How Club Taree built a legacy of giving

At Axis IQ, we’re always inspired by Clubs who 'walk the talk' when it comes to community connection and Club Taree’s Community Team is one of those rare initiatives that not only started with purpose but has sustained momentum, evolved with intent, and delivered extraordinary outcomes over a full decade.

With over $1.1 million raised and 14,000+ volunteer hours contributed, it’s more than just a program—it’s embedded in the Club’s culture. We asked Club Taree’s CEO, Paul Allan, to reflect on the heart behind the initiative, its evolution, and what other venues might take from their approach to community engagement.

Ten years is a huge milestone. What was the original inspiration behind launching the Club Taree Community Team, and how has it evolved over the past decade?

The Club Taree Community Team was originally developed as a pathway for our Directors, Managers and Staff to engage with our local community. I was in a fresh new role here at Club Taree and wanted to have impact which would benefit the community, the Club and the sense of team. At the time I wanted to create an outlet that was about genuine connection between Club and Community, one that was driven by authenticity. To me it was important that the connectedness was also amongst the team, through shared achievement.

In that original moment I could not have fathomed the success of the concept, and that 10 years later it would have morphed into an iconic piece of Club Taree’s story. Nor would I have imagined that we would have raised $1.1M, and have volunteered over 14,000 hours.

"In the background we are working on our biggest story yet...

Watch this space."

Each year we work on building our concepts, whilst also maintaining similarity for our members who connect with our
iconic fundraising events. The biggest risk we took was laying our signature event, le Tour de Taree to rest last year after 10 years and an incredible community impact of $600,000. We have replaced it with the Club Taree Community Challenge, and to date our support is stronger than ever thanks to the connections we have built over the last 10 years.

In the background we are working on our biggest story yet, and what we believe to be the natural evolution. Watch this space….

How do you keep staff engaged and  excited to participate year after year? What do you think has been the secret to its longevity?

The initiative has always been team driven. It is important that we create ownership and connection between the team and anything we do, this helps increase the sense of achievement, the benefit to the community and the comradeship amongst those involved. I am also very conscious to celebrate the involvement of those that contribute. The Club Taree Community Team is a part of our everyday, it is a part of our conversation, it forms our story telling, our staff engagement and our member communication. We have been so humbled by the support of our members from day one, together they have embraced our commitment, and have supported us vocally, financially and in spirit. The funds we have raised are because of that direct connection with our members who find great value in our contributions to building a stronger community.

What advice would you give to other Clubs who want to create a more engaged and community-minded workplace culture?

You have to want to do it for the right reasons. This is not a quick marketing gimmick. It needs to be genuine; it needs to be authentic. You need passion to drive these types of projects, and I am so lucky to have such a strong team of like-minded individuals. If successful however, it will form part of your story and create a wider connection piece between your community and your club.

Apart from this, my direct advice is give it a go. Beyond the benefits to the community you will find a stronger more connected team, a greater sense of achievement, a better workplace culture and offer opportunities for increased mental wellbeing for your team.

Thanks Paul and congratulations!

Follow Club Taree on socials where they share what their Community Team is up to..