Management News

After 14 years on the Ballina RSL Club's Board of Directors - nine as Chairman... Bob Grant is retiring.

Yes... he really is... retiring...

This is a significant event, so we've decided to break with the tradition for this edition and, instead of the Chairman's Report, we've asked Bob and his wonderful wife Nancy to reflect on a 'pretty fair innings'...

Bob, when did you and Nancy first move to Ballina?

Roughly 23 years ago... to retire... but it didn't happen!

Why did you choose Ballina?

Nancy and I made a conscious decision to retire in Ballina many years ago because both of our families live in Lismore/Ballina and we had not lived in the area since our marriage in 1954.

Where had you been living and working previously?

Mainly in Brisbane and Sydney (as a Bank Industrial Relations Manager) but we also had 5 years in Port Moresby in the transition to Self-government and Independence (1975). I was posted to Port Moresby in 1971 to localise the Commonwealth Bank staff prior to the hand-over of the bank to the first government in Papua New Guinea. We lived in Caloundra for 2 years where the family had a newsagency.

Were you associated with any other clubs prior to moving to Ballina and joining the Ballina RSL Club?

Only in Port Moresby where I served on the committee of the Aviat Sporting and Social Club for two years.

How and when did you first strike up an association with the Club?

I joined the Club at the time the Bowling Club was moving to Canal Road. The first two people I met were Ted Armstrong and Lionel O'Neill and we formed very close friendships until Lionel's death some years ago. Ted joined the Board 14 years ago at about the same time as I did. I served on the bowling committee for about 7 years, 3 of those as president.

When did you become Chairman of the Board and why did you want to take on this role?

On 25 October 1998. My peers appointed me to the position and I believed I could make a contribution to the Club's advancement.

What are some of your most memorable moments as Chairman of the Ballina RSL Club?

There are many but the one I cherish the most resulted from the demolition of the old wharf and construction of a replacement structure that allowed everyone access to the area. I went out onto the wharf one afternoon soon after the wharf had been opened and a gentleman in a wheelchair gave me a round of applause. I asked what the applause was for and was told that he had been coming to the Club for many years but had never been able to get close to the water as the old structure was not "wheelchair friendly".

What have been some of the most significant club achievements during your Chairmanship?

The purchase of Club premises from the Ballina RSL Sub Branch; demolition of and rebuilding the wharf; and the recently completed upgrade of the club's ground floor operations.

What are some of the best features of the new-look Ballina RSL Club?

The resort-style relaxing atmosphere; the accessibility of the whole of the ground floor to everyone; the extremly high quality furniture, fittings and general decor. The new cafe and the upgrading of the kitchen should please all of our members.

What kind of experiences can members and visitors enjoy in the new-look Ballina RSL Club?

I would hope that our members enjoy an experience in modern facilities that are long overdue. What has been done is for the benefit of members and our community. There are new dining and entertainment experiences... and hopefully something for everyone irrespective of age.

Why are clubs important?

Clubs offer members and their guests dining and scial experience in a relaxing, safe atmosphere. They also invest in their communities.

In what ways can community members support the club as it continues to move forward?

We have always had wonderful support from our members and the community. For the Club to progress, that support is essential.

What do you see in Ballina's future?

There is no stopping Ballina's progress. Our town has everything you could ask for. You cannot stifle development but some people do have difficulty accepting change. I would like to think the vocal minority would leap into the 21st century and leave the sustainable development of our community in the hands of those charged with such responsibilities.

Why are you retiring now?

Putting it simply... I am past my used-by date! Unlike those who cannot see the indicators, I know that now is the time and what better time to leave than on "the crest of a wave" that the upgrade of the Club has created.

Any plans for your retirement?

Spend more time with my wife (Nancy has been a "Club widow" for 14 years), do some travelling, go fishing, play bowls and hopefully read the five books that i have started but not yet finished... including Colleen McCullough's "Caesar" and Gerald Stone's "Who Killed Channel 9".

Nancy... as the Ballina RSL's "first lady" for so many years, what are some of your most memorable moments from all those official events you have attended in this role?

I have enjoyed each and every function that I have attended with Bob and we place great importance on our representational roles. Personally, I love the Lions Youth of the Year events because they make us feel so proud of the young men and women as we watch them grow in confidence and achieve so much. The Chef's Table is the highlight of the past three years. It is wonderful to see how professional our winning chefs really are.

Bob has achieved much in his role as Chairman - what are the qualities that 'maketh' the great man?

His sincerity and the fact that he "wears his heart on his sleeve" in matters relating to the club. He simply loves the club and everything about it! He takes his representational duties extremely seriously and dresses for the occasion, sometimes a little too formally in my opinion but that is the man and you will not change him. He is also generous with his time and enjoys work, possibly too much! He has only missed a handful of Board Meetings in the past 14 years and one of those absences occured when he had by-pass surgery.

What are some of the challenges that you and Bob have had to face together during his time as Chairman?

It is really difficult to outline the challenges we have faced together in the past 14 years with the Club. Many people would not see the role of a director of the Club as carrying too many responsibilities. I wish that was correct! Having witnessed at first hand some of the pressures directors have been exposed to, I would like to think that members would become more aware of just what directors do for them. I guess you learn to take the good with the bad and fortunately there are more good times than bad. You just have to get on with the job.

What are you both planning to enjoy together in the future?

Bob is a really good cook and now that we'll have some more leisure time, we will spend some of it in the kitchen. There's a rumour around Ballina that we're moving on. Totally incorrect!!! We'll be here for a long time yet!

Can we expect to see you both visiting the club regularly and keeping a healthy eye on us all??!!

We both love the Club and you can rest assured we will be spending time there. You will not keep Bob away from the place for long but I can assure you that his role will cease at this year's AGM. He will of course always be ready to offer advice if asked. We both wish the incoming Board and the Club every success for the future.

- Bob & Nancy Grant