Club Rivers Employee Celebrates 25 Years of Service

Loyalty goes a long way when it comes to employment these days — that’s why Club Rivers was honoured to recognise Sharon Lowder for her commitment and dedication to the Club after 25 years of service. 

Sharon said it had been a blast working for Club Rivers and watching it grow and innovate, and seeing it develop into such an integral part of the local community.

“I started in accounts and payroll, going on maternity leave for a brief time between 2004 and 2005. Upon my return I moved into a role at reception,” Sharon said. 

“I enjoy working with people and the role at reception placed me in an environment to be around people that gave me an opportunity to do what I love and to intensify relationships with patrons and co-workers.”

Sharon said she slowly transitioned back to a role in accounts where she currently works four days a week.

“During my 25 years, I have been privileged and proud to be part of many community initiatives run through Club Rivers, including ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services, Community Street Fairs as well as volunteering for the numerous local events supported by Club Rivers,” she said.

“The Club continues to actively contribute to the local community both financially and by encouraging team members to volunteer to the many projects and initiatives it supports locally including grassroots sports, healthcare, education and veteran services.

“My son’s local junior football club was supported by Club Rivers; he is now 18 and has just commenced working at the Club too.” 

In 2019, Sharon was honoured to be presented with the Spirit of Club Rivers Award, which recognises employees who embody all the qualities that Club Rivers bases its success upon — great commitment, enthusiasm and passion. 

“My favourite thing about working at Club Rivers is the friendly team atmosphere,” she said. 

“There is a genuine team spirit. Everyone treats each other kindly, with respect and we work together really well. This makes coming to work so much more enjoyable and rewarding.” 
Club Rivers CEO Paul Millar said Sharon had been an integral part of the team for her entire tenure. 

“Her skill set has developed to be very diverse as she has carried out a variety of duties over that time,” Paul said. 

“Ranging from all aspects of administration through to reception and now an additional focus on membership, she has had a significant impact on the training of new staff and encouraging their development.

“With such a long tenure comes an abundance of changes through the Club. As we have all seen, Sharon’s ability to adapt to all of our enhancements in technology has been seamless. She has a commitment to meet deadlines and is always thorough in any task she takes on.”

Paul said it was great to celebrate Sharon’s employment anniversary. 
“With a milestone such like this she received a framed certificate, a nice bottle of champagne and a gift card,” Paul said. 

He said Club Rivers continued to strive to be an employer of choice.

“We have many examples where we have multiple siblings in the team, mothers and sons — including Sharon and her son Tim, and even a grandfather and his two grandchildren working together on the floor,” he said. 

“The sense of family resonates through the team, and they all encourage each other to participate in all our community activities with local organisations we support.

“The members can also feel the sense of family through our small team as we aim to work cohesively every shift.”