Lockdown Staff Features

At Vikings, one of the greatest reasons we have to smile during times like this is our colleagues, our staff and the people who greet you with a smile when you visit any of our venues. We would like to take the opportunity during lockdown to tell you a little more about some of those familiar faces you know and have seen around our clubs, and what it is about Vikings they value most.

Lane | Assistant Venue Manager | Lanyon Vikings

Next year will be Lane’s 15th year with the Vikings Group. Lane started with Vikings fresh out of Erindale College. Like everyone in the Tuggeranong Valley, Lane knew someone who worked at Vikings and put his hand up for a job.

“I was in Year 12 and thought it would just be a ‘bar’ job. I had no idea what Vikings meant to the Community until I started working there. Now the work we do in the Tuggeranong Valley is one of the things I’m most proud of.”

“I played Junior Baseball with Vikings and was just a kid, I didn’t put the link together. When I saw the amount of support that the group gave the Community – I wanted to be a more permanent part of it.”

Lane has worked in all areas of the business across his 14 years and is now in a Senior Management position at Lanyon Vikings.

“The biggest highlight for me has really been the people. The relationships I’ve built with my colleagues and patrons. I’ve grown up here, they know me just as well as my family know me. In fact, they are family”.

Separate from Lane’s career, his partner Emily worked at Chisholm Vikings on a casual basis while at Uni. Whilst this isn’t a Vikings love story where their eyes met over a Chicken Schnitzel – it is a reflection of how Vikings is a part of so many people’s lives. Earlier this year, Lane and Emily welcomed their beautiful daughter into the Vikings Family – a happy ending regardless of where the story began.

“Vikings has been there for me through my whole adult life so far. I can’t ever see myself leaving Vikings. I’ve learnt a lot, I have a lot to learn and I know I’m in the right place to do that. I just can’t wait until we are open again so I can get on with it”.

Karin | Cafe Manager | Moo & Brew, Erindale Vikings

Karin has been with Erindale Vikings for four years. After a two week stint as a Customer Service Attendant, Vikings saw in her what our customers see in her. Enthusiasm, confidence, amazing customer service levels and a vivaciousness that is hard to recreate. That is why she was immediately appointed to the role of Manager of our Moo & Brew Café at Erindale Vikings.

“I came to Vikings for a job, I didn’t think it would be a career. The people here make the difference, I have such beautiful colleagues – I couldn’t do the job without them. And Mick (Venue Manager) is the greatest boss anyone could have”.

Kaz moved to Canberra for love with her wife, Digby. “Digs loves Vikings because she sees how happy I am. She has met my Vikings Family and she knows I’m surrounded by great people. I would do anything for Vikings, they looked after us during Covid last year and that sort of support breeds loyalty. The Directors, Management, everyone – I just love them.”

Currently at home and surrounded by her pets including “Sebastian” and “Jasper” – her Diamond Carpet Pythons, Kaz, like all of us is missing work.

“Covid is terrible – I couldn’t wait to get my vaccination, I have one and I’m ready to get the other. Why wouldn’t you!! I want to do what I can to protect myself, Digby, my colleagues and my patrons. I miss my patrons, I miss them and wish we were open just so I could check they are all okay”.

Mick | Venue Manager | Erindale Vikings

Mick joined Vikings in 2016 after working for nearly two decades in Clubs in the ACT and NSW. “It was hard to leave the Eden Fisho’s, but it’s been worth it”.

Mick has quite a presence and a naturally booming voice, however, you would be struggling to meet a man who is more respected by his staff and patrons. His focus as a manager is all about the staff and the customer services they can provide to our members and guests. Mick’s ability to foster potential in his employees has supported the start of many careers.

“This job is all about the people for me, there’s nothing I love seeing more than the development and growth of my staff. I want to see them learn, I want them to feel they have achieved something and I want them to advance in their careers. Their job satisfaction is our key to success”.

“I’m proud to work here. I love walking around Tuggeranong and seeing former staff members or all the kids with a Vikings logo on their shirts. Vikings is a solid part of the Community. It’s like everyone knows someone who’s worked here. My partner Lucy used to work here before I started!!!”.

Mick’s life outside the world of Vikings reflects the same vision of success that he has for his staff – however, the focus is a little fluffier. Mick and his partner Lucy open their home to Foster Dogs and volunteer to raise and train them for re-homing. Their own Labrador, Fergus, has a big part to play in this as well. “These pups have so much to offer and so much love to give, we just want to see their behaviour develop so they can find a loving home – that’s another success story”.

Mick is currently checking in at Erindale across the week to make sure the facility is secure and everything that needs to be maintained is being looked after. He is also helping out at Chisholm Vikings with their takeaway meals – place your order and you might be lucky to see Mick when you come and pick up your meals. To find out more about Chisholm Vikings takeaway www.vikings.com.au/chisholm