Award for job well done

By Bridget Brady
JOANNE Brooks has worked her way up the ranks to become Victoria’s club employee of the year.
The unassuming house manager at the Cranbourne Golf Club took out the individual prize at the Clubs Victoria awards at the Crown Entertainment Complex recently.
Ms Brooks, 47, started in the kitchen at a social club in Dandenong since she left school and worked at a golf club at Waverly for about 12 years before coming to Cranbourne about five years ago.
Ms Brooks controls the kitchen and bar and said it was satisfying to hear customers had an enjoyable function and were happy with their service.
“I didn’t expect it, but everyone else did,” she said. Ms Brooks said there was “nothing special” about her, but her manager Sean Constable said it was an easy nomination for him to make.
“She is really good. Overall you could not fault Joanne, her dedication, loyalty and application,” Mr Constable said.
One thing that stood out about Ms Brooks was that she would go looking for the perfect vase or wedding flower for a customer on her day off, Mr Constable said.
“She is really good to work with, upbeat, and a practical joker.”
Her friendly nature has not just contributed to the club socially, but also financially, helping the club make a $100,000 profit on the bar last year when the club usually breaks even or makes a smaller profit, Mr Constable said.
The awards are held each year by Clubs Victoria, the peak body for the state-wide network of licensed not-for-profit clubs.