When Paula Wolfenden first stepped through the doors of Kedron-Wavell in 1997, she didn’t know she’d be walking into a career that would span nearly three decades, but she had a feeling.
“I came over on holiday from New Zealand,” she recalls.
“My family took me to the club for a visit, and I just knew. I told them right then and there: ‘I’m going to work here.’ Whether they liked it or not!”
A year later, with a leap of faith and a printed resume, she began a journey that would see her become one of the most recognisable and loved faces of the club.
“When I first started at KW, I worked in the restaurant and event spaces.
“A few years later, I worked in our Coral Sea Restaurant and became a Team Leader.
“Coral Sea was an iconic Brisbane restaurant. Our buffet had two full seatings of 300 guests every Friday and Saturday.
“We’d clear, clean, and reset the whole space in 15 minutes. It was full-on, but we were like a swarm of busy bees. We just got it done.”
Those early years laid the foundation for an impactful career.
In later years, Paula was approached to lead Kedron-Wavell’s concierge, the team that is the first point of contact for members.
“We’re the heart of the club,” she says.
“People don’t just come to Kedron-Wavell for food and entertainment.
“They come because they want to feel like they belong, like someone’s happy to see them.”
Paula has countless stories of moments that mattered, members who needed help, regulars she noticed weren’t quite themselves, strangers who left as friends.
“I’ve made so many friends over the years; people I have been able to catch up with and be a part of their lives.
Whilst Paula is known for being a caring and hardworking leader in her role as Concierge Supervisor, her true strength was never about status or titles — it was about how she connected with people.
“I’ve had people in my team who have made an impact at Kedron-Wavell – and others who have gone on to great things in other industries.
“From pilots to medical professionals and IT Managers, I’m proud that they were in my team and developed skills that helped them in their careers.”
As for what’s next, Paula’s looking to slow down … just a little.
“Retirement was a big decision for me, but I have lots to look forward to.
“We’re downsizing and looking at moving to a beachside town so that my husband and I can spend quality time together.
“And I’m excited to start volunteering, so that I can stay connected to people.”
Nearly 30 years in, Paula remains grounded and grateful.
“I’ve found my niche here.
“It’s been a good place to work and more than that, it’s been a place where I could be myself. Where I could make a difference.
“They might forget my name, but they’ll never forget how I made them feel.”
