Archive for year: 2025

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The Beginning of Bright Futures

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The Beginning of Bright Futures | 2025 Tertiary Scholarship Program Awards $54,000

The Revesby Workers’ Tertiary Scholarship Program has already awarded a total of $54,000 in scholarships for 2025, helping local students pursue higher education. This initiative continues to support and empower the next generation of leaders by providing financial assistance to help them achieve their academic and career goals. With a focus on fostering ambition and talent, the program plays a crucial role in helping students take the next step toward their futures. This year, we are excited to share some inspiring messages from our scholarship recipients! These individuals have shown exceptional commitment to their educational journeys, reflecting the core values of ambition, resilience, and community spirit.

Aatish Budhwani 

I’ve wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember, and this scholarship means a lot in helping me get there. Law school comes with many costs, and this support will help with essentials like textbooks, university fees, and travel. More importantly, it means I will have more time to put into things I’m passionate about – competing in law competitions, playing tennis, and volunteering to help high school and international students understand their basic legal rights. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited for what’s ahead!

Arron Choy

I am both delighted and grateful to be a recipient of the 2025 Revesby Workers’ Club Tertiary Education Scholarship. This financial support allows me to dedicate more time to pursuing a variety of extracurricular activities at the University of Technology Sydney. One of these activities is The Big Lift, a student-run volunteering organisation guided by the philosophy of “paying it forward.” The Big Lift runs service projects, such as environmental conservation and refurbishments, in towns across Australia. I am confident that dedicating my extra time, thanks to this scholarship, to The Big Lift will help me develop both personally and professionally, as I connect with people from regional communities across Australia and face new experiences and challenges.

Shavonne D’costa

I am a first-year university student at the University of Technology Sydney, pursuing a degree in electrical engineering – a field which both excites and inspires me to innovate, solve problems and develop outgoing yet practical solutions to real-world systems. Receiving this scholarship from the Revesby Workers’ Club is not only an incredible honour and privilege, but also something I am truly grateful for. While this scholarship greatly alleviates the financial pressures that come with every academic journey, this support goes beyond financial assistance. It strengthens my motivation and focus, encouraging me to put in my best effort and pursue my goal of making meaningful contributions to the engineering industry. I deeply appreciate the Revesby Workers’ Club’s commitment to education and community support, providing me with a greater opportunity where I can give back and inspire others, just as I have been supported on my journey.

Jayden Younan

My name is Jayden, and I study a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) at the University of Sydney. I have a deep interest in political economy, international law and renewable energy, and plan to pursue a career as a lawyer. Education is the world’s greater equaliser. When I graduate, I will be the second person in my family to have received a degree. This makes it all the more special that my studies will be supported by the Revesby Workers’ Club. Receiving this scholarship will not only help cover essential expenses but also provide the motivation and support I need to fully dedicate myself to my studies and pursue postgraduate coursework in the near future. I am incredibly grateful for the Revesby Workers’ Club’s commitment to supporting local students. This initiative not only eases financial barriers but also recognises the transformative power of tertiary education for local communities.

Kael Austin

My name is Kael Austin and I’m a 1st year university student currently undertaking a Bachelor of Arts at UNSW. I have been blessed to receive one of the Revesby Worker Scholarship Funds that will immensely help me in my studies. The scholarship’s significance allows me to purchase the textbooks for my classes at UNSW and partly subsidizes the tuition cost. The scholarship means so much to me as it has allowed me to complete my studies this semester, as without the funds I would alternatively be working full time. I can’t thank the Workers club enough for the generosity in giving me the funding that has allowed me to continue to further my education without seriously delaying my life plans. Thank you so much Revesby Workers Club and to their communal, giving nature.

Victoria Sarkis

As a law student at the University of New South Wales, my journey has been shaped by dedication, resilience, and a commitment to social justice and academic excellence. Balancing academics, part-time work, and community involvement has been both rewarding and challenging, which makes the support from the Revesby Workers Scholarship incredibly meaningful. The scholarship is an investment in my future and allows me to pursue opportunities like international exchange. It also enables me to dedicate more time to my rigorous studies, as well as community initiatives and volunteering. I am extremely grateful for this support, and I am excited to continue my journey.

