Directors Report November 2024

Nearing the end of my second year as a Director of Revesby Workers’ Club, it continues to be a privilege to work with the Board to serve our members and staff. It is often challenging, but such a positive experience is made easier by a combination of a great leadership team under our CEO Scott Bennetts, and all the fantastic staff that make up our club.

Like many, with the completion of the Function Centre renovations including the Whitlam Theatre, I greatly anticipate seeing members and visitors enjoying the beautiful new facilities. This was a major project expertly and professionally delivered by our management team. In general, I can see many exciting events planned across the club over the coming months through the upcoming holiday season.

From a Board perspective, I will continue to collaborate with fellow board members to focus on several priorities. These priorities include supporting our CEO and his team, sustaining our club as a leader in the industry, and making the best decisions in the interest of the club’s future. This also extends to the value and priority we place on all club employees in protecting our positive culture. Given my long history as part of Revesby Workers’ before joining the Board, I also have a deep appreciation of the relationships with all our wonderful sub-clubs and the benefits these can have in building life-long associations.

At the time of writing, of course, we face the stepping down of our President Daryl Melham, the heart and soul of the club for such a long time. To say he will be missed is of course a huge understatement. There will be much more to be said as we celebrate his time of service, and I’m sure his involvement and support for the club will continue.

With regard to sub-clubs, I look forward to giving ongoing support when needed. Lawn Bowls enters a new era with the unification of the Men’s and Ladies Clubs. The volunteer committee members work tirelessly to run regular events throughout the year out of Revesby Greens at Spence Street. ‘Twilight Bowls’ is one such social event that commences with Daylight Saving, so if you would like to get involved you would be welcomed with open arms. The Ladies Indoor Bowls are undoubtedly looking forward to resuming play in the new Whitlam Theatre. Billiards and Snooker are looking forward to hosting the Shire Singles event. Darts had a new Club Champion christened in John Savage, and are heading towards the Doubles Championships, and the Spearfishing Club continues to proudly fly the club colours – check them out on social media if you are interested.

Finally, I look forward to being a part of a club that continues to provide significant financial help across our community. I also hope and trust that we all will have a safe and happy Christmas and holiday season.

David Raper, Director

Welcome to the last journal of the year and an update as to what’s on offer at the club this holiday season.

Our new Function Centre and renovated Whitlam Theatre, located on Level 1 of the Club, were formally opened in late October with an event that officially recognised and honoured the long-term service of the club’s immediate past president Daryl Melham AM. We thank him for his service to our club, the industry in general, and to our community.

Daryl’s guidance has been instrumental in developing a club whose major focus is providing for its members and community.

With our community in mind, Revesby Workers’ Club has been committed to investing in education for many years, an incentive I am passionate about from my background in both education and community service. Our Tertiary Scholarship program has been running for 27 years and has provided financial support to over 670 students in achieving their academic goals. As Chair of the Education Committee, I congratulate all HSC students on completing their studies and encourage them to apply for our scholarship program. Applications can be submitted through our website.

Another longstanding initiative is our School Subsidy program, which began in 1986 as an annual contribution of $11,000 to 22 local schools and has since expanded to offer support to 32 local schools. Last year, the Club contributed over $65,000 in crucial funding through this program, enabling schools to enhance their facilities, introduce new programs, and provide additional resources. This ongoing program directly improves the quality of education and opportunities available to students in our community year after year.

As we head into the next few months the club will be offering a great range of festive activities and services from Photos with Santa, Kids Toy Raffles, Ham and Pork Raffles, our annual Worker’s Giving Tree and Health Mates Food Drive supporting Padstow Community Care as well as Christmas Day lunches for family celebrations.

The lineup of 2025 events and activities can also be found in this issue of the Journal, from Australia Day, Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day, all designed to bring our club community together.

I would like to wish all our members and staff a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please take care throughout the holiday season.

Linda Downey, Director