focus_contributor.
in the F RO N T
BAR with
GEOFF C O NN O R
ALISTAIR F L O W E R
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FLOWER HOTELS
RUGBY LEAGUE ENTHUSIAST & CEO OF THE HASTINGS LEAGUE
G
eoff, you’re a well known local in the Wauchope / Hastings area, how long have you been calling Wauchope home? Well I’m not really a local, I came here when I was about 12, about 1972 I think. My family is originally from Yarrahapinni, Mum and Dad moved to Sydney for about 18 months and then relocated to Wauchope. It’s funny how the term ‘local’ has changed, once upon a time you weren’t a ‘local’ unless you were 3rd generation ha-ha. You’re known for the work you do with the Hastings League. Tell us what your role is? And how did you get involved? I started out playing footy in the league, I’ve actually played 25 seasons across a few different clubs. I went across to play for Byabarra, I was one of the senior players. I ended up as president of the Byabarra Bulls, and then I started to get involved with the Hastings League management. I’ve been a part of the management of the Hastings League since 1993, and in 2002 I took on the presidency role. The Hastings League is one of the longest standing Rugby League competitions in Australia (outside the NRL). It’s been running since 1920, and we are really proud of that. Now I’m the CEO, I
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look after the draw, making sure players are by Lank Bain. The council bought the cleared and insurances are organised, that kind sporting grounds, but they built a community of thing. committee so the community still have a say How have you seen the League change in in how it’s utilised and operated. We are the the last 20 years? middle man, they talk to us and we talk to the It’s had its ups and downs, that’s for sure. individual clubs. We help make decisions that At one stage we had up to are fair for the community. 12 or 13 sides, it’s always How do you manage a rollercoaster ride. We’ve work and family The Hastings got 9 sides at the moment around your community league is one and the competition is commitments? of the longest strong. We have recently Owning my own standing Rugby signed the Flower Hotels as business gives me the League competitions the League’s major sponsor, flexibility to do the in Australia (outside which is exciting. We are volunteer work I love. the NRL) keen to kick off a strong I own Oxley Tyres, I’ve 2022 season. chopped and changed Why do you keep careers quiet a few times. turning up after 20 years? I started out as a Mechanic, once I finished That’s a complex question ha-ha – it’s a my trade I’d had enough. I actually went on big job, though I’m very very lucky – out of to own a seafood run (hawker’s license) for a the board I think we are all life members. We while. all enjoy it, it’s a team effort. We have a few As for family, my only daughter is a young blokes coming through, so the future paramedic in the Army, I’m very proud of her, looks strong for the committee. but she is based away. Aside from your volunteer role with Lastly, what is the best thing about the the Hastings League, you are also Hastings Region? the Chairman for the Lank Bain Trust We’ve got everything at our fingertips – Committee. What’s your role there? beach, bush, hinterland. The climate is perfect, Bain Park was donated to the community there is no better place on earth.
