Recently recognised as Outstanding Employee at the Kiama Business Awards, Sarah Rebbeck credits her success to timing, hard work and resilience.

She did not expect to be nominated for the award let alone win it.

“It’s always nice to be somebody nominated (that) they appreciate what you do,” Rebbeck said.

“At no point did I expect to win, but it was really good.”

Rebbeck explained to The Bugle that her tenure at Kiama Leagues Club happened by chance.  

“I actually came in here for lunch one day and one of the staff asked if I was looking for a job,” Rebbeck said.

What began as casual work progressed into greater roles with those in management seeing her talents not only in the kitchen, but as a leader.

“I was doing a bit of both at one stage, which was good, but also hard to juggle when you need to be in the kitchen, when you need to be writing rosters, organising menus and costings,” Rebbeck said.

“I was in the kitchen about eight months ago, but I started getting out of the kitchen and (we) employed a head chef so that I could do the catering manager role.

“It just got to the point that doing both was a little hard and needed to focus on just the admin side of it.”

With community being a significant value for Rebbeck, it is no wonder that she is an integral part of the Kiama Leagues Club.

“Just being involved and helping out and being a part of a team,” she said.

“Being a part of it and giving back and helping out.

“That has been a big focus of ours and giving back to the community and not just in the sporting way. Being a part of a big team.”

Kiama Leagues Club chief executive officer Jesse O’Brien said Rebbeck’s rapid progression through to the catering manager's role was due to her work ethic. 

“With Sarah, she is a pivotal part of our leadership team in the management part and she’s worked her way up from the kitchen, through to kitchen management, into the catering managers role which she made her own,” O’Brien said. 

“A lot of our success is due to her work.

“She is like no one I have ever met really, she just loves a challenge. 

“I try to make sure I am not putting too much work on her shoulders, but she seems to enjoy the harder stuff more than anything and has this drive to succeed.” 

Part of Rebbeck’s reflection on her career progression has been not only contributing to the growth of the club, but also fostering its culture.

“We’ve doubled the revenue in the catering from when I first started to now and the place itself looks different with the renovations,” Rebbeck said.

“But, the culture and the team, making sure everyone is part of the team and feels like they want to turn up to work everyday. That is really important to me.”

Upon accepting the award, Rebbeck confessed to The Bugle that she became a little tongue twisted on the podium but later posted her speech on social media where she congratulated the other finalists which included her colleague Mark Smith.

“Congratulations to all the other finalists - especially my incredible colleague Mark, who is not only an outstanding employee, but also an all-round wonderful human,” Rebbeck posted.

“It’s been an incredible journey of growth, learning, opportunity – and I am so grateful to have been supported every step of the way. 

“Kiama Leagues Club may not be a small business, but it’s still built on the same values: hard work, dedication, and a genuine commitment to our community.

“I love my job – and a big part of that is because of the fantastic team I work with, the incredible support, opportunities and the leadership we receive from Jesse, and the board of directors. 

“It’s such an honour to be part of something that makes such a real and lasting impact.”