After back-to-back wins there’s no doubting it now: the Byford and Districts Country Club is the very best in the state.
And if they don’t calm down, they might be at serious risk of becoming the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).
The ‘little club that could’ chalked up wins in four separate categories at Clubs WA’s night of nights on October 12.
For the second year in a row, BDCC took out the big one – WA Club of the Year – edging out some top-drawer competitors.
“We were fortunate enough to have a staff contingent at the awards ceremony, and everyone was absolutely over the moon when the announcement was made,” BDCC General Manager Ray Carey said.
“As word trickled back to the rest of the team, who were holding down a busy Saturday night at the club, the excitement spread quickly.”
Ray said his team was quietly confident they’d worked hard enough over the past year to earn the honour, but that they “never take anything for granted”.
“We were up against the likes of the Perth Royal Yacht Club, so it’s a big achievement when you’re winning awards against the likes of these historic organisations,” he said.
But WA Club of the Year wasn’t the only title BDCC defended this year; they also managed to pull off the Volunteer Contribution award three-peat.
For the third consecutive year, BDCC volunteers have been put on the state pedestal for their remarkable service to the club and community.
“This year, our Chairperson, Colleen Rankin, was recognised for her incredible contribution not only to the BDCC but to the wider community over many decades,” Ray said.
“Her passion and support are unwavering and I’m very grateful to have her both as a mentor and sounding board.
“It’s this level of commitment from volunteers and community leaders that allows us to achieve big things and stay so connected to our community. I believe it plays a crucial role in us winning Club of the Year because it’s a reminder that the BDCC isn’t just a venue, it’s a community.”
That focus on community is not just lip service; the BDCC donates a significant amount of its earnings back into local clubs.
This year alone they have gifted more than $50,000 to around 30 local community groups and sporting organisations through the club’s ‘Community Matters’ initiative.
They also offer their meeting rooms free of charge to a number of groups, and have given out over 4000 complimentary kids meal vouchers to local junior sporting teams.
“We also sponsor weekly Friday raffles at the club, donating prizes such as $500 in cash, gift vouchers and meat packs to groups like the Byford Pool Club, Serpentine Jarrahdale Serpents Rugby Club, and several local fundraisers,” Ray said.
“Significantly, we hosted a fundraiser last week that raised over $6,000 in just over two hours for a local family where the 29-year-old mum just lost her battle with cancer.”
Ray Carey was also thrust into the spotlight at the awards night, winning the Clubs WA Long-Term Service award.
“I prefer being in the background rather than front and centre, but receiving this award was a deeply humbling experience,” he said.
“I’ve dedicated a significant part of my career to the BDCC, and to be recognised for long-term service really meant a lot to me.
“The BDCC feels like a second home and, over the years, I’ve watched it grow and evolve into the great venue that it is today.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved, and this award feels like personal acknowledgement of the hard work behind the scenes that has helped shape the club into what it is now.”
The seats around the BDCC tables at the Italian Club seemed almost redundant, because everyone was up again and cheering as the club reeled in their fourth award of the night, for club marketing.
The Byford and District Country Club’s success might be surprising to those who rarely venture south of the river. After all, how can a little country club tucked away in Byford compete with the opulence and geographical advantages of somewhere like the Royal Perth Yacht Club?
“I believe our edge comes from our community-first approach. We’re deeply rooted in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, and everything we do centres around creating for our 10,000 active social members and the broader community,” Ray said.
“Our continual investment in the club’s facilities – whether it’s upgrading our furniture, installing a new undercover patio in the beer garden in preparation for summer, or replacing our bowling green’s synthetic surface – shows our commitment to providing the best possible experience for everyone who visits our community club.
“We also focus heavily on being a family-friendly environment, which sets us apart. We don’t offer TAB facilities or the like and our team puts a lot of effort into ensuring that every member feels welcomed and included. I think that resonates with people.
“It’s not just about offering food and drinks; it’s about creating a sense of belonging.”
