Archive for year: 2025

Helping Hands TV – Changing Conversations Around Domestic and Family Violence

An innovative campaign called Purple Shirt Friday is transforming the atmosphere at Revesby Workers Club, creating a safer, more supportive environment for staff and patrons while encouraging open conversations about domestic and family violence. The initiative was first introduced by Cherry Street Sports Club in Ballina, and Revesby Workers Club has proudly adopted and tailored the concept to suit its staff, members, and local community. The Club has also applied to have the program formally recognized as part of its ongoing commitment to preventing domestic and family violence.

Domestic and family violence incidents have risen in the Canterbury-Bankstown area over the past two years, the Club recognised the urgent need to take action. Every Friday, staff members—from the CEO to bartenders—wear purple shirts emblazoned with the messages:
“No to Domestic and Family Violence” on the front and “Yes to Respectful Relationships” on the back.

The goal is to spark conversations, raise awareness, and encourage those affected by domestic violence to seek help. This initiative is designed to create a safe culture where people feel supported and empowered to speak up. The campaign goes beyond wearing purple. Staff have received training to recognise different forms of domestic abuse and respond appropriately when someone discloses their experience. A dedicated ‘Purple Table’ in the staff room provides resources and information, reinforcing that help is always available.

The impact has been significant, with staff and patrons reporting a noticeable shift in attitudes and conversations. Members say the purple shirts make them feel safer, while staff have observed more openness and empathy in interactions.

The initiative is not only changing the culture within the Club but also influencing the wider community. Staff are talking about the program outside of work, helping to spread awareness and encourage respectful relationships beyond the Club’s walls.

Watch the Helping Hands TV Documentary on the initiative here.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or distress, please call 1800 RESPECT

Revesby Workers’ Club Wins Prestigious John Knipe Award for Tertiary Scholarship Program

Revesby Workers’ Club has been awarded the esteemed Leagues Club Australia John Knipe Award, recognising the exceptional impact of the Club’s Tertiary Scholarship Program, which has supported local students for more than 6 decades. This award celebrates the club’s dedication to education, community development, and long-term support for young people pursuing higher learning.

Each year, the John Knipe Award is presented to a member club for an outstanding community or charitable initiative delivered within the previous 12 months. Unlike other recognition pathways, it operates independently of the ClubGRANTS process, highlighting initiatives that extend genuine, lasting value to the community—locally or beyond. Previous recipients include St Mary’s Rugby League Club, Brothers Leagues Club, and Wyong Leagues Club, placing Revesby Workers’ Club among an esteemed group of community leaders.

Revesby Workers’ Club’s Tertiary Scholarship Program, one of the longest-running initiatives of its kind in the club industry, has been a statement of the Club’s community commitment. Established in the early years of the club, the program was designed to ease the financial burden on students transitioning into university or further education. It has since grown into a respected community institution, supporting hundreds of young people across areas such as health, engineering, law, science, trades, and the arts.

At the centre of the program is the club’s Education Committee, currently led by Club Director, Linda Downey and of club and community representatives who guide the program’s direction, uphold its values, and ensure it remains responsive to the needs of each generation. Th

In receiving the John Knipe Award, Revesby Workers’ Club continues the legacy of Club’s that prioritise community enrichment, demonstrating how long-term initiatives can transform lives and strengthen local communities for generations.

Revesby Workers Celebrates Young Voices Through Whitlam Institute

Revesby Workers’ Club is thrilled to celebrate the achievements of young Australians through the Whitlam Institute’s What Matters? Writing Competition, which this year saw a record-breaking 6,500 entries from 813 schools. The competition gives students a platform to reflect on the issues that matter most to them, share their stories, and have their voices heard.

This year’s winner, Lakiah Chatfield from Coonabarabran High School, is a proud Gamilaraay young woman whose essay explored identity, culture, and the importance of genuine respect through Acknowledgment of Country. Lilyana Watson from Hurlstone Agricultural High School was also recognised with the prestigious Graham Freudenberg Award for her outstanding contribution.

Revesby Workers recently contributed $80,000 to support the Whitlam Institute’s work in civic and citizenship education, helping young people engage with their communities and develop the skills to shape Australia’s future. By supporting programs like What Matters?, the Club is proud to invest in opportunities for students to reflect, question, and express themselves — nurturing the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.

An Iconic Achievement – Icon Cancer Centre Revesby

In 2017, Revesby Workers was honoured with the Health and Wellbeing Award at the Clubs NSW, Clubs and Community Awards for our “Iconic Partnership” with Icon Cancer Care. This partnership ensured the local community has access to critical, life-saving cancer treatment close to home.

Cancer remains a leading health challenge in NSW, with cases rising over 75% in the past 20 years and projected to grow a further 20% by 2036. In Canterbury-Bankstown, lung cancer incidence is above the state average, and it remains the leading cause of cancer death.

Since opening, Icon Cancer Centre Revesby has delivered over 1,000 radiation treatments and 6,000 Day Hospital treatments since mid-2020. Patients do not need private health insurance to access care.

As a community-focused organisation, Icon Cancer Centre Revesby not only provides essential cancer treatment but also actively engages the local community through awareness and fundraising initiatives. This year, they hosted an event to raise awareness of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program with insights from Dr Megan Berry and Dr Mohsen Shafiei. Icon also supports Bowel Cancer Australia, with a dedicated Specialist Nurse onsite, and has raised over $9,000 through recent fundraising events to promote prevention and early detection.

Several oncologists at Icon Revesby also provide care at Bankstown Public Hospital, ensuring continuity of care for local patients. As Bankstown currently lacks a Radiation Oncology department—the nearest public facility is at Liverpool Hospital—Icon is proud to offer timely, comprehensive treatment options at its Revesby centre.

For more information on services and specialist care at Icon Revesby, please head to iconcancercentre.com.au/centre/revesby/ or call 02 8722 2800

Supporting all abilities in Early Childhood Education at Koorana Child & Family Services

Koorana Child & Family Services is a community-based non-profit providing vital early intervention and educational services for children of all abilities. From early childhood through to the teenage years, to sibling support, 14 playgroups, and two inclusive preschools, Koorana helps every child learn, grow, and thrive—wherever they need it most.

In response to high demand and limited local services, Koorana has established its third inclusive preschool in Bass Hill. The preschool offers a play-based learning program guided by Koorana’s vision: children of all abilities should have the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in a safe, supportive environment.

Through the ClubGRANTS program, Revesby Workers, Bankstown Sports, and Canterbury Leagues each contributed $35,000 to Koorana’s new inclusive preschool, bringing the total donation to $105,000. The funds supported essential educational and therapeutic equipment, furniture, and fittings, helping the preschool meet the needs of every child.

As part of its commitment to inclusive education, the Club also provided an $8,500 grant to Koorana’s PALS program, an evidence-based initiative that supports the social development of 4–6-year-olds. Using puppets, stories, games, and role play, PALS helps children build vital social skills and improve interactions with peers and adults.

“The support has been incredible. Our new inclusive preschool in Bass Hill is designed to support families in the community who may be experiencing vulnerabilities, ensuring their children don’t miss out on early education.”- Morgan Fitzpatrick, CEO, Koorana Family Services.