Andriy Chan

I am truly grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship as it represents RWC’s ongoing support for its students and future leaders. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Bachelor of Commerce at UNSW, and this scholarship will enable me to immerse in my studies and professional development with reduced financial barriers. The support from this scholarship will ease the pressures of balancing work and academics, giving me the confidence and freedom to dedicate my passion in my studies. I deeply appreciate RWC’s investment in my future and I am committed to making the most out of this opportunity.

Charlie Bayley

I have always been an individual who is driven by the desire to learn and grow in all aspects of life. Although I am finished with high school, I am pursuing further studies with TAFE NSW to explore my passions further and develop an understanding in areas I am particularly interested in. I am incredibly honoured to be a recipient of a 2025 Revesby Workers’ Club Tertiary Scholarship as it will allow me to engross myself in my immediate and future studies. I aspire to live and work in an environment where I can foster community and cultural spirit, which are key values of the travel and tourism industry. My current study of a Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management is allowing me to broaden my perspective on an industry which I wish to dive headfirst into. I intend to continually seek out opportunities for growth as I head into my adult life.

Melissa Read

My name is Melissa and I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Advanced Studies at the University of Sydney, set to major in Professional Accounting and Finance. Thanks to this scholarship, I can freely pursue academic and career success whilst enjoying the university experience. I’m excited to network with my peers, have fun at countless university events, and pursue a degree that’ll help me specialise in my chosen profession as a hopeful future accountant! I’m so grateful to the Revesby Workers Club for this scholarship, and I’ll strive to make the most of this opportunity.

Charli Jones

To put into words just how much this means to me seems like a truly impossible feat, but I guess having the opportunity to win this scholarship was something I thought would never happen. I remember when saying “I went to school for a whole week” was something I was proud of, now, to be able to say that I have won a scholarship is really the world. To have someone believe in me enough to even consider my name has given me the motivation to really push forward with my dreams. I know I can surpass everyone’s expectations with the help of this scholarship. I would like to thank everyone who’s made this possible, my parents, my sister, my friends and other family, and the stars, Revesby Workers. We, as a community, are so lucky to have an organization like Revesby Workers that gives back to the community

#IWD2025 Success

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#IWD2025 Success

On 7 March, the Club held the 5th annual International Women’s Day Event in the newly renovated Whitlam Theatre. This annual fundraiser hosted 300 community, industry and club members, to celebrate Women and raise crucial funding for Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter. Inspired by the International Women’s Day movement, the event champions inclusivity, progress for women, and diversity across all identities. Despite 30 years since the United Nations’ Beijing Declaration for gender equality, challenges persist, making events like this vital for continued change.

This year’s event featured three remarkable keynote speakers who shared their experiences, insights, and inspirational stories. Sallianne Faulkner, shared her journey as a passionate community leader and Chair of ClubsNSW, is dedicated to promoting women’s safety and building strong, inclusive communities. Drawing from her experience as General Manager of Bayside Women’s Shelter and President of Netball NSW, she highlighted the importance of social cohesion and resilience. Grace Rowe, a junior motocross racer and public relations representative for Stand Tall Australia, is one of the few fully sponsored female riders in the country. Grace spoke about a life-threatening accident that left her with a broken pelvis in six places, she endured over 15 months of rehabilitation, learning to walk again and undertaking trauma therapy. Her story is a testament to strength, resilience, and overcoming adversity. Frida Deguise, an entrepreneur, professional chef, and stand-up comedian, recounted her inspiring journey of building her business and career from scratch with remarkable strength and a sharp sense of humour.

This event supports Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter, who provide a safe, culturally aware, and inclusive service for women experiencing domestic violence and homelessness within the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. Their mission is to empower women, treating them with dignity and respect as they rebuild their lives. Last year’s event raised over $24,000 for Biyani House, and this year, we are thrilled to announce that we raised over $40,000! This incredible achievement was made possible through the generous support of our partner Leagues Club Australia, event sponsors, board members, and attendees of the event. Together, we continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of women in need.

SAVE THE DATE – International Women’s Day #IWD2026 Friday 6 March






Directors Report February 2025

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DIRECTOR REPORT FEBRUARY 2025


Here we are in 2025 already!  2024 was another major year for the Club, and our Management and staff, across all facets of our business, deserve huge accolades for their outstanding work.

