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

Most croquet clubs have capable, willing members who never volunteer. Not because they don't care, but because "volunteering" sounds like joining a committee, attending monthly meetings, and taking on a role nobody else wanted. That's a big ask for someone who joined to play croquet.

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.