Congratulations to Nerang RSL staff member and Army veteran Chris Silvester who was recently acknowledged by the Australian Government.

Chris received a letter of appreciation from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and a Veteran Lapel Pin to thank him for his service and sacrifice for our nation as part of the Australian Defence Force.

On behalf of the Nerang RSL we would also like to thank Chris for his service to our country and are pleased to see him receive this important recognition.

We are proud to profile Chris in the March Stentorian, not only to acknowledge his service to our country but also to our Nerang RSL family.

How long have you been working at Nerang RSL and can you share a little about your role at the club?

I will have been working at Nerang RSL for four years in June. I drive the courtesy bus, which runs every hour, and during busy periods I also clear glasses or work behind reception, offering a helping hand when it is busy.

What do you enjoy most about working at the Nerang RSL?

Everything! The job, the staff, the managers. It is a great job – in fact, it is the best job I’ve ever had. I love working at Nerang RSL, meeting everyone and getting to know the members.

You were just honoured as an Army Veteran – congratulations. what does this mean to you?

Thank you. It means a great deal! I have the Pin now, which is an honour to wear and, really, it is just such an honour to be acknowledged.

What has been a highlight from your time at the club?

I have quite a few. I just love meeting everyone – the staff and the members – the learning about all the different areas of the club. I just love everything.

As an Army Veteran yourself, how do you recommend active defence force personnel and Army Veterans get involved at Nerang RSL?

I’d say helping out at the Sub-Branch and getting involved on ANZAC Day.

What are you likely doing when you’re not at the Nerang RSL?

I don’t do much, just relax at home and spend time with my wife, going out for coffee or shopping. We just like to enjoy each other’s company.

Tell us a little about your role at Nerang RSL?

I am the club’s apprentice chef! This basically means my job is to learn how to cook everything – from starters, mains right through to desserts!

Have you always wanted to be a chef?

Yes! I’ve always had a passion for cooking. As a kid my mum was never much of a cook and while she did provide my brother and I with some very funny stories, neither of us looked forward to dinner time. We both took it upon ourselves to learn a little about cooking and it wasn’t long before we’d taken over cooking right for the family. I’ve always had the desire to learn new things and travel and so I figured the best way to satisfy both was to get a job that could take me around the world while giving me a nonstop amount of things to learn.

What is your favourite cuisine to cook?

Despite not having much experience or training in it, I actually really enjoy cooking and preparing Japanese cuisine! From sashimi to sushi, I find their love and respect for the food is like no other.

What do you like most about your job?

During my apprenticeship I’ve worked in a handful of kitchens, learning off a handful of both sous and head chefs and no one compares to Jason and the club’s sous chefs. The wealth of knowledge they have and passion for cooking is incredible and I’m so excited to be learning from the best!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my free time I’m either sleeping, reading or trying to get better at all aspects of life in the kitchen!

What is something on your bucket list that you’d like to achieve in your lifetime?

I have always wanted to travel the world and experience life in other cultures while learning to cook their food and live like them. Being a chef and with the expert guidance of Jason and the team here I believe I’ll have the knowledge and confidence to do just that after I finish my apprenticeship.

CONGRATULATIONS to Nerang RSL Functions Coordinator Kerry Muldoon, Functions Supervisor Michael Delforce and our Functions Team who were recently awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Wedding Venue – Licensed Club Category at the recently held 2019 Brides Choice Awards!

The awards were held at the Marriot in Surfers Paradise and recognise, support and reward those who work tirelessly to bring to life those special days for so many.

Open to wedding businesses across regional areas of Australia, the awards recognise businesses that have ‘excelled and exceeded’ the expectation of their Brides and have become a significant platform for Brides, to help them select a team to collaborate with and deliver their dream wedding.

We’re extremely proud of our Functions Team at Nerang RSL who work tirelessly across a myriad of functions and events and we’re honoured to profile some of our team members in the January Stentorian

GEOFF MULLIGAN

Q) How did you get into the functions and events industry and did you always have an interest in this industry?
“I actually fell into the functions and events industry by accident. I was helping our functions coordinator Kerry and saw I had a flare for looking after customers and setting up event spaces, so it took off from there! I’ve been at the Nerang RSL for five years now.”

