By Renee Mok
Behind every great organisation is someone who has the ability to pull things together – quietly and efficiently – and just make stuff work.
Greyhound Clubs are just like that. The wheels have to be kept in motion; well-oiled and all going the same direction.
Such is the case at Warragul GRC, where Maria Duffin has been efficiently and effectively running the office – and kicking goals – for 20 years.
“I had no experience with greyhounds before, but my first role was doing the stewards reports in the kennels, so it didn’t take long to learn. After that I would occasionally fill in, in the office, before I was offered this job full-time.”
Warragul is a busy club. There are race meetings at least twice a week – more than one hundred a year – plus trials and functions, so there’s some juggling to be done.
“I get to assist (Warragul GRC Manager) Adrian Scott and regional Marketing Manager Bernadette Dillon in the day-to-day operations. We also have a great function venue here which is interesting to be involved with; for all sorts of different things, from weddings to meetings. It’s just a great job.”
Adrian said Maria has been a wonderful employee for the club.
“Her attention to detail around race day operations and rostering of staff is second to none. She provides great support to my role and is pretty quick to remind me that whenever we have a hiccup it’s because I interfered!”
“Over the years Maria has seen a lot of people come and go, from Club Managers, Presidents and committee people and lots of changes at the venue. Warragul – like a number of clubs – is lucky to have dedicated full-time employees who have remained loyal to the industry, something we should all be grateful for.”
Maria’s not planning on retirement just yet. “I’m really happy here. It’s been great to see the progress over 20 years, not only here in Warragul but for the sport generally. That’s what keeps me going,” she said.
PHOTO: Maria Duffin with Warragul GRC Manager Adrian Scott (left) and former long-serving Club Manager, Alf Baker.