After the Annual General Meeting in October, we farewelled our President, Daryl Melham AM, at a wonderful lunch that followed the official opening of The Melham Function Centre.  I am proud to have stood on the Board for sixteen years with Daryl, whose decision not to stand in the election could not have been an easy one.  We welcome two new Directors, John Choueifate and Trevor Heaslip, whose skills greatly complement the talent pool of the Directors.

Within Revesby Workers’ Club, we have numerous sub-clubs that are run by many great volunteers who are committed to enhancing other people’s lives.  From Little Athletics, Football, Bowls, Netball, Cricket – to name a few of the sporting sub-clubs – to the Garden Club, Ladies Group, Toastmasters and other common interest groups. There are plenty of opportunities for our members to get involved with the many clubs, contact details are available on the club’s website or at reception.

One particular group, for which I am the Liaison Director, is the Bankstown Stroke Support Group, which meets monthly in the Club.  This is an excellent group whose membership is fluid and comprises people who have experienced stroke, others who are carers, and anyone else who shares an interest in new developments in assessing the risks, identifying stroke and ongoing updates in treatments.

In November we had a very successful pre-Christmas meeting of the various sub-clubs at Revesby Greens.  It was wonderful to see so many volunteers on the day and to be able to share experiences.  We look forward to hearing tales from our Hockey Club next November, after their trip in May 2025 to the World Masters Games in Taipei, a trip they have been fundraising for over many months!

Revesby Workers’ Club, through its Club Grants, has been proud to support local special schools over the years. The dedicated teachers and staff at these schools do incredible work with children who are both intellectually and often physically disabled. This year, we were thrilled to fund the MiniFit program at Caroline Chisholm School and Broderick Gillawarna School. Founded by former Rugby League player Anthony Minichiello, this program focuses on health and exercise, specially adapted for these amazing children by Anthony and his team.

Additionally, through our Club Grants, we have been supporting Mercy Works, a fantastic charity that aids refugees and asylum seekers in settling within our community. One of their programs involves teaching English as a second language to students, usually between the ages of 18 and 25, at Bankstown Senior College.


As Chair of the Club’s Charity Committee, I am honoured to share that we have continued our efforts to raise funds for the local community, most recently by purchasing much-needed equipment for Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital from their ‘wish list.’ We are incredibly grateful for the generous support Revesby Workers’ Club provides through our Friday night meat raffles at Revesby Greens. Over time, we’ve built a dedicated group of supporters, and we’re always happy to welcome new faces! In the near future, our charity will be further funding the purchase of up to five different types of devices for Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital and I look forward to sharing the details in a future issue of the Journal.

We are truly lucky to live in Australia.  Let’s continue to support the wonderful volunteers we have in this country when we can.  I look forward to another great year for Revesby Workers’ Club in 2025.


Christine Benham, Vice President

My election to the board of the Revesby Workers’ Club in late October 2024 has been quite surreal. I joined the club as an 18-year-old, some 46 years ago, and I’ll be frank, the only reason I joined at the time was to gain entry to the club and enjoy a schooner or two of lemon squash with fellow players from the cricket club.

I recall the world class entertainment and watching Tom Jones performing to packed audiences night after night, and for those who remember, the yearly Christmas Party for families was an event not to be missed.  My fondest memory was handing out ice creams from a white caravan with former President Daryl Melham, and late director Keith Heaslip and his wife, in the early 80s.

Since those heady days, my connection with the Club has never waned and when I was asked to join the board, I saw an opportunity to play a more active role and to continue the great work and community focus.  Over the years, there have been many structural and architectural changes but what hasn’t changed are the regulars and loyal patrons who have supported the board and management.

Testimony of the stability of the board was the recent retirement of President Daryl Melham AM who called it quits after serving 44 years as a director and more recently as Club President. I am sure that milestone will never be eclipsed.

For those members who don’t know me, I have lived in the area most of my life and recall the days of the market gardens, the horse drawn milk carts, no sewerage and the “dunny man” picking up the toilet can and the chicken farm around the club premises. The club was a place for the wharfies, fishos, union organisers and political types to meet and strategise, but most of the time it was to swap yarns and tell tall tales.

My involvement with the club was regular but limited due to my work commitments, as I held senior roles in the media over a period of 40 years. I also had a brief dalliance in Government and even started my own communications consultancy and strategy business.

