CHAIR, BRIAN BROWN

Twin Towns Chair Brian Brown was born and raised in the western suburbs of Sydney.

During his childhood, his parents owned small businesses, including a corner store. Serving behind the counter became his early introduction to the important art of customer service.

After leaving high school, Brian’s first job was a roof tiler and after completing his trade certificate, opened his own business.

Timing wasn’t great! A recession in the building industry forced him to rely on government support. Whilst he admits it was a tough time, it inspired him to decide what he really wanted to do with his life.

At 24 years of age, he joined the NSW Fire Brigade where he spent the next 30 years.

Along the way, Brian met and married wife Marilyn and became a happily blended family with five children between them.

He accepted a managerial role with the Fire Brigade in Tamworth, overseeing the education and training of 300 firefighters across New South Wales.

When he retired in 2002, he and Marilyn moved to Banora Point and planned to take up a “quiet life”.

After spending eight years on the Board of a Sydney golf club, Brian was convinced he was never going down that path again.

“Didn’t last long,” he laughs.

“I joined Club Banora golf club, was on the Committee for two years, then President for three years.

“I was asked to join the Board and whilst initially I said no, changed my mind and was elected in 2008.”

After 12 years as Director, Brian was elected Chair, where he said one of the most important responsibilities is governance.

“Directors must be fully conversant in legislative requirements under the Acts – Corporations Act, Registered Clubs Act – we all have responsibilities to adhere to.

“Whether you’re Chair or a Director, it’s not like you just turn up and do what you want to do.

“You’re always bound by some regulation or another, it’s an important part of the job.”

Brian said he is also the conduit between the Board and CEO, Rob Smith.

“I’m in regular day-to-day with Rob, as well as Executive Management and staff in various roles throughout the Clubs.

“As a Board Director, though, you don’t get involved in management. That’s not your job.

“Directors do strategic direction – management manages,” said Brian.

Although life as Chair of one of New South Wales’ largest and most progressive Clubs is a busy one, Brian admitted his kids and multitude of grandkids also keep him on his toes.

“Work aside, this is really what life is all about. Family!”

JOHN KEATING

At 37 years of age, solicitor and Board Director John Keating brings youth and legal knowledge to the boardroom table at Twin Towns.

A local, through and through, John attended St Joseph’s Primary School and St Joseph’s College, then Southern Cross University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Legal & Justice Studies and Bachelor of Laws.

He played junior and senior rugby league at South Tweed, where both of his sons now play. John also manages one of the junior teams.

Since becoming a Director in 2021, John said he has gained firsthand knowledge of how invested Twin Towns is in its local community.

“Unfortunately, this doesn’t cut through as much as it should.

“To put that into perspective, Twin Towns provided over a million dollars in community support in the last financial year to various local groups including charities, support services and sporting clubs.

“Without this financial support, many of these groups wouldn’t exist, let alone offer such exceptional services,” said John.

Behind the scenes, John sees on a daily basis how much is being done that members may not see, hear or read about.

Although the Board is often criticised for making tough decisions sometimes, John said they’re always made to ensure the continued survival of the Club.

“As Directors, we are the custodians of Twin Towns, a responsibility none of us take lightly.

“Twin Towns belongs to its members and we need to ensure its prosperity, long into the future, notwithstanding sometimes, members might feel aggrieved by a call we’ve made.”

John summed up the Board’s position with one of his favourite quotes from Paul Ryan:

“If we don’t make tough decisions today, our children are going to have to make much, much tougher decisions tomorrow.”

Along with his parents, proud members Catherine and Tony Keating, Juniors has been their local since before it was purchased by Twin Towns in 2002.

“Not a week goes by when you won’t see Mum and Dad at Juniors and on Friday night you’ll find Dad selling raffle tickets to raise money for local junior sports clubs.

“I’ll keep my fingers crossed he sells you a winning ticket,” said John.

John has a message to share with members:

“Be proud of the Club. Take a moment and look at what it is: the biggest, private individual employer in the Tweed region, supporting thousands, when considering our employees, their families, local supplier businesses and their families.

“Remember too the financial support Twin Towns provides to local charities, support service providers, junior sports and the many other organisations that rely heavily on their local Club.”

RAGINA ROGERS

Ragina Rogers is a proud freshwater Wiradjuri woman. She is also a member of the Twin Towns Board of Directors.

Ragina and her people are originally from Narromine, Western New South Wales. When she was 13 years old, her mum Linda West married a traditional owner from Fingal.

Leaving behind a concrete backyard in Newtown Sydney, they moved to the Tweed Coast where Ragina warmly embraced the golden sands of her new backyard – Fingal beach – and her new front yard, the beautiful Tweed River.

The sport-loving teen attended Tweed River High, then Kingscliff High the year it opened.

In her early 20s, Ragina started work at Twinnies, mainly at the Tweed Heads Hotel where she formed many long-lasting friendships with staff.

“It was a really fun place to work, back in the old, pre-RSA, paper sign-in days.

“I could pour a decent schooner and keep the banter going with the locals, especially during footy season.”

In 2000, Ragina hit a crossroad that changed the trajectory of her career.

After witnessing a critical incident, she was confronted by her inability to perform adequate support because her first aid knowledge was basic.

Soon after, she applied and was accepted into the Queensland Ambulance Service (Paramedical Science) as an Advanced Care Paramedic.

Ragina remained in this role for 14 years, during which time she had the opportunity to expand her skills outside the clinical lens.

“I enjoyed learning the complexities of policies and procedures, workplace health and safety, legislation and governance, which led me to complete my studies in Australian Rural Leadership and then a Masters in Governance & Leadership.”

Ragina believes each member of the Board brings unique and varied skills that drive governance and steer the Club’s corporate direction.

“We may come from diverse backgrounds but in the Boardroom, we’re all equals.

“I am acknowledged by the beautiful saltwater Bunjalung Aboriginal people and respect that we are on their lands, waters, valleys and mountains. I know my community; I know and respect my members.”

Ragina said that along with Director Sharon Styman, they bring a ‘female voice’ to the table, ensuring equity and equality are intrinsic.

“I’ve learnt more sitting at the Boardroom table from the Directors than I have from any book or academic lecture,” Ragina said.

Ragina is currently the Regional Operations Manager for Aboriginal Home Health at Australian Unity SEQ/NNSW/Central & Hunter.