Q) You’re quite creative – can you share a little about this?
“I like to create centre pieces and features to be used at events or functions we hold at the Nerang RSL. One of the things I most enjoy is creating videos for our events, like our recent Faulty Towers function. I created a video which projected onto the walls and displayed visuals of windows and the English country to give the feel that we were looking out into the countryside. It’s great
fun to create and it adds to the atmosphere at a function or event.”

Q) What is one of your favourite functions or events you’ve worked on at the Nerang RSL?
“I really enjoyed the events we held for Pink Ribbon – I remember one year I did a drag number and the next year we got a number of staff members together to dance and film a music video, all in support of raising awareness for a great cause.”

Q) What do you most enjoy about being part of the functions team?
“We’ve got a great Functions Team at the Nerang RSL who really know what they’re doing. We’re all very supportive of each other and everyone is really hands on and ready to put in the hard work. The team I work with are great and I really enjoy being a part of it.”

JOANNE CALDWELL

Q) What is one of your favourite things about working in the Functions and Events industry?
“I love seeing the function or event come together – you essentially start with a blank canvas and it’s so satisfying to watch it evolve through the stages and look absolutely amazing when guests walk through the doors.”

Q) Can you share a little about the events and functions process at Nerang RSL and what are some of your key tasks as part of the functions team?
“Kerry, Michael and Gennie liaise with our customers and identify their requirements for each wedding, event or function. From there, the team works with the customer to plan and create the visions for the specific event. The functions team then sets up the event and there’s usually a graphic or a visual from which we work off in order to bring the vision to life in the event space. As part of this, some of my key tasks include setting up the event and packing down to serving behind the bar and waitressing.”

Q) What’s it like to be part of the functions team at the Nerang RSL?
“It’s a very supportive team and we have some great fun. I absolutely love being part of the functions team and working at the Nerang RSL.”

Q) Is there an event or function you’ve worked on at the Nerang RSL that stands out to you?
“Absolutely! I love working at our Faulty Towers functions… they’re extremely funny and everyone has a great night.”

REANNA NOON

Q) How long have you worked at Nerang RSL and what’s your role as part of the functions team?
“I started working at Nerang RSL at the start of 2018, just after U finished my final year of schooling. Kerry took me on board and I’ve really enjoyed working as part of the team at Nerang RSL ever since. Lately, I’ve been given the opportunity to be in charge of functions a little more and my tasks include anything and everything! I help set up event and function rooms, call service when it’s time to bring the food out and I also waitress, work behind the bar and help with the cleaning and housekeeping side of events.”

Q) Have you always been interested in this industry and how did you get into it?
“Working as part of the functions team at Nerang RSL is my first proper job so it’s quite different to anything im used to and is a really diverse job, which is great. I love being able to work across a different range of events from weddings and birthdays to work parties. There’s so much variety in this role and working in the functions and events industry is something I’ve recommended to other people!”

Q) Is there a task you enjoy most as part of your role at Nerang RSL?
“I enjoy most aspects, but do really enjoy bar tending. I had always wanted to get my RSA so once I had my qualifications it was great to get behind the bar and learn how to do everything. It’s lots of fun and I really enjoy working at the RSL – it’s provided me with lots of opportunities to meet new people and the team is fantastic to work alongside.”

Q) If you could work at any function or event across the globe, what would it be?
“I did recently watch the wedding of Married at First Sight couple Jules and Cam, and it looked absolutely amazing. I think it would be great fun to work on large scale weddings!”

Q) How did you come across the Nerang RSL and can you share a bit about yourself?

“I was fortunate to hear about the Nerang RSL and the opportunity for a job due to a mutual good friend who already worked at the club. They encouraged me for some time to make a move as I had been a stay at home parent for over 12 years prior – I’ve been employed at the Nerang RSL for around 14 months now and really enjoy it. I have a work experience background in the industry
having completed an Associate Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management at TAFE in Sydney back many moons ago, when I finished my final schooling (I won’t mention the year). I initially started work at the Epping Club in Sydney, which was my home town growing up, as the Gaming and Safe Supervisor and moved on to working on the table games at the Sydney Harbour Casino when it first opened (this was where I met my partner for life, Michael!). I also went on over the next 20 years to work in the tourism industry expanding my work experience at other major
organisations including Flight Centre and Virgin Airlines. I have now come full circle in my career and am back in the RSL community here at Nerang and loving it.

