Our People | Magpies Sporting Club Mackay

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Our Management Team

Our Management Team have been appointed by the Board of Directors to ensure that Magpies Sporting Club operates as a successful and award-winning Club, that delivers on our Strategic Plan. Each of our Managers have specialised skills, knowledge and experience within their individual areas of expertise and this ensures that our club is in very capable hands. Our Managers come from diverse backgrounds and share a strong passion, commitment and dedication to Magpies and the contribution that we make to our staff, our members and our community.

LEE SKERMAN

General Manager
lee.skerman@magpiesmackay.com.au

Lee Skerman brings nearly 30 years of experience in hospitality and hospitality management, including a previous tenure as Magpies Sporting Club’s General Manager, where he played a key role in growing the Club into one of the largest in regional Queensland. His career spans a diverse range of environments, including independent pubs, corporate venues, licensed clubs and large-scale accommodation operations. Lee applies strong analytical and commercial expertise to hospitality operations, complemented by a hands-on, guest-focused leadership style. He is looking forward to guiding Magpies through its latest redevelopment while keeping the Club true to its vision of being the friendliest club in the region.

SHAR PERRY

People and Culture Manager
shar.perry@magpiesmackay.com.au

Shar brings more than 15 years of experience in Human Resources leadership, talent acquisition and organisational development across the mining, construction, industrial and services sectors throughout Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Throughout her career, Shar has led strategic HR initiatives, workforce planning, employee engagement programs and performance frameworks, with a strong focus on building positive workplace relationships and fostering high-performing teams. Driven by a genuine connection to the Club and its people, Shar is passionate about strengthening employee engagement, developing future leaders and contributing to a vibrant, community-focused organisation where both people and business can thrive. Her goal is to create a positive and inclusive workplace culture where every team member feels valued, supported and empowered to perform at their best.

HEIDI BAILLIEU

Financial Controller
heidi.baillieu@magpiesmackay.com.au

With over 15 years’ experience across finance roles in the mining and hospital sectors, Heidi brings a depth of expertise and a well-rounded commercial perspective to her role as Financial Controller. She recently returned home to Mackay following an international tenure in Fiji, where she served as Director of Finance, further strengthening her leadership capability and global outlook. Heidi is recognised for her attention to detail, analytical approach and collaborative style. Passionate about continuous improvement and strong financial governance, she plays an integral role in supporting Magpies’ ongoing success.

AMBER MINNIECON

Marketing Manager
marketing@magpiesmackay.com.au

Our motivated Marketing Manager Amber holds 18 years in the marketing and advertising industry, in 2014 she leapt at the chance to join such a reputable employer in Magpies Sporting Club. Amber graduated from CQ University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and Bachelor of Professional Communication (Public Relations & Media) and is a Certified Practicing Marketer (AMAMI CPM) and associate member of the Australian Marketing Institute. As the face behind the Magpies brand her day is filled with brainstorming, strategy, graphic design, promotions, social media and advertising campaigns to name a few, she claims it’s an easy job to market an award winning business of Magpies Sporting Clubs calibre.

JANET MCGINTY

Food and Beverage Manager
janet.mcginty@magpiesmackay.com.au

Bringing over 30 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, Janet is our well-seasoned Food & Beverage Manager. With a Diploma in Hospitality Management, she’s held pivotal roles as a Duty Manager, Food & Beverage Operations Manager, Restaurant Manager, and now, excelling as our Food and Beverages Manager. Janet’s passion for creating an exceptional customer experience, paired with her strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills, is helping her achieve amazing results at Magpies.

SARAH SMITH

Gaming & Bar Manager
sarah.smith@magpiesmackay.com.au

Like many from our Management team, Sarah is a long serving Magpie who has thrived at the club, growing and developing skills whilst relishing in the Magpies family of staff and members. Sarah commenced employment with Magpies as a casual bar attendant over 10 years ago! Over the years her hard work and friendly disposition has seen her progress through various roles to supervisor and now as Senior Duty Manager – Gaming. She thoroughly enjoys her role looking after our amazing patrons in the Players Lounge, whilst inspiring staff as she trains them to learn new skills within the Players Lounge. Sarah is most appreciative of the many friends and wonderful relationships she has built over the years with staff and patrons alike.

BUDDHI THAPA

Head Chef
buddhi.thapa@magpiesmackay.com.au

Buddhi’s diverse culinary experience began in 2006 in the Hospitality Industry. He moved to United Arab Emirates in 2008, working as a Commis III. In 2011, Buddhi completed a Diploma in Culinary Arts in Nepal. He then continued his success as a Designated Trainer to help open new restaurants in United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon, Bahrain and USA. Head Chef Buddhi loves the challenge of working at Magpies. Every day is different whether it’s catering for a function of 300 people, providing meals for sponsors at a home game or delivering high quality al a carte meal, Buddhi loves to make people happy by cooking for them. The standard of quality in our meals is reflected with our booked out Centro Restaurant, delivering over 2,000 meals a week. After working in United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon, Bahrain and USA, Buddhi is bringing a diverse culinary background to Magpies Sporting Club.

PAUL KOCOUR

Head Curator
paul.kocour@magpiesmackay.com.au

Paul Kocour is a highly experienced sports turf industry professional who has spent 26 years in the field, with 20 of those years at management level. He currently serves as the Head Curator at Magpies Sporting Club, a position he has held since joining the club in 2004. Prior to joining Magpies, Paul worked in various roles in the sports turf industry, honing his skills and knowledge of the field. In addition to his extensive experience, Paul holds a diploma in production horticulture, which has given him a solid understanding of plant and soil science, as well as the practical skills needed to manage turf and other vegetation. His expertise in these areas has been a valuable asset to Magpies, where he has been responsible for overseeing the management and maintenance of the club’s sports fields and other green spaces. Throughout his time at Magpies, Paul has demonstrated a deep commitment to the club’s culture and values. He takes pride in the club’s progression over the years and has played an important role in its growth and development. As Head Curator, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the club’s fields are always in top condition, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all players.

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