The women behind the scenes at Parkes Services Club are (L-R) Reanna McGuire (Finance Manager), Cindi Murphy (Club Manager), Lara Messiter (Finance Assistant) and Chloe Dean (Admin Assistant/Bar Person).
After almost 15 years at the Parkes Services Club, Cindi Murphy became Club Manager in October last year.
With a staff complement of around 50 people, Cindi is very grateful for developments in the business environment and support offered to women. She has so far received a lot of encouragement in her new position.
“You still come across a minority of mostly older generation men who think that a man would do a better job,” says Cindi. “They find it hard to take direction from you and to change their mindset that the position is only suitable to a man.”
Cindi is not discouraged by these attitudes and says to the contrary it only makes her more determined to do a better job and prove them wrong.
“I am also very lucky to be working in the Clubland environment where there is a lot of support and training for women, perhaps more than in other places.” She says colleagues and managers have given her a lot of encouragement. “They value my opinion as much as theirs.”
After four months in the ‘hot seat’, Cindi really enjoys the teamwork. “We are like one big family!” She also likes all the different challenges that comes across her desk every day.
“The club is here for the community and it is important to run it successfully, not only to maintain the jobs of our staff, but also to keep on supporting the communities in the Parkes Shire through donations to clubs and schools.”
Cindi’s message to other women in business is to never give up and to work with determination. “One door might close, but another will open.”
She says to keep on looking for opportunities that will help you achieve your goals and dreams. “There are always two ways to do something.”
Another piece of wisdom from Cindi is: “Don’t try too hard to satisfy the minority. Just believe in yourself. When you do something you really love and enjoy, it will show!”
That is exactly where Cindi finds herself. She loves her job, and to top it off her staff are great, and the customers are wonderful.
“I am doing my best to make a difference every day, and that is very rewarding!”
By Maggi Barnard