Numbers No Problem for Tireless Tony

Numbers No Problem for Tireless Tony

From the very first job he ever held, right up until he relinquished his position as our Club’s Functions Coordinator, Tony Friedlieb proved himself to be a numbers man. And it comes as no surprise that a bloke, who spent so much of his time along the way looking down, became a man so many people looked up to. Sorrento was one of the beneficiaries of his numerical expertise and thoroughness as were the Commonwealth Bank, a Financial Planning Group and the Claremont Football Club.

Born in NSW, Tony started off in the bank and did postings in country towns including Albury, Wagga, Leeton and Kiama before transferring to Perth with his wife, Jan, and four kids aged under four (including boy and girl twins). In 1977 he took up a position in the bank’s computer section. At first Tony and his family lived in Victoria Park but they later moved to Duncraig where the late John Forkin introduced Tony to bowls. When offered a package in 1993 and, after completing a course, he joined a financial planning group where he stayed until 2005.

Work commitments had restricted his bowling ambitions but he returned to our Club full time on retiring. After Ian Wittber put out feelers for someone to fill a “clerical” position in 2016, Tony responded and landed the job of our Functions Coordinator.

For six valuable years Tony worked tirelessly to generate an enormous amount of revenue for our Club by organising more than a thousand functions, for birthday celebrations, hens and bucks parties, bare foot

bowls and wakes. Over the years the resultant bar trade has made a substantial contribution to our Club's income, as groups regularly book and rebook the clubhouse, greens and alfresco areas. On top of that Tony, with his vast experience, had to arrange fee payments and bond refunds as well as deal with cancellations and date changes.

But Tony is quick to point out that his task would have been impossible without the help of a handful of other dedicated participants. Bar Manager Ian Lucas and then Office Manager Pauline Marsden, Ken Giles and Ron Taylor, who looked after the bowling side of things plus the unwavering support of greenkeeper Alan McFayden all ensured a smooth operation.

Ian Lucas said it was an “absolute pleasure” to have worked with Tony. “I was continuously impressed by the organisational skills that Tony brought to the table and his unwavering dedication to the role,” Tony’s sharp skills, including his exemplary communication ensured he always exceeded customer and club expectations. Many customers conveyed what a pleasure it was to deal with him".

“Tony has always been engaging and easy to get along with and fostered many positive relationships which led to many repeat function bookings, referrals and many new club memberships. I thank Tony for his hard work and dedication that made the complex task of booking functions a very manageable process. His services will be sadly missed but he can be very proud of the contribution he has made to the Sorrento Bowling Club.”

But away from bowls, not everyone would be aware of Tony’s passion for, and involvement with, the Claremont Football Club. Not that Tony is able to sit in a stand and madly cheer on the Tigers. His involvement runs a lot deeper and, just like his days at the bank and financial