Michael Wakeling
AKW DIRECTOR & CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
Michael Wakeling, aka Wako, is a man with diverse interests and experiences. In addition to his financial expertise, he has demonstrated a strong passion for the sport of Rugby Union. His dedication to the game is evident in his six-year tenure as the Director of Finance for the Southern Inland Rugby Union Board, as well as its predecessor, the Riverina Rugby Union.
During his time in this position, Michael served as the Director of Finance on the Southern Inland Rugby Union Board and its predecessor Riverina Rugby Union for six years during the amalgamation of Riverina and South West Slopes zones and the introduction of GST.
While his rugby playing days have come to a close after an impressive 29-season run with the 'Reddies,' Michael continues to stay connected and contribute to Southern Inland Rugby as a referee.
Before embarking on his successful path in the financial industry, Wako worked on his parents' farm in Collingullie, gaining an understanding of the agricultural sector and the dedication required to operate a farm. Additionally, he spent ten years honing his shearing skills in the Lockhart area.
Through his extensive experience in both rugby and rural industries, Michael’s contributions to AKW and the wider community are a testament to his dedication and passion for making a positive impact wherever he goes.
I have lots of clients that I have known for a very long time, and a lot of them are farmers or tradies and I enjoy the catch-up.“When did you start working at AKW?
On the 29/07/1991. The way I remember that is because it was a week before Courtney, my youngest daughter, was born, and when I had the meeting with Rodney Parsons, I had to tell him that my wife was 39 weeks pregnant and that if I didn’t turn up on Monday, it wasn’t because I didn’t want the job, it was because I was on the maternity ward.
We know you are a rugby nut, give us a brief rundown of your rugby career?
When I left school, I was working Saturday, so I had to play rugby league. I played 9 years with Turvey Park, 96 first grade games and represented group 9. I then had a year with Wagga Brothers after we sold the farm.
I went to university not long after my season at the Brothers and met a few blokes that were playing out there at the CSU Reddies Rugby Club. My idea was that I would play rugby for a year to meet people. That didn’t go very well for me as I have just completed my 33rd season with the Reddies.
I represented SIRU (Southern Inland Rugby Union) as a 30- & 31-year-old, during my time at the Reddies. The club have lost count of the number of games I have played with them, but we believe it to be 500+ games. We weren’t very good at record keeping back in the early 90’s.
What do you enjoy about working at AKW?
Talking to people. I have lots of clients that I have known for a very long time, and a lot of them are farmers or tradies and I enjoy the catch-up.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Besides rugby? If I am not at AKW you will find me on a Rugby paddock, at the farm or on a building site. They are the 3 things I do when I am not here.