Hi, Arilpa. I'll try to answer some of your questions.
Arilpa:can someone explain whether someone like me who only has standard clubs other than a better drive and putter is any use if I join a club.
Every club is different. I'd suggest you look for a club that has interests that are similar to yours. Read the recruiting posts here in Country Club Corner and see if any of those clubs appeal to you. If you find one (or more) that does, send the player who posted the recruiting post a friend request and a message with any questions you have.
Arilpa: Do clubs play competitions against other clubs? Would I be of any benefit as I only have standard clubs.
Some clubs do. Most do not. In my experience, clubs don't care so much what clubs you use as long as you try to do your best.
Arilpa: I am based in Australia, do I need to be in the same time zone as the club I am in.
It's not absolutely necessary. But if you're interested in playing multi-player games with other club members, it might be easier to arrange games if there are people in the club who play at the same times you do.
Arilpa: I usually play stroke play at best of Brandon par 3 which I normally finish top 3 but is that result any benefit to a club?
Your performance in par 3 and other tournaments won't have any benefit to the club, other than bragging rights. If you like to play certain types of tournaments (eg. Par 3's), I'd look for a club that offers those types of tournaments.
Hope this helps. Good luck and enjoy your game!