Career Timeline

Damian Wainohu

Roles: Winemaker, vineyard and cellar operations, hospitality, event support and team leadership

Built practical experience in production, quality control, customer service and operations
Developed early leadership capability across teams, events and commercial environments
Established foundations in discipline, quality, communication and relationship management

Played representative and club rugby across New Zealand, France and England
Developed an international understanding of high-performance environments, culture and team leadership
Built resilience, adaptability and experience working across diverse professional settings

This deserves its own entry. At present, your international rugby career is almost invisible on the timeline.

Roles: Head Coach, Director of Rugby, pathway coach and programme leader

Led athlete and coach development programmes across community and performance environments
Built team culture, performance systems and development pathways
Developed relationships across clubs, schools, families and community stakeholders
Progressed from coaching leadership into broader sport administration and programme management

Roles included: Participation leadership, regional development, pathway programmes, senior management and Acting CEO responsibilities

Contributed to organisational strategy, participation growth, operational planning and executive leadership
Delivered 2.6% statewide participation growth during a national decline
Helped develop and launch the Western Force Cup and school participation models
Built relationships across government, councils, schools, clubs and regional communities
Supported emerging player, coach and inclusive participation pathways
Contributed to Perth securing its first HSBC international sevens event
Undertook Acting CEO responsibilities during a period of organisational transition

This uses RugbyWA sparingly while making the work the focus.

Continued professional work across wine production, operational delivery and customer engagement
Progressed executive education across strategy, governance, project management, digital transformation and sport leadership
Participated in the Crusaders High Performance Leadership Programme
Developed an executive website, professional brand and senior leadership portfolio
Pursued Chief Executive, General Manager and senior organisational leadership opportunities

Conceived and delivered the Vinnies CEO Sleepout Charity Dinner
Raised $4,605, exceeding the fundraising target
Activated relationships across international rugby, business, hospitality and community networks
Began developing the Professional Athletes Charity Golf Challenge and associated fundraising event