Ken Lewis and Tavolo at Thoroughbred Race Park, where his unwavering work ethic earned him recognition for Individual Service to the Industry at the ClubsACT 2023 Clubs & Community Awards. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
As a self-professed hospitality lifer, it’s not unusual for Ken Lewis to clock 35,000 steps in a day as the Thoroughbred Park Assistant Facilities Manager flits tirelessly around the venue.
“At last year’s Black Opal Stakes, I did more than 90,000 over the two days,” he says.
With a broad remit, the job keeps him on his toes. He might start a day setting up furniture for a function or cleaning beer lines and end with shampooing carpets, cleaning windows or whipper-snipping and mowing lawns.
“I love it. You’re not always doing the same thing. Some things run on a schedule, but in between, there’s plenty to do, and it’s up to you to spot what needs doing and prioritise on a daily basis,” he says.
After two decades doing bar work and managing hotels and nightclubs in Victoria, Ken started at the club about 15 years ago as a part-time cleaner and facilities manager and worked his way up from there.
Though still in hospitality, there are some notable differences between working for bars and restaurants and working for clubs. Perhaps the biggest is the important role clubs play in their local communities, which in turn contributes to the greater Canberra community.
Clubs of the ACT support more than 1000 community groups. They are considered by many to be an essential part of the social fabric, contributing to the liveability of the city and often picking up community work that might otherwise topple over.
“Clubs are more than just food and beverage places … And we’re a lot more than a race track,” Ken says.
“Clubs are often a place where communities celebrate important milestones or gather to connect.”
Ken Lewis surveys the grandstand at Thoroughbred Race Park. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The significant work that goes into this behind the scenes is often an untold story, but once a year this role is acknowledged at the ClubsACT Clubs & Community Awards.
The Awards recognise that club venues have their fingerprints on a wide range of ventures at a community level.
Rather than focusing only on the most visible aspects of an organisation, the event often unveils the hard work and dedication of quiet, behind-the-scenes contributors like Ken, whose efforts turn the ACT’s clubs into members of the communities they serve.
Last year, following an award submission titled Loyal Servant of the Canberra Racing Club, Ken was recognised for ‘Individual Service to the Industry’ – an award he didn’t expect to win but which was important nonetheless.
“I’m not the best person to put things into words – I’m an action person … When I won the award, I was back in my seat before they had a chance to ask me whether I wanted to say a few words,” he laughs.
“I do believe that clubs play an essential role in the community, though, and it’s important to acknowledge that.
“I have enjoyed playing my part in making our business model a success and ensuring that everybody who comes through our gate – whether they’re there for a race day or function – walks out having had a wonderful experience, and perhaps they come back again.
“In being put forward for an award, I know the club thinks I’m doing something right and that I have made a meaningful contribution to the most important thing we do, which is to serve our community.”
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