The Westport Club is passionate about community involvement in Port Macquarie and contributing to the quality of community life. It’s evident in the backing of our staff’s community engagement and through the community support we provide via our annual ClubGRANTS program.
We’re extremely proud of the active role many of our staff play, as members of local community groups, clubs and associations, and as volunteers for vital community services in our local region.
Staff Community Involvement Port Macquarie-Hastings.
We’re pleased to be amongst several local businesses to be awarded the NSW RFS Supportive Employer Award for 2019.
We chatted briefly to two of our team members, Aaron Mendham and Emily Arthur, who both volunteer as members of the NSW Rural Fire Service Mid Coast District, at the Lake Cathie Rural Fire Brigade.
Meet Aaron – Lake Cathie Fire Brigade.
Aaron Mendham has been working with The Westport Club since 2017 and has been an active volunteer with the Lake Cathie Fire Brigade within the NSW Rural Fire Service since 2012.
Aaron, what’s your role at The Westport Club and what do you enjoy most about your job?
I am the Destination ICT Support Officer for the Westport Club and have been working with the Club for 2 years now. I love being able to help and interact with the team and our members. Working with new and advanced ICT Infrastructure is always challenging but knowing it’s for the benefit of our team and ultimately for the community, it gives me a great purpose to complete the job.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from the Sydney area and moved up to the Port Macquarie region to enjoy a change of life. I have a daughter who is 2 in October, my total inspiration, and keeps me going to be able to provide for her in the best way I can.
You’re involved in the NSW Rural Fire Service, what do you do there?
I am a Deputy Captain in the Lake Cathie Rural Fire Brigade, Mid Coast District. I am a firefighter and field officer where I attend fire calls ranging from bush/grass fires, motor vehicle accidents and structure fires. The different types of fires have different tactics and putting in tactical plans to ensure that the fire is contained has always been a challenge. I have been incident controller for numerous fires and Divisional Commander for larger campaign fires in and around the district. I joined in 2012 and have been progressively upskilling, completing numerous courses since then.
Why are you involved with the Fire Service, why do you volunteer?
I have been brought up with a good community spirit to help those who need it. When I moved up to the Mid North Coast I wanted to be able to give some of my time and a mate of mine who recently joined talked me into it. Since then I have loved the work, the training and helping those who are having a rough day to make their day a bit better.
I continue my work in the Fire Brigade as our brigade is like a second family to me. They are close with me and my daughter and we all have a mutual respect for what we do, both in the Brigade, and outside.
Do you have any message for others considering volunteering, or joining a local group or club?
I’d recommend volunteering in the NSW Rural Fire Service as it’s challenging work, but really rewarding knowing you have made a positive effort back into the community.
Meet Emily – Lake Cathie Fire Brigade.
Emily Arthur joined The Westport Club team in early 2019 and has also been actively volunteering within the NSW Rural Fire Service at Lake Cathie Fire Brigade for several years.
Emily, what’s your role at The Westport Club and what do you enjoy most about your job?
I’m a Front of House Attendant at The Westport Club. The Club is like a family. They’re a supportive group who are always willing to help out in both work and social situations.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Port Macquarie taking only a short break to live in Sydney and also Canberra. I now live in Lake Cathie to be closer to the Lake Cathie Fire station but Port Macquarie will always be my home.
What does your role at Lake Cathie Rural Fire Brigade involve?
I volunteer as a Fire Fighter, and more recently have also taken on the role as the Lake Cathie Brigade Secretary.
Why are you involved with the Fire Service, why do you volunteer?
I have always enjoyed volunteering. Being able to help other people has always been a large priority in my life. The main thing that I get out of it is my second family which is the Lake Cathie Brigade members and the knowledge that I am making a positive impact on others and the local community.
Do you have any message for others considering volunteering, or joining a local group or club?
Do it. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things that you will do in your lifetime, and if you find the right group, they will be your second family.
How to get involved in your community.
- Volunteer – volunteer your time at a local community event, local community service organisation, or club. It might be a one-off annual activity, or a regular weekly or fortnightly commitment for a few hours each time.
- Share a skill – help upskill others by sharing a skill or knowledge you may have. It could be at a local school or community group, or even for local business owners and operators.
- Participate in community events – get involved in the local area by attending and participating in local events as a spectator, participant, or organiser. There’s everything from local markets, to sporting events, and community activities.
- Become a mentor – consider becoming a role model or mentor for local students or new business entrepreneurs.
- Donate – donate your time, donate your unwanted household goods and clothing, or donate financially, providing support to local groups and associations that may need your help.
Westport Club: community involvement and supporting our local area.
The Westport Club’s vision is to make a significant contribution to the quality of community life. And, we’re proud to support our staff who play an active role in the local area. We’re also proud to help fund local community services and support programs to give back to the local area.
Our annual ClubGRANTS program is an opportunity for local community groups, associations and charities to seek funding for specific projects or improvements to help them achieve their goals and objectives.
Get in touch to find out more.