Golden Anniversary for Club Central’s first female Director

Sandra Coogan’s memories of the Illawarra Catholic Club stretch back to 1962, when she would regularly accompany her mother and aunt to bingo on Thursday evenings at Regent’s Hall. She’s still a regular visitor to Club Central Hurstville and Menai and now an Illawarra Catholic Club Director, and on Monday 3 August 2020, Sandra will celebrate 50 years of Club membership.

When she joined the Illawarra Catholic Club in 1970, the prospect of one day becoming a Director was not on Sandra’s radar.

“I worked in the travel industry for 40 years and have always been heavily involved in the Irish and Catholic communities in the Hurstville area,” Sandra said. “I feel such a strong connection to the Club and our members, and I was so proud to be the first female elected to the Board back in 2007.

“I enjoy visiting both Clubs with friends for a meal or a show. Over the years so much has changed, but our lovely staff always go above and beyond to make members feel welcome and special. I’ve also enjoyed every minute of working with my fellow Board Directors past and present over the last 13 years,” Sandra said.

Club Central President, Brian Cloney, congratulated Sandra on the milestone anniversary on behalf of the ICC Board and the Club Central team.

“Sandra has given back so much to the local community over the years, not just as a Board member, but in supporting local charities and sporting groups. We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate this golden anniversary with her,” Brian said.

According to records, when Sandra first joined Club Central Hurstville, she was one of 29,790 members. John Gorton was the Prime Minister of Australia; Margaret Court became the second woman to win the Grand Slam of tennis and The Beatles released “Let it Be”.

Fast forward to 2020, and Sandra has witnessed one of the most unprecedented years in history for Club Central Hurstville and Menai. For the first time since opening, the Clubs were forced to close their doors for 70 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening under strict guidelines on 1 June 2020.

“This year has brought such enormous challenges for so many people. One of the things that makes me extraordinarily proud to be a member and a Board member of Club Central is that we are supporting our local community during this period of crisis by providing financial support where it is needed most.