Jak Dobbyns

Introduce yourself to us, Jak. Where are you from?

I was born in Newcastle and moved to Beechwood when I was about 12 years old. After finishing high school, I briefly returned to Newcastle to complete my undergraduate degree at university. Once COVID hit, I relocated back to Beechwood, where I’ve been based since.

You’re heavily involved in the Beechwood community. Why is it so important to you?

For me, it’s about giving back to a community that gave me so much during my upbringing. The sense of support and connection that thrives in Beechwood is incredibly unique, and my time living in Newcastle only made me appreciate it more. Communities where people genuinely rally together to help each other are rare, and it’s even more inspiring when you see different groups collaborating to make a real difference. Beechwood has been experiencing rapid growth, with many young families moving to the area. Some of my fondest memories are of local events like the Billycart Derby and playing cricket as a child, and I’m lucky to work alongside an incredible group of volunteers to keep those traditions alive. The support we receive from local businesses also amazes me. It’s this backing that enables us to do what we do. A lot of credit is due to you, your organisation and the team at the Beechwood Hotel, whose ongoing support  lies at the heart of so many of our community initiatives.

You’re the President and 1st Grade Captain of the Beechwood Cricket Club. Tell us about your history with the club and what’s on the horizon.

I’ve had the privilege of playing all my junior and senior cricket with Beechwood Cricket Club. Around seven years ago, I took on the role of Club President, and since then, I’ve been fortunate to have great support from those around me in running the club. Over the past few years, the club has grown significantly, and we’ve worked hard to foster a culture cantered on inclusion and giving back to the community. We hope that the future will follow a similar trend especially through our junior teams where we are investing heavily. One of the most exciting events on our calendar is the annual Beechwood 7’s fundraiser day. It’s not just a fantastic day of cricket but also one of our key fundraising efforts, helping us reinvest in the community ground that serves both the club and the wider Beechwood community year-round.

You dedicate a lot of your time to the Beechwood community. What else keeps you busy?

I currently work as the Community Liaison Officer for Regional Australia Bank. It’s a truly rewarding role that involves managing our strategic and corporate partnerships as well  as broader community initiatives across our footprint. Outside of work and community commitments, I like to stay fit and active. I’m also lucky enough to have amazing friends and family around me who I try to spend as much time as I can with.

How are the legs after running a half marathon every day for 10 days straight in October? Fully recovered?

Not quite! I’m still dealing with a few minor injuries from the challenge, but thankfully, nothing too serious. The sense of accomplishment makes it all worthwhile. My partner, Tahlia, and I managed to raise $12,500 for homelessness, and that achievement far outweighs any injuries. Looking back, the experience still feels surreal. We finished 7th on the nationwide team leaderboard for funds raised, which is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a testament to the power of community, something I’ve touched on throughout this interview. The support we received from those around us is something we’ll cherish forever.

Lastly, what’s the best thing about Beechwood?

I think my answer throughout this interview has been consistent—it's the people. The community in Beechwood and the amazing support system we have here truly set this place apart. It’s a privilege to be part of something so special.  

~ Article and images courtesy Focus Magazine