During this time, the club has grown, now boasting around 70,000 members and a demographic embracing a mix of young and old from diverse backgrounds. Over the years the wants and needs of Club members has changed, and this is clearly reflected by the investment in the retail village and medical precinct, the refurbishment of the gym and providing a better family dining experience.

The first few months have been quite hectic and only reinforced my decision to be a part of the board. Some of the events included Remembrance Day, a special luncheon ceremony for those members celebrating 25, 40 and 50 years of membership, the seniors Christmas concert, and the annual staff awards.

The generosity of the club is something that isn’t rarely spoken of and deserves a mention. Whether it is providing grants to local schools, education grants to high-achieving students, bereavement support, subsidising our sporting teams or waiving fees to charitable and other organisations to use the club facilities, these are just some of the decisions made on members’ behalf.

On other matters, I have some big shoes to fill and will be taking over from Club President Christine Butters as the Liaison Director for the Mooney Mooney Club which includes the Volunteer Rural Fire Service and the Marine Rescue. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the locals and they were very warm and welcoming. I have also asked to be on the Building, Education and Light on the Hill Committees, as well as the Disciplinary Committee.

The year has kicked off in fine style and I am looking forward to being a part of some exciting events and changes during 2025.


As Chair of the Club’s Charity Committee, I am honoured to share that we have continued our efforts to raise funds for the local community, most recently by purchasing much-needed equipment for Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital from their ‘wish list.’ We are incredibly grateful for the generous support Revesby Workers’ Club provides through our Friday night meat raffles at Revesby Greens. Over time, we’ve built a dedicated group of supporters, and we’re always happy to welcome new faces! In the near future, our charity will be further funding the purchase of up to five different types of devices for Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital and I look forward to sharing the details in a future issue of the Journal.

We are truly lucky to live in Australia.  Let’s continue to support the wonderful volunteers we have in this country when we can.  I look forward to another great year for Revesby Workers’ Club in 2025.


John Choueifate, Director

Executive Report February 2025

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Dear Members,

We hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and New Year festivities and that you welcomed 2025 with open arms. Welcoming a New Year is always an exciting time, and even more so this year as we farewell 2024.

WELCOME TREVOR HEALSIP AND JOHN CHOUEIFATE

Following the retirement of Daryl Melham AM at the conclusion of the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the results of the election for Board of Directors were announced, confirming that Trevor Heaslip and John Choueifate would be joining the Board of Directors at Revesby Workers’ Club.

Trevor is a Life Member of Revesby Workers’ Cricket Club, and current President with over 52 years as player, coach and executive.

He graduated with a Diploma in Crime Prevention, Certificate IV in Security Risk Management, Advanced Certificate in Safety & Crowd Management, Advanced Certificate in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

John Choueifate has been a member of the Revesby Workers’ for 45 years. He has been involved in Australian media for more than 40 years and held executive roles at the Seven, Nine and Ten Networks. He has directed and mentored some of Australia’s leading presenters and journalists.

John was appointed by NSW Premier Morris Iemma as Head of Government Strategy and Communication in 2008, and has relationships with State and Federal Government Ministers, along with business leaders.

We have welcomed both Trevor and John to the Board and hope you join us in congratulating them and wishing them all the best for their term.



Trevor Healsip

Director




John Choueifate

Director

NEW CLUB PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT

Following the AGM in October last year, the Board elected myself as president and Christine Benham as Vice President.

Christine Benham was elected to the Board in November 2008.  Her service not only to the Club, but to the community, is immeasurable.

Christine is the Liaison Director for Revesby Workers’ Women’s Hockey, Revesby Workers’ Swim Club, Bankstown Stroke Support Group, Revesby Workers’ Senior Golf and Revesby Workers’ Netball.

Her dedication and support for all things community made it a very easy decision to elect her as the Vice President. Her passion for the Club and its members will ensure a very positive future for the Revesby Workers’ Group.



Christine Benham

Vice President

MEMBER ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

We would also like to take the opportunity to share some photos from our Member Anniversary events that took place on 24 October 2024 in our new Whitlam Theatre.  Our 40 and 50-year members were invited to an afternoon event while our 25-year members joined us for an evening event.

The Board of Directors were honoured to be able to recognise the loyalty of those 25, 40 and 50 year members to our Club.

