As picnic coordinator for 23 years, Mr Nichols said the two roles go “hand in hand, it is a part of the job.”

Starting with the club as a barman in 1998, Mr Nichols was encouraged to apply for the manager’s position by the club secretary and while Mr Nichols expertly pulled a beer he knew nothing about bookwork.

He filled the position of manager on October 9, 1989.

“I only finished Year 7 at school. Luckily I was taught everything I needed to know about running a club,” he said.

Proud of what he achieved for the club over the years, Mr Nichols said that it would not have been possible without his wife, Mary Nichols by his side.

“Mary started with me as assistant manager on the same day, she was the planner of the award, but the tables turned when she too was rewarded for her service to the club,” he said.

Working at the club has become more then a job, it has become the duo’s family and life.

“I was once told that when going to work becomes a task, then it is time to give it away. That time hasn’t come yet,” Mr Nichols said.

Challenges overtime have been met with an eagerness to learn and adopt new practices, most notably so with pokie machines and the introduction of new liquor and smoking laws.

“A lot of people have also come and gone and we have had success with discos with the younger ones packing the place,” he said.

“Now we cater more so to the older clientele, which we felt was lacking in Port Pirie, providing a nice meal and easy-listening music with a two-piece band.”

He received life membership the same year that he was appointed manager. Mr and Mrs Nichols acknowledged the members of the club for supporting them over the years.