Interview with Club Manager of the Year 2025 Martin Beekes from Bendigo District RSL.
Q: Congratulations on being named Club Manager of the Year. What does this recognition mean to you and the Bendigo District RSL (BDRSL) team?
A: Thank you! This award is an honour I proudly share with the entire Bendigo District RSL team. It reflects the dedication and commitment of every department over the past year. Above all, it underscores our core purpose: supporting veterans, their families, and the wider community.
Q: You have led BDRSL for over eleven years. What has driven the Club’s sustained growth and success?
A: Our growth comes from a long-term strategy focused on our master plan through financial sustainability, operational excellence, and community impact. Key drivers include responsible debt management, reinvesting in the Sub-Branch, prioritising quality across hospitality and member services, empowering our staff, and adapting to industry and economic challenges – all while staying true to our mission of supporting veterans.
Q: How does BDRSL support veterans and the wider community?
A: Supporting veterans is at the heart of everything we do. Our Welfare and Wellbeing teams provide practical assistance like financial support, emergency housing, food relief and referrals to specialised services. We run social and engagement programs to reduce isolation, and we reinvest in the wider community through sponsorships, donations, and grants. Our Sub-Branch is a safe, inclusive space, and we lead key commemorative events like ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, keeping these traditions strong for future generations.
Q: How do you balance commercial performance with community impact?
A: They go hand in hand. Strong financial performance allows us to invest in welfare programs, staff development, and community initiatives. Every decision aligns with our purpose, and professional management, careful oversight, and motivated staff ensure that revenue directly supports our mission.
Q: Staff culture and retention are strengths at BDRSL. How do you foster this?
A: We prioritise inclusivity, training, and recognition. Clear expectations, staff empowerment, open communication, and a focus on wellbeing, creating a workplace where people feel valued and proud. This culture encourages loyalty and long-term commitment.
Q: Innovation is key in member engagement. How do you approach change in a traditional club?
A: Innovation is guided by purpose, evidence, and respect for tradition. Every change starts with understanding member needs. Refurbishments like the Sports Bar, enhance experience while honouring our heritage with the ODE respectfully playing on the Big Screens each evening at 6pm. Continuous review of our facilities and offers ensures we remain responsive without compromising our values.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your priorities for BDRSL, and what advice would you give other club managers?
A: Our focus remains on veterans, sustainability, the community and our Masterplan. We’ll expand welfare programs and ensure the club remains modern, welcoming, and relevant.
For other managers: align every decision with your mission, invest in your people, maintain strong governance, and balance commercial success with purpose. When mission, members, and people are central, clubs can achieve lasting growth and make a meaningful difference.
