Phil Walker: From Police to Politics to Club Land

Tell us about your career as a police officer for 34 years, and later as a Detective Senior Sergeant … and a stint in politics?!

I worked on the Homicide Squad and was involved with bikie groups in the undercover world. I’ve been to a lot of major murders, been in two scenes where six people were murdered … I’ve seen it all, but I loved every minute of it. I was even Chief of Staff for a Federal Senator after I left the police for a couple years. I had also been a political candidate on three separate occasions in state elections for the Entrance in 1999, 2003 and 2007. The year I didn't run in 2011, the Liberals actually won. The newly elected member at the time, Chris Spence, actually thanked me in his maiden speech in Parliament, because had I not done those three terms to bring back the margin it would have been difficult for him to win. 

From policeman to Club Chairman — how are you finding club land and what got you into the industry?

I have actually been on the board of Mingara Recreation Club for 27 years and about the last 12 as Chairman. I enjoy seeing this Club go from such a small club to one of the major clubs in the state. And we're proud of the culture we have here.

What is the best part of your current role? 

The people that work here and the opportunity to make a difference to the community and to our various communities. It's just making a difference in the community and seeing that the people come in the Club, enjoy themselves and their families and kids over the weekend. You just feel proud that you've done something as an organisation that makes a really, really big difference in people's lives. 

What is the biggest difference between police work and club work?

That's a good question. I've never been asked that. Well, you know, the police force was a place where it was right and wrong. You have the responsibility to uphold the law and punish, arrest criminals and have the courts punish them for committing crimes. The transition into club life is about helping people enjoy themselves and entertain themselves. I guess, on the safety side, that is something that goes or flows between the work. That's what you have to do. When you're a cop you want to keep people safe, and when you’re a clubby it’s your responsibility to keep your members safe.

So, you have had careers across police, politics and clubs, what advice would you give to the younger generation who may be deciding on their career?

Look for the things you like to do. Look for the things that excite you and don't shake on the small things that don't generate or feel like excitement to you. Focus on those things that you really love, whether a club or you know, an idea or a project, or a vision of what you want. I try to help people focus on those things that they really want, to sort of get rid of those maybes out of your life.

Just to end on a light note, what’s a funny story that happened while at work?

Well, I've got an identical twin brother. He came into the Club not long ago and some people said oh, great to see you again. He said, “I haven't been in the club for five years!”

^{(Left) Phil Walker and twin}