Q) Can you share a little about your role at Nerang RSL?

“I absolutely love my new role at the Nerang RSL as a Gaming Attendant and have realised since working here, that it is a very community oriented place to work. I assist members and visitors on the floor with gaming payouts, poker machine questions, beverage and food orders (and exceptional customer service of course!). I love to ensure each and every member feels welcomed and has a positive and memorable experience at our Club.”

Q) What are some of the promotions held in the Gaming Lounge at Nerang RSL?

“We have a variety of promotions ongoing and new ones that come up throughout the year. We have daily promotions during the week such as pick a box, our Members Draw, raffles and funny money as well as larger promotions which I have seen being a $10k giveaway and also a Car giveaway. These days and nights are a huge success and attract large crowds to the Club.”

Q) What is one of your favourite memories or a highlight of your time at the Nerang RSL?

“There is always a wonderful mix of people to work alongside of and so many amazing people and members to meet – it has been eye opening and so rewarding coming back to work after so many years. I also recently experienced the Remembrance Day ceremony at the club which was extremely moving. Some of my family members have previously served in the Armed Services, so it was nice to see everyone come together on the day.”

Q) What are you likely doing when you’re not at the RSL?

“Having my three kids, Christian 13, Georgia 10 and Hannah 9, I am kept exceptionally busy with appointments. Most of my spare time is looking after and making sure they are resilient, happy and content. My elder two kids have a rare condition called Usher Syndrome – they were born profoundly deaf and are now living with the progressive eye condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), ultimately causing very fast vision loss. Our life as parents now focuses on giving them the best opportunities before their vision deteriorates more. they have never travelled so we have a good looking bucket list for them. My two eldest are now classified as legally blind having only 10 degrees peripheral vision. Unfortunate yes, but most days we try to look forward, despite the obstacles, look to the positive and always have a very “can do” attitude. You’ll see that in my smile and happy spirit every day at the Club.”

Q) Do you have any hobbies or talents that your colleagues don’t know about?

“Being a mum to three young children, with the kids having so many talents themselves and extra challenges, I find myself as the typical mum running them around like a taxi driver when I am not working. My special talent is juggling all three with their school and extracurricular activities and affording to pay for it all. Thus a big reason for returning back to work. Haha!”

Q) How long have you been working at Nerang RSL and can you share a little about your role?

“I’ve been working at the Nerang RSL for just over four years now and absolutely love it. I’m a Senior Steward in the 4211 Café and work upstairs as a Senior Steward in the restaurant of an evening. I work under our Head Chef, Jason, and from his direction, look after the cafe and make sure everything’s running to plan!”

Q) Have you always had a passion for the hospitality industry?

“When I was younger I travelled quite a lot with my dad, which meant I got to experience a lot of different hotels and restaurants. I loved it and thought I’d like to be involved in the hospitality industry one day, so when I left school I worked in hotels for a few years and it evolved from there. I really enjoy my role at the Nerang RSL and I work with a great bunch of people which makes it even better!”

Q) You recently travelled to Sydney for a food and wine festival to get inspiration for the new 4211 café menu – can you share a little about this?

“I went to a food and wine festival in Sydney for the day with Head Chef Jason, to test a whole range of food and get some inspiration for the new 4211 café menu. It was a fantastic day
and Jason and I were able to bounce ideas off each other and learn about different products. It was really eye-opening and we walked away with some great ideas for the new menu.”

Q) What are some of the key aspects to consider when creating a new menu?

“There are a lot of things to consider when creating a new menu, but for our 4211 Café, we definitely focussed on incorporating dishes that we’re able to produce efficiently using the equipment that we have. It’s not only important that we’re able to cook a nice dish, but also to ensure we can deliver the food on time especially on our busy nights. Another aspect to consider is clientele – it is very important to be practical as not every dish will appeal to every person.”

