New General Manager appointed

The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of our new General Manager - Bec Watson.

Bec joins our Club with two decades experience in community development and engagement, and creating the essential infrastructure that communities need to bring people together.

Her passion for junior rugby in Sydney is well established. Having served as President of the Hunters Hill Junior Rugby Union Football Club, she will soon conclude her term in this role.

The Board is very pleased to have been able to find someone with the enthusiasm, drive and commitment to  continue to improve and strengthen our Club. 

Rob Cusack

Chairman Eastwood Rugby

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Meet Bec Watson

Welcome to the Woods Bec, let's start at the beginning, what made you want to work in a Footy Club?

I’ve always loved bringing people together, and I’ve been fortunate to spend my career doing just that. Rugby clubs hold such an important role in communities - they’re more than just places to play sport. They’re where friendships are made, and people develop a sense of belonging. It’s that third place we all need, a home away from home.

This opportunity came at a perfect time in my career and life. My 18 year old son’s time in junior rugby is coming to an end, and the chance to step into a role like this, especially at a Club with such a rich history and a bright future like Eastwood, is exciting for me. I’m thrilled to be part of the future of this Club.

Can you give us a quick snapshot of your career?

I started my career working in customer service and marketing, mainly focusing on engagement, strategy and events, but my real passion has been creating places where everyone feels welcome and connected. As the CEO of a national charity, I worked with communities, businesses, and governments to fund and build a network of inclusive playspaces, and it was incredible to see how these projects brought people together, and created a true sense of belonging.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked across local and federal government, and in both small and large businesses, always enjoying the chance to roll up my sleeves and get things done. Most recently, I’ve been working with the NSW Government on public open space projects and programs, including launching Penrith Beach and developing the Places to Swim guidelines to help more people access water for recreation. I’ve also been involved in the policy, strategy, and delivery of parks and open spaces across the state.

Obviously you've done a fair bit of research on the Club,  where's some areas you think you'll be able to make an immediate impact?

From everything I’ve seen so far, the Club is in a strong position with an excellent culture, so my role will be to support and build on that. I’m really looking forward to meeting all the players, members, and supporters, and hearing more about the Club’s long history. The Club has a great strategy in place, so my first priority will be to delivering on that. The growth of women’s rugby is a major opportunity and the Club has made an excellent start. We’ll commit to continue developing the women's game.

There's obviously a transition coming up, which I’m excited to assist with. I have some ideas for how we can engage our current and future supporters. There’s some challenges in our current location but I’m looking forward to keeping things moving while planning for the future.

Looking down the track - the relocation of the Club is one of those once in a career projects- its in effect a bit like a rebirth. What's your take on how the future looks for the Club and how you'll be able to help it grow?

The relocation project is a big challenge – it’s almost like a fresh start for the Club. With the population in The Hills Shire set to grow by nearly 50% by 2046, this is a great opportunity for the Club to settle into a new location.

It’s great to see The Hills Shire Council working to bring more sports to the rapidly growing North West and to see their commitment to getting the right infrastructure in place to support it. While it’s sad to leave behind the memories at TG Millner, I’m excited to work with the Board, players, staff, and supporters to guide the Club through this next phase.

The heart of a Club will always be its community, and as we grow, the success will come from making sure everyone feels included and valued.

When all is said and done - we’re a football club and success on the field is the reason we turn up each week. Specifically, how are you going to help guide our football program to achieve that?

The Club is lucky to have such a talented team, and my job is to make sure there’s nothing standing in their way. At the end of the day, it’s about building a winning program that brings in the best players, coaches, and supporters. I’m here to support the team, give them the tools they need and let them do what they do best.

And lastly, how will we know if you've done a good job?

If the Club is succeeding, I’ll know I’ve done my job. It’s about creating a winning environment, both on and off the field and helping the sport grow and thrive in the District.