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Donna Utz wears two hats at UWA. As Executive Assistant to the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), Donna spends her day making sure the office runs smoothly. But as the ‘Face of the Social Club’, Donna’s event manager skills come to the fore as she works hard to organise memorable experiences for UWA staff.

Donna’s worked at UWA for five years in a variety of roles, and been a member of the Social Club for most of this time. The Club’s experienced some difficulty over the years she’s been a member but right now it has a solid membership base and is going from strength to strength.

“When I first joined, the Club was in a state of flux. There were quite a few changes within the existing Committee so a few of us banded together and made the commitment to keep it going because we all felt the group provides a valuable service to the campus community,” she says.

With this in mind, the Club’s main focus for the last couple of years has been to bring in new blood and some fresh ideas.

“We know that a lot of staff and faculty don’t even know the Social Club exists, so in some respects we have a lot of work to do but we’re taking it one day at a time,” she explains.

“Right now our objective is to regularly organise successful (and fun!) events for our members, and hopefully word of mouth spreads and increased membership follows.”

Donna believes team spirit is really important in the workplace, and as well as organising social club activities is a regular participant in events such as the annual Staff Sports Day.

“I always encourage others participate too as I think it creates a more congenial, productive workplace and I believe the Social Club plays the same role. It helps develop positive networks around the University but in a more casual way than usual colleague-to-colleague interactions.”

Events are varied and cater to a variety of interests. Whether you’re into sports, arts or just getting together for an off-campus meal, the Social Club has something to suit. The committee also strives to ensure events are affordable and that members receive value for money.

Going forward Donna hopes that Club membership keeps increasing and members represent a cross-section of the University.

“UWA is a workplace so full of different opportunities that it makes sense to get to know your campus peers. Making these kinds of connections will only add to your employee experience, and the Social Club is a non-intimidating way you can do this,” she says.

Learn more about the UWA Staff Social Club , its cost and upcoming events.