Q) What is one of your favourite dishes on the new menu and why?

“I have lots of favourites! But I’d have to say the Karaage Chicken Sliders. They were special on our menu a few months ago and our guests absolutely loved them, so we’ve kept them on the menu. It’s just a tasty dish overall and the three sliders are the perfect amount – not too much, but enough to fill you up!”

Q) When you’re not at the RSL, what are you likely doing?

“I enjoy fitness and I’ve run a few half marathons, so I’m usually out running! I also really enjoy spending time with my family and we usually like to visit different restaurants, especially tapas restaurants, or visit gin bars and just enjoy time as a family.”

Q) Can you tell us about your role at the Nerang RSL?

“I started at Nerang RSL as a casual gaming attendant and after a few lucky breaks, good timing and some external studying I progressed to Gaming Co-ordinator, and, just last month I celebrated
my 20th anniversary at the Club! My role as Gaming Coordinator is to ensure the Club has all the latest gaming products like Gaming machines, Keno, Bingo and TAB. I also ensure the Nerang
RSL meets all compliance and Responsible Gambling Rules – the Club has actually been inducted into Clubs Queensland’s Hall of Fame for Responsible Gambling, which is a positive aspect for our
Club.”

Q) You’ve been at Nerang RSL for 20 years – you must have seen a lot of changes around the club including to the Gaming area, can you tell us about this?

“In my time at the Nerang RSL, I have seen three major renovations, with the Club more than doubling in size. One of the biggest changes I have seen is the technology implemented at the Club,
which has enabled guests to do everything from order meals on an IPAD, play Bingo without using a dobber on a PET9 Bingo tablet and place bets on the Melbourne Cup without filling out a ticket, to checking KENO ticket on self serve terminals and use membership cards to collect and transfer money between machines in our Gaming room.”

Q) What’s one of your favourite things that the Nerang RSL does as a Club?

“Being a big sports fan I really enjoy the fundraising the Nerang RSL does for the Men of League Foundation. The Club regularly holds ‘Big Talk’ nights which are an opportunity for the community
to come together to support the Foundation, enjoy a BBQ and listen to a range of guest speakers across the Big Talk events. Everyone is always welcome and it’s a lot of fun, all while raising money for a great cause.”

Q) What is some of the training yourself and staff members have to undertake to ensure the Responsible Service of Gaming?

“All staff have completed their Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Service of Gambling courses. The Club’s Venue managers are also trained Customer Liason Officers, to assist members with responsible gambling concerns.”

Q) What are some of the most exciting prizes the Nerang RSL has given away?

“We’ve given away many great and varied prizes at the Nerang RSL including cars, holidays, boats, a Harley Davidson … and everyone’s favourite, cash!”

Q) What do you enjoy most about working at the Nerang RSL?

“I grew up in a small country town in Northern NSW, where my father was the President of the local Club. The Club was the social hub of the town, so when I moved to the Gold Coast I looked forward to joining something similar. To me, the Nerang RSL has a real village feeling and when you hear the words “I will see you at the Club,” you know exactly what they mean. The Nerang RSL is a very welcoming club with a fantastic environment, so it’s great to be a part of that.”

Q) How did you come across the Nerang RSL and what is your role?

“I was a member of the Nerang RSL and each time I visited the RSL, the staff were so nice and welcoming, and always seemed to be having lots of fun. I really wanted to be part of it and threw in my day job …and the rest is history! I’ve worked at the Club for three and a half years now and I absolutely love it. I’m the Gaming Supervisor, which involves hosting our members, overseeing staff, keeping up to date with new machines and the promotions we’re running, as well as staff training.”

Q) What is a highlight across your time at the Nerang RSL?

“Being a part of the Nerang RSL family. I really enjoy working with the team at the RSL and interacting with our members and guests, it’s simply a great atmosphere. It’s a fantastic community to be a part of and the Club is truly like family.”

Q) Your husband-to-be, Brad, owns local business Catts Purrfect Painting and Carpentry and often lends a hand at the Nerang RSL. Can you tell us about this?

“Brad is the Club’s go-to-guy for everything painting and carpentry! He’s helped with everything from patching holes and re-painting the entire Club, to replacing doors and basically brings out the tools for anything that requires maintenance at the RSL.”