We would like to recognise the efforts of our Marketing and Food and Beverage teams for managing both events.  The success of these events is a credit to their hard work and dedication.

We look forward to celebrating these events again later in the year with our Members.



FAREWELL BRUCE BREESE

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Mooney Mooney resident and long-term member of the Advisory Committee Bruce Breese. Bruce has demonstrated an unwavering dedication and service to the Mooney Mooney community. His contributions have made a lasting impact. Through Bruce’s hard work, commitment, and compassion, he has helped foster a sense of unity, strength, and resilience in the Mooney Mooney community.

Bruce retired from the Advisory Committee in December as he plans his future further up the North Coast.

Bruce your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are truly fortunate to have someone like you who consistently strives to make the world a better place. Thank you for your incredible service.



Christine Butters

President

Scott Bennetts

CEO

Escabags to Support Victims of Domestic and Family Abuse

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Revesby Workers is an official Stockist of Escabags to Support Victims of Domestic and Family Abuse


Revesby Workers’ Club is proud to announce its $20,000 donation to Escabags Ltd, an Australian-registered charity dedicated to supporting victims fleeing domestic and family abuse. Through this partnership, the club has also become an official stockist of Escabags, ensuring local access to these vital resources.

Each Escape Bag is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and dignity during a crisis. Available in two variations—Parent and Child and Single Adult—these high-quality bags cater to all victims of abuse, regardless of gender.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family abuse and needs to escape an abusive or dangerous situation, Revesby Workers’ Club is here to help. Simply visit the club’s reception and request an Escape Bag. Our friendly team will provide you and/or your children with an Escabag, no questions asked.

Holiday Hope: Record Donations bring joy to local Families

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Holiday Hope: Record Donations bring joy to local Families


This year, the Revesby Workers’ Club community has again shown incredible generosity through the Workers’ Giving Tree and Health Mates Food Drive, supporting the Padstow Community Care Christmas Appeal. These initiatives aim to brighten the season for vulnerable families by providing food hampers, gifts, and a free Christmas Day lunch.

Thanks to your overwhelming support, 2024 donations surpassed all expectations, with gifts for children and food items collected. Your contributions will bring joy to many local families this Christmas. Thank you to all the members who contributed to making a difference for those in need!

Celebrating Talent and Achievement at Broderick Gillawarna School

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Celebrating Talent and Achievement at Broderick Gillawarna School


The Club warmly congratulates the remarkable students of Broderick Gillawarna School for showcasing their incredible talents and achievements on International Day of People with Disability.

This year’s theme, Shining Bright, Growing Strong, truly encapsulated the energy and resilience of the day. The event was filled with inspiring performances and culminated in an awards ceremony celebrating the students’ hard work and achievements.

Revesby Workers’ Club Vice President, Christine Benham, had the honour of presenting the prestigious Mayor’s Merit Award, recognising outstanding contributions and accomplishments among the students.

It was a day of joy, inspiration, and community pride, reinforcing the club’s commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals of all abilities. Congratulations to the students of Broderick Gillawarna School for their well-deserved recognition!


Revesby Workers’ Club Staff Packs Bright Futures with KARI’s Backpack Program

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Revesby Workers’ Club Staff Packs Bright Futures with KARI’s Backpack Program


The Club is played a significant role in supporting KARI’s Transition to Kindergarten Backpack Program. In honour of World Children’s Day, the club donated $20,000 to this important initiative, ensuring that children in the area need are equipped with essential school supplies as they embark on their kindergarten journey.

In addition to this generous donation, seven dedicated staff members from the Club volunteered their time to pack a staggering 500 backpacks, filling them with items designed to help young learners feel confident and prepared for their first year of school.


Youth Upskilling: First Aid Training to Empower Local Youth

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Youth Upskilling: First Aid Training to Empower Local Youth


The Club supported headspace Bankstown this year in a commitment to support youth development through a $10,000 funding initiative that provides First Aid training to young people in our community. This program is designed to equip participants with essential life-saving skills while enhancing their employability and personal growth.

The initiative, set to run multiple sessions across 2024 and 2025, catering to up to 20 participants per session. By making this training accessible, the Club aims to empower young individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations. These skills not only improve their prospects for employment but also contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the community. To find out more and register for a session head to: www.facebook.com/bankstown.headspace