Club’s new boss to put spark in events

BUSINESS owner and networking guru Rachelle Foley has taken the reins of the city’s premier private group, the North Queensland Club, with big plans to enliven its events.

One of her first calls has been to secure Clive Palmer to address the members.

Ms Foley, who has taken over the presidency from David Kippin, said she wanted to attract controversial as well as high- profile speakers.

“( Clive Palmer) divides the community. You either like him or dislike him but regardless there’s interest in what he can do for the community,” Ms Foley said.

Mr Palmer has been booked to address the club in November on “QNI and what he can do for the community”, while the commander of 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Scott Winter, will speak at its event next month.

Ms Foley is a part- owner of industrial supplier Dexion North Queensland, which holds licences in Townsville and Cairns, and recently launched a Professional Singles Network designed for career- minded men and women for business and social relationships.

“I have over 100 members since launching. It is growing so quickly and creating many benefits for professional sin- gles,” Ms Foley said. She has been involved in the North Queensland Club for about two years.

Ms Foley said the club was unique, attracting many high- profile professionals and business people to network and discuss the city’s advancement.

“The club is proudly involved in tackling local issues, hosting high- profile guest speaker luncheons, hosting unique, exclusive memberonly events or simply providing a venue for having a nice quiet drink with positive influencers within our community,” Ms Foley said.

“It is a place which needs to be developed and supported to move into the future.”

Considered a bastion of male power, Ms Foley said the club was changing as more women became involved. The club’s manager, Amy McLeod, is also a woman.

Ms Foley said one of the club’s greatest assets was its chef Jean- Francois Desiage.

Their most recent speaker, Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey, was very complimentary of Mr Desiage’s skill, she said.

It seems the exclusive club is in good hands.

Picture: ALIX SWEENEY NETWORKING: Rachelle Foley ( front) the new president of the North Queensland Club, with committee members Donna Sands, Rod Edmonds, Gary Orford, Liz Buckley and Phil Jenkins.