Q) You’ve recently become a grandparent. Congratulations and what are you enjoying most?

“Thank you! Yes, I became a grandparent three months ago. We just love his little smile and it’s nice to go through the baby phase again but also to be able to hand him back, and not have to do all of the hard work!” laughed Justine.

Q) Do you have a favourite dish on the menu at Nerang RSL?

“The Nachos in the Café is one of my favourite go-to options.”

Q) You’ve started planning for this year’s Gold Coast Christmas Light Competition and have made the Top 10 in previous years. Can you tell us about this?

“We’ve entered the Gold Coast Christmas Light Competition since 2012 and absolutely love it; it’s always a bit of fun. There’s a lot of planning that goes into it – we decorate the entire house so, at the moment, we’re deciding what to include in the design. It’s then a matter of pulling out all of the equipment to see what we already have and what we’re going to add to give it a new WOW factor. It’s great to see the community come together to enjoy the displays and Brad’s a big kid at heart, so he loves it.”

Our Senior Steward and all-round superstar, Bianca Daley, was the first employee at Nerang RSL and Memorial Club to be awarded an exclusive scholarship on the back of a recent partnership between Nerang RSL and Australia’s leading university, Bond University, to offer an exciting new scholarship program to its indigenous employees.

The collaboration sees a Nerang RSL indigenous staff member awarded a scholarship on a bi-annual basis, allowing the employee to further excel their career and expertise while continuing to work at the Club.

Having worked across various departments at Nerang RSL for five years, Biancas dedication, commitment and exceptional work ethic prompted the Nerang RSL to explore the scholarship opportunity.

Commencing her Diploma in Business Management in January, Bianca has now reached the six month mark and we caught up with her to chat all-things university, Nerang RSL and more!

Q) How did you first come across Nerang RSL and can you tell us about your roles across your time at the RSL?

“My friend told me about a food and beverage position that was going at Nerang RSL and at the time I was looking for a job so I decided to apply. I got a call a couple of months later, around the time of renovations at the club, and I was asked to come in for an interview. I went in for the interview and within a couple of hours I’d landed the job and started as a waiter upstairs at the Club. Five years later and I’ve worked across various departments including in the café and I’ve been promoted to a Senior Steward position which involves running the café and
making sure all is going to plan!”

Q) You’re in your second semester at Bond University studying a Diploma in Business Management. How is university life treating you, tell us about it!?

“My first semester was a rollercoaster and trying to find balance and consistency was quite a challenge. I got through the semester however and was very proud of myself and now I’m in my second semester and have definitely found balance and consistency> Bond University is such a beautiful place to study and I’m very much enjoying my time!”

Q) What’s it like juggling university and your role at Nerang RSL?

“The support I receive from both Nerang RSL and Bond University is fantastic. If there’s ever a time where I need to be at uni but I’m also working, the RSL is very flexible and encouraging when juggling my university and work schedule. I feel very supported by the Nerang RSL and this support even extends to my assessments – if I ever need an audience to practice a presentation in front of, I know I can always count on the team!

I have a great support network at Bond University as well – I see my tutor twice a week and she helps guide me in terms of completing homework and assessments, to making sure I’m on track with my grades. I feel very supported all round!”

Q) What are you most enjoying about your program?

“Studying a Diploma in Business Management has allowed me to delve into the theory of business and it’s fantastic that I’ve been able to, and continue to, develop my knowledge and understanding to accompany my practical skill set. I really love working at Nerang RSL and am looking forward to continuing to apply my skills, as well as bringing a new skill set
and my new learnings to the workplace.

I’d love to progress into a management position at Nerang RSL and with the renovations at the club nearing including a hotel, it opens up a whole range of possibilities. I’m open to opportunities and excited as to what lies ahead!”

Q) Do you have any special talents, hobbies or interests?

“I used to play soccer and am still really passionate about it!”

Q) When you’re not working or studying, what are you likely doing?

“You’ll usually find me hanging out with my best friends and having lunch, going to one of their houses to have some drinks and catch up, or simply at home relaxing!”

