Sport
13 July, 2023
New job for Bears President
Oakey Bears Club President Brendan Dolan has stepped down and will take up a new role with Queensland Rugby League as a Clubs Support Coordinator for the Toowoomba and Warwick Districts.
The appointment marks the end of a long direct association with the Bears, as a player, trainer, coach and finally, executive member.
Mr Dolan was instrumental in the club’s fight to exist after entering administration in 2017.
He coached the Oakey Men’s A Grade side to its first win in three years during that season.
The strong communication and people skills needed to get the club up and running during those dark days meant he was exactly what the Queensland Rugby League was looking for in a governance advisory role.
“My new role involves Club governance and relations and offering any support I can to
any Toowoomba, Warwick Junior Rugby League, and Border League club," Brendan said.
“It’s also about making sure the clubs get along with each other.”
Brendan took over as President of the Club when in 2017, and had been working as a full-time volunteer after an accident left him unable to continue in his job as a physiotherapist.
“After my accident and not being able to work as a physio anymore, I’m just grateful to have a job,” he said.
"My family’s been a massive part of the club and they’ve been a tremendous part of the journey,”.
In terms of his goals Brendan Dolan wants to see football clubs across the region develop strong junior bases and a healthy culture.
“I’d like to see really good numbers across the juniors - particularly in the country areas,” he said.
“I’d like to see all clubs strong - not just a handful at the top dominating.”
Incoming Bears President Jesikah Barnes told the Champion that Mr Dolan left behind a strong legacy
at the club, which she would do her best to emulate with a new committee in 2024.
Brendan said his personal highlights in his time at the club included seeing his player and Oakey legend Aaron Cherry win TRL Player of the Season during the year he coached the side.
Brendan Dolan said he was proud to see how the club had grown in his time in the role, including completely re-doing the interior of the club pavilion to recognise the club’s storied history and improving the club’s reputation.
“It was an issue with crowd and player behaviour and a lot of that has changed over the years,” he said.
“Another highlight was the upgrade of the inside of the clubhouse - there was no furniture - putting the trophies in the clubhouse, building the new scoreboard shed, getting new line markers, displaying memorabilia, and building a new concrete path.
“One of the best things to see was the turnaround of the playing numbers at all levels.
“It was hard to let go, but I’ll still be there for anyone in Oakey who needs me.”
