How Southport Gets Helpers Without Burning Them Out

Feel like you don't have time to volunteer? Learn how Southport Croquet Club makes it easy for members to contribute in small, meaningful ways.

Croquet Queensland Media

Jul 20, 2025

Someone from the committee asks, "Could you lend a hand?"

Your mind immediately jumps to the big picture: endless meetings, thankless tasks, and a 12-month commitment that feels more like a second job. You're talented, you're willing, and you love your club, but who has that kind of time?

That's why so many good people hesitate.

At Southport Croquet Club, president Charlie Ernst does it differently. Stop asking for a year. Start asking for an hour.

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The idea is straightforward:

Break big jobs down into small, manageable tasks.

Instead of asking members to fill broad roles, committees can identify small, specific tasks. Instead of trying to fill a vacant "Lawn Director" position, what if you just needed someone to mow the surrounds for 30 minutes once a fortnight? Or help run the BBQ at a Bunnings fundraiser?

Most clubs have members with useful skills who've never been asked to help in a way that suits them.

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Charlie gives the example of grant writing. Southport found one person with the right skills and made them their dedicated grant writer.

That’s all he does, nothing else.

The same goes for leadership. People don't want to be president or treasurer because they've seen how much work it is. If clubs can simplify those jobs, more people will put their hand up.