In the midst of the war between ClubsNSW and the NSW Government of Premier Bob Carr in 2004, the governing body's chairman (the late) Pat Rogan ventured down to Wollongong to meet up with Steelers Club manager Peter Newell.
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"I have a little job I'd like you to do for me," Rogan, who had previously been the Labor MP for East Hills, said.
"What's that?" Newell asked with curiosity.
"Mine," he replied.
The former journalist, and respected leader, took the opportunity and held the role for 15 years until making his formal departure this morning after announcing his retirement earlier this month.
"I'm ending my 15 year tenure with some sadness but you have to know when it's time," Newell told the Singleton Argus.
"It's been an action filled 15 years; there have been a couple of blues but a lot of good things in the middle."
The metropolitan media has highlighted his early achievements as the ClubsNSW chairman.
He was credited for his efforts for raising millions for victims of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami less than three months after the devastating natural disaster struck across South-East Asia.
On a smaller scale, the retiring leader also made many notable appearances in Singleton over his 15 years at the helm.
"I've been to Singleton quite a few times over the past 15 years, mostly to do with the Community Chest night at Gerard McMillan's Club," he added.
"Also for the anniversary of the Bowling Club; that was a memorable occasion as well.
"It's a wonderful part of the world (the Upper Hunter); my wife was born in Cessnock so it's not quite like coming home for me but it's pretty close to it."