Overseeing it all is Operations Manager Paula Allen. It is her responsibility to ensure everything is running smoothly. This includes the bistro as well as functions including the President’s lunch. Paula is undaunted by the challenge, and likes to give everything a go.
Paula has been working at the club for 18 years in a variety of different capacities. She started out doing waitressing and bar work in the bistro and social club, before moving on to work in functions, gaming, reception and match days. She became Operations Manager of Club Cats three years ago.
She feels like she’s grown up at the club and has watched several different transformations take place.
The most important of these changes in Paula’s eyes is the appointment of Brian Cook and the new board. The new policy of openness means staff are aware of what’s going on at the club, and can contribute. This awareness of how the club is going financially has led to a turn around in all departments. She credits Stuart Fox, now Chief Operating Officer, with making the hospitality department a viable part of the Geelong Football Club in 2000. Paula stresses how important Fox’s guidance has been to helping her in her new role. Thanks to their efforts and the effort of the staff, Club Cat’s is now an integral part of the GFC, posting a profit of $1.6 million.
The variety in her job means Paula looks forward to coming to work. A bubbly and dynamic person, she loves interacting with the customers, who she calls fantastic, and meeting a huge variety of people. She sings the praises of people she works with, many of which have gone on to become lifelong friends.
“Working at the footy club is like working at no other place. There’s a whole different culture, it’s more like a big family group,” she said.
Paula is a keen Cats fan, which she says is lucky, as she can’t imagine working for the club if she didn’t barrack for them! Even on weekends off she gathers together a group of friends to watch the team play.
She remembers the build up to the 1989 finals series, and says the excitement is mounting again now.
“It’s starting to feel like that again now, like the club is ready to take the next step,” she said.
When she’s not at the club, Paula loves to spend time with Greg, her partner of 12 years. Greg is a full time farmer and the pair live on a farm between Cressy and Rokewood. Paula loves animals; she has two pet donkies, 5 dogs, some chickens and ducks, and admits to always trying to encourage Greg to let her have more. Although the commute is a long one, Paula said it gives her some much needed quiet time at the end of the day.
In sharp contrast to the peaceful drive home, there’s always a lot going on down at Club Cats! The bistro remains extremely popular with customers and she reminds people that the club’s six main function rooms are available for hire by the general public for birthdays, weddings, conferences etc.
She encouraged people who love the club to think about hiring out the rooms for special occasions. All function rooms have their own kitchen and bar and are competitively priced.
During the football season interstate games are broadcast from the Fred Flanagan room. The game is broadcast on big screen televisions and food and refreshments are served.
“Fans can come along, watch the game, buy their pie and the atmosphere makes them feel like they’re at the game,” Paula said.
In October and November Club Cats will receive a facelift. The renovations will include new colour scheme, carpet, fittings, chairs and tables. There will also be a new heating and cooling system, and the outside dining area and kids’ room will be improved.
“We want to make Club Cats feel as comfortable, safe and family orientated as possible,” Paula said.
Along with the renovations, head chef David Dowling is working on a new menu which will combine exciting new dishes with old favourites.
Paula is quick to pass on praise for Club Cats’ success to an extraordinary team of staff; whose customer service skills she says is the difference between Club Cats and other places in Geelong.
“The staff are fantastic, they have excellent customer service skills, they’re easy to talk to, and they really love the club.”
There have recently been many new appointments in Club Cats. Linda Genua has been named Functions Coordinator, and has two new permanent staff members: Brad and Michael, helping her in this busy area. Melinda and Loretta service the bistro. Pat Barnett is the venues Gaming Coordinator, with Hayden, Ken, Jenny, Dot and Will making up the gaming deparment permanent team. David Dowling is the Head Chef, overseeing the busy culinary team consisting of full timers Kim, Penny, Teagan, Peter and Allan, and Rod Thompson manages Cellar and Beverage requirements.
Club Cats is open from nine until late. For bookings and enquires for both the bistro and function rooms please call 5225 2355.
