knowledge base, and anyone associated with it is always available for advice and support.
“Becoming the manager of the club was initially something I felt unsure about, and didn’t have confidence in my ability to manage it. However, despite the challenges I faced, I have grown into the role and have successfully navigated the responsibilities that came with being a manager.
“Looking back, I feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in what has been achieved during my time as manager. I consider it a testament to my resilience, growth and determination in stepping up to the challenge and making a positive impact.”
Sharen has seen many changes over the years, including Victoria getting gaming machines and changes to smoking laws. Both had negative impacts on the club. Initially, the Finley RS Club had around 120 gaming machines. Today there are 41.
There have been some difficult times to contend with, including having to stand down the staff when the club was forced to close during COVID-19.
“This was likely the most difficult and emotional decision I had to make,” Sharen said. “It was a challenging time for everyone, and I had to balance the wellbeing of both the team and the club.”
However, the turnaround came with the incredible news when notification came that the club had been successful in obtaining a $250,000 grant which arrived on the same day the club reopened after the Covid closure.
The grant allowed for the first renovation of the bistro and lounge area, costing $722,000, improving the space and enhancing the experience for members.
A second renovation for the gaming area, which included separating it from the lounge, was another major milestone, costing $1,332,633.
These improvements have provided the club with distinct spaces, offering members a better and more enjoyable environment to gather, relax and socialise.
“These renovations have likely played a key role in the club’s recovery and success post-pandemic,” Sharen said.
There is no doubt there have been some difficult decisions to be made by the Board and Management during Sharen’s time at the club.
Having to close the bowling facilities was a hard but necessary move to make, both financially and socially. Some solutions were put to the bowling members; however, an agreement by both the members and management could not be reached, resulting in the closure.
Sharen has two children, Lori, who is 35 years old and Daniel who is 33. She is married to Terry Walmsley and lives in Barooga. They are the proud grandparents to three grandchildren; 6 year-old Patrick, 3 year-old Effie and Mac, who is just eight weeks old.
“We are looking forward to spending more time with our grandchildren as well as doing some travel. Plans are already under way for a trip to Vietnam and later in the year, we have booked to do the Kokoda Trek which is something I have wanted to do for some time.”
Many people have come forward to extol Sharen’s contribution to the club, including current President, Robert ‘Snow’ Haynes.
“ Having held the position of president for 18 years, I feel I can speak on behalf of all Board members when I say Sharen will be sadly missed, having chosen to step down from the position of general manager. However, I am sure the club has an excellent replacement in Matt Kook.
“Sharen has dedicated herself to the club for 39 years and has had its best interest at heart during that time.”
He said Sharen’s contribution to the success of the recent renovations was a credit to her. She has also attended many conferences and industry expos over the years to gain knowledge and experience in making decisions to the betterment of the club.
“Membership has increased, and difficult periods financially have been weathered, due to her diligence.
“It has been a pleasure working with her and I wish her and Terry much happiness in their future years together.”
Sharen’s position over the years has also shown great involvement with the Finley RSL Sub-branch.
Its treasurer, John Hand, explained the Finley Returned Soldiers Club was formed in 1955, some 70 years ago, and Sharen has served the RSC, its members and the community for 39 of those years. He described this as an outstanding record, with nearly 15 of those years as manager.
“Her support of the ex-service community is much and varied. It has included arriving at the club before dawn every Anzac Day to ensure the ‘gunfire breakfast’ is ready for those who attended the dawn service at the Memorial Park, then representing the RSC at the 11am service, as she does also for Remembrance Day each year.
“Sharen has enabled the RSL Sub-branch to significantly increase the area to display service memorabilia to the public tenfold in the last few years, and with the recent club renovations the life-size murals on the building’s exterior provide further evidence of her outstanding support of the ex-service personnel and their history.”
New general manager Matt Kook said he has appreciated the advice and guidance given to him since Sharen’s decision to retire.
“Sharen’s dedication to the club over the past four decades has been extraordinary. Her heart and soul have shaped Finley RSC, and the impact she’s had is immeasurable. I am deeply grateful for the trust she placed in me to carry on her legacy.
“What stands out most is Sharen’s unwavering support and generosity, always sharing her wisdom and guiding others with kindness and patience. Her mentorship has been invaluable, and I will carry her lessons with me.
“Sharen has an incredible ability to inspire others to be their best. Her passion, leadership and commitment set a standard of excellence that motivates everyone. I’m determined to honour that legacy and ensure the club remains a welcoming space for all.
“As Sharen steps into a well-deserved retirement with Terry and her family, I wish her nothing but joy in this new chapter. The lasting impact she’s had on the club and on all of us will never be forgotten.
“I’ll miss our conversations and the pleasure of working together. It’s an honour to continue the work she began; built on the foundation she created with such love and care.”
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