Jaci Lappin is used to having a contingency plan in place for everything.
However, the Carrington Bowling Club chief executive could not have been prepared for one major event that swept across the globe.
“I didn’t have [a plan] for a pandemic,” she said.
“After spending so long engaging with the community, we wanted to keep our footprint out there and let people know that they weren’t totally alone.
“I felt we were going to lose a lot of traction if we sat silently in the background.”
As COVID-19 triggered outbreaks and lockdowns, the club set up social distancing markers, provided takeaway meals, and started much-needed renovations.
A live virtual raffle also offered members a semblance of normality.
“[The raffle] was just the cameramen and my son and I,” Ms Lappin said.
“It was very successful – it gave the community something familiar.”
Ms Lappin’s leadership saw her awarded City of Newcastle’s 2021 Senior Citizen of the Year during a ceremony last month.
She was praised for providing a safe, inclusive space for the community to gather, and enriching the City’s vibrant social tapestry through a range of activities.
This became even more significant at the height of the pandemic when social isolation was prevalent.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she was pleased to formally acknowledge Ms Lappin, as well as 2021 Young Citizen of the Year, professional netballer Samantha Poolman, for their contributions.
“Both Samantha and Jaci are well respected, well-loved members of our community who give so much of their time to that which they are passionate about for the benefit of others,” Cr Nelmes said.
Ms Lappin, who joined Carrington Bowling Club more than a decade ago, added it had been a team effort.
“The staff are so wonderful,” she said. “They could have sat at home on JobKeeper, but they washed walls down and helped out in other ways.
“We had 212 members when I came in, and that’s risen to about 4,000 now.
“There’s also a dog membership, where the 270 members bring their fur babies along to feel part of it all and make donations to Newcastle Dog Rescue.
“We have tried to stay here for the community – it’s a genuine space for everyone to enjoy.”
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