A passion for food and crafting ‘delicious dishes’ is what inspired Nerang RSL and Memorial Club’s Anastasia Romans (Ana) to pursue a career within the kitchen, and last month
the budding chef ’s dreams became a reality, as she completed her full-time apprenticeship in Commercial Cookery.

As the first ever apprentice to complete the extensive course at Nerang RSL, Ana will be recognised at the upcoming International Women’s Day morning tea at the Club.

Ana first stepped foot into the Nerang RSL five years ago, as a School Based Trainee ready to study a Certificate III in Hospitality, but she soon realised that ‘the kitchen’ was calling her name and she couldn’t ignore her prevailing passion for food – so she made the switch to study  Certificate III in Commercial Cookery!

In addition to her one-day a week work place commitment at the club, Ana started picking up extra shifts in the kitchen and with her passion growing by the day – she took the leap as a
full-time apprentice in 2016.

The long hours of study and hard work has certainly paid off for Ana, and she’s ecstatic to have reached the special milestone while also feeling humbled by the support of the Nerang RSL.

‘After three years of study and work, I’m very happy to have completed my apprenticeship and its been great to have the support of Nerang RSL ever since stepping through the doors of the club five years ago,” she said.

“I love being part of a team which is genuinely interested in helping me progress my passion and achieve my goals. It has made for a very positive environment, and, a workplace that I was excited to come back to each shift.

“I feel very lucky to have been guided by Nerang RSL Head Chef, Jason Blond, who has played a large part in my journey at the club. Jason has been extremely supportive and I’ve been able to ask questions, gain insight and learn first-hand from an established chef who believes in my passion and has pushed me to chase my dreams.

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity and look forward to celebrating my apprenticeship with the team at the presentation morning that the club is putting on for me on International Women’s Day.”

Ana said she has enjoyed every moment of her apprenticeship, from the peaks to the challenges, and is excited for what the future holds.

“Whether learning about standards of cookery and hygiene to applying my learning from my book studies and implementing my skill set when working at the club, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience,” she said.

“What stood out to me was the ability to be hands on throughout my apprenticeship. Jason frequently asked me to come up with dishes and provide input into the menu which gave me the opportunity to learn how to make a range of new dishes and gain greater knowledge about different foods.

“My apprenticeship has reinforced my passion for food and cooking and it’s a fantastic feeling to know my hard work has paid off. This qualification has put me in good stead to progress my career, chase opportunities, continue learning and even open up doors to travel which is definitely on my bucket list.”

Nerang RSL Head Chef, Jason Blond, said he’s very humbled by Ana’s display of passion and dedication and is proud to see her accomplish the milestone.

“Ana’s become a part of the Nerang RSL family so it’s very rewarding to see her reach this milestone and I feel humbled to have played a part in guiding and teaching her throughout
her journey to completing her apprenticeship,” he said.

“Ana’s been able to get involved in many opportunities as part of her apprenticeship at Nerang RSL that other places often don’t offer. She’s been very proactive in creating dishes for our menu and providing input and suggestions across the club which is great to see.”

Having been in the industry for 29 years himself, Jason said it’s exciting to know there are budding chefs like Ana who want to learn and make their mark within the industry.

“A lot of apprentices often come and go, so it’s one thing to get individuals to start apprenticeships but another to see them complete it. It’s a tough industry with long hours so you need to be passionate, dedicated and motivated and throughout her apprenticeship, Ana has shown she’s the making of all these aspects,” he said.

“What makes the occasion even more special is that Ana is the first female apprentice through Nerang RSL to complete a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at our club, so we are very proud of her and look forward to putting on an appreciation morning and presentation to celebrate her achievement.”

Nerang RSL General Manager, Andrew McInnes, said the club has a focus on fostering the development of trainees and apprentices alike and is pleased to have Ana continue as part of the team.

“We put a lot of focus on culture and long-term vision at Nerang RSL and strive to put the time and effort into facilitating opportunities that help individuals who want to learn and pursue their passion,” he said.

“Nerang RSL is very proud of Ana and being one of the most successful apprentices to come through our club, I have no doubt she will continue to succeed, set an example and serve as an invaluable asset to Nerang RSL.”