Greetings, I'm Doug Flockhart, and I'm incredibly thrilled to introduce myself as the inaugural CEO of Gliding Australia. It’s early days in this exhilarating journey for me, and I'm eager to share my initial thoughts, aspirations and insights.
We love this sport because it’s adventurous and because the sky has fewer limits than the earth. Gliding is also largely a solo sport, but no one can reach the skies without the help of a community.
Becoming CEO has provided me a fresh perspective on gliding as a sporting community as I’ve spoken to so many lovely, dedicated and, I must say, highly experienced and well credentialed members. From those conversations it is apparent, even in these early days of my tenure, that as a community, we have a few issues that warrant our immediate attention to ensure that we have a solid and bright future ahead.
Diversity and Inclusion
First and foremost, I believe in the paramount importance of diversity and inclusion. If we are to attract and, importantly, retain more women and youth in our sport, for example, we must open our arms wide to all, regardless of gender, age or ethnicity. Gliding should be a space where not only does everyone feel welcome, but valued for his or her unique contributions. Diversity, after all, is the essence of the human experience, and it is high time everyone embraced it wholeheartedly.
FACTS: Of the total Gliding Australia flying membership, only 6% are female. Among clubs with women flying, 14 clubs have just one, 11 clubs have two to three, and 16 clubs have more than four.
In today's world where we're inundated with a constant stream of digital information, the most valuable commodity we have is communication itself – the ability to connect with others on a deeper level. Gliding and the club environment can foster this, but it must be a focus that all in the club sign up for.
I'm here to support and champion everyone, and personally, I hope to welcome more women and youth in their journey of attraction and retention within our sport. We need fresh perspectives, new ideas and boundless enthusiasm to keep gliding soaring to new heights.
Consumer Focus
Let's also talk briefly about something equally important – the need for our clubs to adopt a more consumer-focused approach. In a world where choices abound, we must become retailers of experiences, catering to the needs and desires of our members/customers. It's not enough to offer the same old services. We must innovate and evolve, staying in tune with the ever-changing preferences of our gliding enthusiasts, consumers and community. Our clubs should not just be places to enjoy the skies but, equally important, where everyone feels genuinely welcome and appreciated
As an example, review your signage and branding, internally and externally, with fresh eyes. Is it professional, current and appropriate. Are your toilet facilities – both male and female – appropriate, aesthetic and above all, CLEAN? What treatment would I experience when I walk through the door of your club or hangar? Would I be genuinely welcomed and assisted? How do you continue to communicate with me beyond our initial contact? Yes, Basics 101 perhaps, but would it surprise you how often the basics are poorly executed or overlooked?
Member Retention
FACTS: Seventy five percent of new juniors leave in the first year, and 50% of new adults leave in the first year.
In closing, together, let's ensure that Gliding, right across our magnificent Australian continent, remains a place where dreams take flight, the sport retains its ‘mojo’ and, just as important, everyone is welcome.
To all of you who have sent notes and already shared stories with me, thank you. I am humbled by your support and belief in me! In response, an open invitation to all – don't be a stranger. My door is always open.
From an administration perspective, the Board and Executive continue to focus on the CASR Part 149 deliverables, and these efforts are now at the pointy end, as evidenced, for example, by the recent organisational change – that is, appointing a CEO (Part 149 as the Accountable Manager) and transitioning from a President to Chair of the Board. To all involved in this massive task, thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do!
I’m honoured to be your CEO and I can't wait to see where this incredible journey leads us. Strap in, folks – it's going to be an unforgettable ride.
Ciao and warm regards,
Doug Flockhart
Chief Executive Officer
PS… I’d also like to introduce Club Dog! FYI, Club Dog is not well trained, and nothing is off limits. Donald Greenfield, one of Australia’s great cartoonists, is the Club Dog creative, having honed his skills on the pages of the Nation Review, Rolling Stone, The Bulletin and more.
