Our People | Magpies Sporting Club Mackay

Our Management Team

Our Management Team have been appointed by the Board of Directors to ensure that Magpies Sporting Club operates as a successful and award-winning Club, that delivers on our Strategic Plan. Each of our Managers have specialised skills, knowledge and experience within their individual areas of expertise and this ensures that our club is in very capable hands. Our Managers come from diverse backgrounds and share a strong passion, commitment and dedication to Magpies and the contribution that we make to our staff, our members and our community.

DARREN SMITH

General Manager
[email protected]

As General Manager, Darren manages the day to day operations, whilst planning, developing and executing business strategies to enhance all aspects of the club. Darren boasts over 20 years of Senior Management experience in Queensland community clubs, from General Manager roles in Brisbane, to Marketing and Gaming experience, all backed by an Associate Degree Bachelor of Business in Club Management. He relocated from Brisbane to the tropics of Mackay in 2012 specifically to fill the Operations Manager role and he has not looked back. As a sports tragic Darren is a perfect fit for Magpies and its 11 affiliated sporting clubs. He particularly enjoys the community involvement and working as a team to make a positive difference to the Mackay community, and having fun while doing it.

CHRISTIANE CHRISTOFFEL

Financial Controller
[email protected]

Christiane joined the Magpies Team in 2013. After completing a Bachelor of Business Degree she continued her professional development becoming a Chartered Accountant followed by a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. Bringing many years’ experience from Tax and Business services in Public practice to Commercial Manager in Engineering and Chief Financial Officer/Business operations in Biotechnology. The opportunity to join Magpies and engage in the Hospitality and Gaming Industry brought a new challenge. She enjoys working for a successful and progressive club and seeing the benefits of its success being passed on to Club members, affiliates and the local community.

ALAHNA HALL

HR Manager
[email protected]

Alahna’s passionate about helping Magpies Sporting Club harness the full potential of our greatest asset, our people. While making a real difference in people’s lives by providing them with a workplace that is safe, positive and where they can be productive and fulfilled to do their best work. Alahna holds a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management), a post-grad diploma in Human Resource Management and is currently completing a HR Certification with the Australian Human Resource Institute. Alahna and her family are true Magpies’, she plays and coaches with Magpies Basketball Club, her daughter plays for Magpies Basketball Club, her husband plays for Magpies Cricket Club and her son has just started playing Rugby League with Magpies Junior Rugby League Club!

AMBER RIES

Marketing Manager
[email protected]

Our motivated Marketing Manager Amber holds 18 years in the marketing and advertising industry, in 2014 she leapt at the chance to join such a reputable employer in Magpies Sporting Club. Amber graduated from CQ University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and Bachelor of Professional Communication (Public Relations & Media) and is a Certified Practicing Marketer (AMAMI CPM) and associate member of the Australian Marketing Institute. As the face behind the Magpies brand her day is filled with brainstorming, strategy, graphic design, promotions, social media and advertising campaigns to name a few, she claims it’s an easy job to market an award winning business of Magpies Sporting Clubs calibre.

JESS PEARCE

Food, Events & Reception Manager
[email protected]

Jess commenced at Magpies in 2017 and bought with her a dynamic background of 13 years hospitality experience, it was this experience combined with her hardworking attitude and customer service excellence that seen Jess quickly progress through the ranks at Magpies leading her to Manager – Food & Customer Services. Heading the operational side of our food offering at Centro Restaurant and Hub Cafe, as well as customer services at Reception, Magpies Courtesy Bus and Skys Function Venue. Jess’s passion for food, and creating an amazing customer experience combined with her strong communication, organisational and leadership skills have her kicking goals at Magpies.

JANET MCGINTY

Functions Manager
[email protected]

Bringing over 30 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, Janet is our well-seasoned Functions Manager. With a Diploma in Hospitality Management, she’s held pivotal roles as a Duty Manager, Food & Beverage Operations Manager, Restaurant Manager, and now, excelling as our Skys Functions Manager. Janet thrives on diversity; from an 8-person conference to a 200-person wedding, she loves being hands-on and ensuring each function is a memorable experience. She enjoys helping guests bring their visions to life and is dedicated to understanding every persons needs and making every event a great success.

JASMINE FUHLBOHM

Duty Operations Manager
[email protected]

Jasmine joined the Magpies Sporting Club team in 2017 as an ambitious 17-year-old, starting off in the Hub Café. Since then, she has progressed through Magpies’ pathways by working throughout the Club and gaining experience, readying her to fulfill the role of Duty Operations Manager. Jasmine brings a vibrant energy to the Magpies team, brightening the days of members, guests, as well as staff. Her presence and personality are what enables her to sustain a positive work environment for the staff she leads day-to-day. Her commitment to CrossFit exercise is evident of her resilience and ‘have a go’ attitude. Jasmine is a highly valued and passionate member of the Magpies management team and was recently awarded Young Citizen of the Year 2024 at Mackay Regional Council for her amazing efforts in fundraising defibrillators for the community.

SARAH ZAMMIT

Gaming Manager
[email protected]

Like many from our Management team, Sarah is a long serving Magpie who has thrived at the club, growing and developing skills whilst relishing in the Magpies family of staff and members. Sarah commenced employment with Magpies as a casual bar attendant over 10 years ago! Over the years her hard work and friendly disposition has seen her progress through various roles to supervisor and now as Senior Duty Manager – Gaming. She thoroughly enjoys her role looking after our amazing patrons in the Players Lounge, whilst inspiring staff as she trains them to learn new skills within the Players Lounge. Sarah is most appreciative of the many friends and wonderful relationships she has built over the years with staff and patrons alike.

BUDDHI THAPA

Head Chef
[email protected]

Buddhi’s diverse culinary experience began in 2006 in the Hospitality Industry. He moved to United Arab Emirates in 2008, working as a Commis III. In 2011, Buddhi completed a Diploma in Culinary Arts in Nepal. He then continued his success as a Designated Trainer to help open new restaurants in United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon, Bahrain and USA. Head Chef Buddhi loves the challenge of working at Magpies. Every day is different whether it’s catering for a function of 300 people, providing meals for sponsors at a home game or delivering high quality al a carte meal, Buddhi loves to make people happy by cooking for them. The standard of quality in our meals is reflected with our booked out Centro Restaurant, delivering over 2,000 meals a week. After working in United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon, Bahrain and USA, Buddhi is bringing a diverse culinary background to Magpies Sporting Club.

PAUL KOCOUR

Head Curator
[email protected]

Paul Kocour is a highly experienced sports turf industry professional who has spent 26 years in the field, with 20 of those years at management level. He currently serves as the Head Curator at Magpies Sporting Club, a position he has held since joining the club in 2004. Prior to joining Magpies, Paul worked in various roles in the sports turf industry, honing his skills and knowledge of the field. In addition to his extensive experience, Paul holds a diploma in production horticulture, which has given him a solid understanding of plant and soil science, as well as the practical skills needed to manage turf and other vegetation. His expertise in these areas has been a valuable asset to Magpies, where he has been responsible for overseeing the management and maintenance of the club’s sports fields and other green spaces. Throughout his time at Magpies, Paul has demonstrated a deep commitment to the club’s culture and values. He takes pride in the club’s progression over the years and has played an important role in its growth and development. As Head Curator, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the club’s fields are always in top condition, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all players.

#MagpiesStaff

magpiesmackay

2,081