Here at The Westport Club our dearly valued members receive many loyalty benefits, and we are so proud to share their stories. It is a pleasure to introduce two longstanding members: Shane Williams and Barbara Smith. Read on for our interviews with them, and be sure to introduce yourself next time you see them at the Club. We love seeing our loyal members spark up new friendships.
Meet Shane Williams
How long have you been a member of The Westport Club?
I have been a member of The Westport Club since I first moved to Port Macquarie ten years ago.
How often do you visit The Westport Club?
Sometimes I am at the Club up to four times a week. As I use the Club for business as well as leisure, I tend to utilise all the club has to offer (although I haven’t ventured onto the bowling greens yet!).
What are your favourite activities?
I love relaxing in Jimmy’s Bar & Lounge with a scotch and taking my daughters out to brunch at Hastings Coffee Co. at the weekend, then going for a play at Livvi’s Place.
What does the new Westport mean to you?
The new renovations are extremely refreshing. A warm welcome, trendy and relaxing bar, plus more access to the absolute best view in Port Macquarie. The renovations have made the most out of the location and venue. I had often said to my friends that Port Macquarie needed a bar that is relaxing, upmarket and welcoming – Jimmy’s is the answer.
What is your favourite new part of the Club?
The top of the list is relaxing at Jimmy’s Bar & Lounge while enjoying the best view in Port Macquarie looking over the Hastings River. Jimmy’s has an awesome range of scotches, wines and beers plus a very relaxing atmosphere. A close second is an amazing dinner at Aqua (the scallops are delicious!). Brunch at the new Hastings Coffee Co. is always special with my girls.
What is the greatest thing you have gained by becoming a The Westport Club member?
The connection with the staff at the Club is great. The front of house staff remember your name and often remember your drink order (which might mean I go in too many times?) It makes you feel like you are relaxing with friends. Additionally, the connection and community support from the ‘behind the scenes’ staff is amazing. They are always up for a chat, looking for new ways to enrich the community as well as being able to respond to most requests, sometimes at short notice.
Have you been involved in or worked to raise awareness of any community work around Port Macquarie?
In the past, I have been involved with the Hastings River District Cricket Association and this is where my real relationship with The Westport Club began. I am still involved with the Cricket Association at a club level, as well as being the Secretary for the Baggy Blues (the alumni group for past NSW Cricketers). I am also the President of the Settlement Point Progress Association which is working with council on many issues including improving the pedestrian safety issues on Settlement Point Road.
Meet Barbara Smith
How long have you been a member?
My husband Laurie and I became members as soon as we moved here, about a decade ago.
How often do you visit The Westport Club?
At least twice a month. What are your favourite activities? Having coffee and catching up with friends.
What does the new Westport mean to you?
I think the Club is a fantastic example of what a great club can do for its region. From the time you walk in, you feel part of the Club family. I feel, as a woman, I can visit the club and feel completely at home and comfortable. I love that the club contributes to the region at Christmas time as well as at other times throughout the year. Finally, I love the fact that I can go to the club and work with my laptop and be in a beautiful environment, receive great service, look at the gorgeous views and be in air conditioned comfort.
What is your favourite new part of the Club?
It is definitely a toss up between Hastings Coffee Co. and Jimmy’s Bar & Lounge – maybe Jimmy’s.
What is the greatest thing you have gained by becoming a The Westport Club member?
I love the new renovations and feel it looks more like an upmarket hotel than a club. Meeting new clients at the Club where we have extended meetings and, unlike a typical cafe where you feel like you might be in the way, this is never the case. It always feel like this is my club. I also feel very comfortable going to the Club and having a meal on my own.
Have you been involved in or worked to raise awareness of any community work around Port Macquarie?
I have been involved in the Hastings Business Women’s Network where the club has helped enormously by raising funds for the Women’s and Children’s Refuge. I have also been involved with The Salvation Army, particularly the Red Shield Appeal Breakfast which I am very much looking forward to this year.
Join us now
We love hearing about the loyalty benefits our members enjoy, and your feedback is absolutely treasured to us here at The Westport Club. Perhaps you would like to be interviewed for one of our next testimonials. Just let us know!
In the meantime, sit back and relax with a drink and a meal from our three beautiful venues: Aqua, Jimmy’s Bar & Lounge, and Hastings Coffee Co.
Absolutely everyone is welcome at The Westport Club. If you’ve never paid us a visit before, today is the perfect day to come along and enjoy the best view in Port Macquarie. As our loyal members can confirm, you will become part of our family; a home away from home. You can read more about The Westport Club Membership and benefits on offer here.
We look forward to seeing you soon.