Article provided by Rick Stoker

Born and Bred in Sydney’s south western suburbs, Kym Rowley spent 21 years in the army’s Royal Australian Engineers.  

As he progressed in his career he held a number of positions including Administration Officer with a Helicopter Squadron in Townsville, Head Instructor teaching Business and later with the Department of Works in PNG, Administration and Provincial Administration & Finance Manager.

He met the love of his life Beverly, at Nock & Kirby’s store in York Street Sydney when at the age of 14, he applied for a job there.

They have one son and three grandsons who live in Sydney.  Earlier this year Kym and Bev celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.   

About four years ago, the Port Douglas & District Combined Club Inc. (The Tin Shed), appointed a new manager.

However, due to medical problems his wife was having, he resigned and returned south.

He contacted Kym to see whether he was interested in coming to Port Douglas to sort out the problems the Club was having which at the time, included a debt of over $650,000 plus an overdraft. 

Unfazed, Kym picked up the reigns and now a short 3½ years later, the club, having paid off its debt and overdraft, is over half a million dollars in the black.

Looking to the future, the committee put to the members the idea of extending the club’s facilities by adding an upstairs floor.  

After much deliberation, the members approved and Mr Rowley was charged with implementing the extensions.  

Getting the plans drawn up and approved, firstly from the Cairns and then the Douglas Shire Councils, overcoming various objections from within and without, re-designing and re-submitting plans, arranging the finance and wherever possible appointing local builders and sub-contractors and handling unforseen delays, proved to be a mammoth task.

Kym rose to the occasion and construction started before last Christmas.

When asked about his future plans, Kym answered: 

“From its decking, The Tin Shed has the best views in Port and I have a great committee and staff who help me no-end."

"With this backup I intend to continue expanding the facilities of the club for the benefit of its members and guests.  I’d like to see the club become an integral part of the town and a showpiece for visitors.  It has its own fishing club and I’d also like to see it assist other local sporting activities wherever possible.  

"The club has purchased a pontoon with a motor which is available for charter by members, for trips along our great waterways.

“Apart from running the club I wish to continue my interests in golf and fishing and along my lovely wife, I would like to continue our world travel as opportunities permit.”