We’re proud of our staff – they are what makes Mingara Recreation Club great. Our staff love getting to know our members and guests. They take the time to know your favourite things, like how you like your coffee, and the way you like to spend your time at Mingara.
Meet Sandra
You have heard her laugh, now get to know a bit more about the lady behind the laugh. We know you love seeing her in our gaming room, just as much as we love having her on the Mingara team.
What area do you work in?
You can usually find me… or hear me on the gaming room floor at Mingara.
Coffee or tea?
I make a lot of coffee made with love here at Mingara, but I am not a coffee drinker. I’m a tea girl – about ten cups a day!
What makes you laugh?
Probably inappropriate things like someone tripping up the stairs or me tripping over my own feet. I am the first to laugh at myself.
What are you most proud of?
My beautiful family. Four children and eight grandchildren.
Who would you like to be for a day?
Adele. So when I sing at work people won’t tell me how bad my singing is.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
My husband and I will go out for breakfast more often than dinner. I love a big breakfast. Bacon, eggs, the works and a pot of tea. I love a buffet breakfast too. Who doesn’t?
What do you like most about working at Mingara?
The friendships made with staff and patrons, the social outings and the tips are not bad either.
What is your fondest memory of working at Mingara?
All my workmates know I am a big ‘Prisoner’ geek. I watch it on Foxtel every day. One day, a couple of years ago, I was in the payout area and Paula Duncan was in the club. She was in ‘Prisoner’ at the time. One of the staff got her autograph for me and later she came over to the payout area. I spoke with her and kept her autograph. I still have them at home today!
What is the best holiday you have been on?
Most people know I love Bali and have been over 20 times. Last year we went on a cruise and it was the first holiday where my girls were young adults and we had a great time; shopping and enjoying the nightclubs, casino and sharing a few cocktails. It was like going away with girlfriends.
How do you define success?
We have a friend in Bali who we have known for 15 years. We often visit his house when we can. He invites us to dinner. We sit on the floor of his house, he has no furniture and we eat chicken and rice off leaf plates. He has nothing but he is the happiest man. When you ask him why he is so happy when he doesn’t seem to have much he says, “I have a beautiful wife and I love my kids.” He has many friends and feels he is the most successful man because he is surrounded by love.
I like that.
Nickname
Sandy Girl
What is your lucky number?
I would have to say 4 as that is my birthdate and I have four kids.
Do you have any superstitions?
When I am at work and I go through the sliding doors, I always tap the glass!
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Thanks for coming
What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?
Try and be more understanding with your mother because the same issues you roll your eyes at now will be the same issues you will have to deal with later in life and your mum won’t be here anymore to help you through them!
You are happiest when?
When I’m with my family. But also, when I’m just at home, the kids are all over, a few grandkids, me and the hubby, just sitting back enjoying it all.
What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
I’ll buy the Lipton Tea Factory and then I would never run out of tea. Seriously though, houses for my kids, all in my street so I would see them every day.
What is your greatest fear?
I won’t swim in the dark, in my pool or anywhere else because I always feel something is going to get me.
If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
Tea bags, chewing gum, sun oil.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?
I always wear odd socks.
What are your top 3 life highlights?
1. I have been married for 30+ years and still going strong.
2. My 4 beautiful kids
3. My beautiful grandkids
What advice would you give new staff?
Have fun with your job. You spend a big part of your life at work and if you are miserable there then your home life will suffer too.
Sandra definitely has fun with her job and is much loved by our guests and her presence is valued by the Mingara Team.
Mingara Recreation Club is a leading employer for hospitality careers, Central Coast.
More than just food and beverage, Mingara offers careers I fitness, aquatics, events, management, gaming, promotions and more.
For more information on careers at Mingara click here.