Archive for month: August, 2025

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EmpowerHour Inspires Confidence and Connection in Local Schools

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EmpowerHour Inspires Confidence and Connection in Local Schools

Revesby Workers’ and Netball NSW partnered to bring the EmpowerHour program to several schools in the community, offering a powerful blend of sport, skill-building, and personal development. Among the participating schools were Caroline Chisholm School, Revesby Public School, and Picnic Point High School, where students enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to grow both on and off the court.

Through inclusive netball activities, students engaged in movement, teamwork, and play within a safe and supportive environment. The program extended far beyond physical activity — combining netball drills with personal development workshops that encouraged self-reflection, resilience, and positive communication.

EmpowerHour focused on helping students recognise their strengths, explore their values, and build respectful relationships. By fostering confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging, the program left a lasting impact — equipping young people with tools they can carry into all areas of their lives.


Investing in Ability at Caroline Chisholm School

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Investing in Ability at Caroline Chisholm School

The Club has long been a proud supporter of local disability schools, including Caroline Chisholm School, through our School Subsidy program and ongoing ClubGRANTS funding. Recently, the Club facilitated a $74,000 grant to help regenerate one of the school’s most valued resources — its on-site swimming pool.

As one of the few disability schools in the area with a dedicated aquatic facility, Caroline Chisholm’s pool plays a critical role in the school’s student support program. The school’s aquatic program gives students with additional learning needs access to swimming, hydrotherapy, and water-based activities that build confidence and encourage social connection. More than a place for recreation, the pool plays a vital role in supporting physical health, emotional wellbeing, and the school’s holistic approach to education. With the restoration now complete, the rejuvenated pool meets modern safety and accessibility standards and has been transformed back into a safe, welcoming space for students to enjoy.

Another inclusive education program which the Club Supports at Caroline Chisholm is the Music Therapy Program delivered through the Morris Children’s Fund. The therapeutic music sessions, which are tailored to the individual needs of students and led by qualified music therapists. Through singing, playing instruments, movement, and rhythm-based activities, students are supported in developing communication skills, building confidence, and forming meaningful social connections. Vice President Christine Benham and Assistant Marketing & Community Manager Alysha Green visited Caroline Chisholm School to see the program in action. The visit offered an inspiring glimpse into the powerful impact that music can have in enhancing the day-to-day experiences of students. From smiles and laughter to increased engagement and emotional expression, it was clear that the sessions are about much more than music — they’re about connection, joy, and empowerment.


Revesby Workers’ Staff Join Forces with Escabags to Support Victim-Survivors of Domestic Violence

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Revesby Workers’ Staff Join Forces with Escabags to Support Victim-Survivors of Domestic Violence

As part of the Clubs ongoing commitment to community wellbeing and the prevention of domestic and family violence, a group from the Club’s management team travelled to Escabags’ headquarters in Unanderra to assist with assembling emergency escape bags. Escabags are discreet, pre-packed bags filled with essential items to support individuals fleeing domestic violence situations. These bags, represent something far greater: a lifeline to safety, dignity, and a fresh start for victim-survivors in immediate crisis. The team managed to pack 50 boxes containing a total of 200 bags which will then go on to support women and children in need.

The day was more than just hands-on support. It also included a valuable domestic violence awareness session and Escabags Founder and CEO, Stacy Jane, shared her personal journey of escaping violence and starting fresh in Australia. Her story served as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of those affected, and the critical importance of community-led responses. The Club is proud to be part of that response, taking a proactive and compassionate stance through a range of actions that go beyond volunteering. These include:

  • An official Escabags stockist, making emergency bags available through the Club’s premises for individuals in need of immediate assistance.
  • Providing ongoing support to Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter, the only crisis accommodation service for women and children in the area, offering a safe haven for those escaping violence.
  • Raising awareness through the Purple Fridays initiative, encouraging staff and members to wear purple in solidarity with those impacted by domestic and family violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence and needs to leave an unsafe situation, you can visit the Club’s reception and discreetly request an Escape Bag. Our team will provide one — no questions asked, no explanation needed. Your safety is our priority.


Celebrating our Sub Club Volunteers

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Celebrating our Sub Club Volunteers

The Revesby Workers’ sub clubs came together in May for a special event to celebrate National Volunteers Week to appreciate the important role of volunteers within our community. All Revesby Workers’ sub clubs are led by a dedicated executive committees, who generously volunteer their time to maintain and grow their chosen sport or community activity, ensuring these opportunities remain accessible and vibrant within our local area. As part of the event, a raffle was held in support of the Bill Bullard Charity Committee, raising over $400 to assist its ongoing charitable work. This contribution highlights the enduring impact our sub clubs make—not just through their individual pursuits, but through their united support of broader community causes.

With over 50 volunteers attending, representing a wide cross-section of sub clubs, including, Bowls, Darts, Fishing, Garden Club, Indoor Bowls, Ladies Club, Swimming, Toastmasters, Writers, Cricket Seniors Golf.

Investing in Opportunity: Supporting Education for Refugee Youth

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Investing in Opportunity: Supporting Education for Refugee Youth

Revesby Workers’ has a long-standing commitment to education, recognising it as one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting change—not only for individuals, but for the broader community.

One initiative that the club has funded over several years is our ongoing partnership with Mercy Works, through which we proudly support the Intensive English Program at Bankstown Senior College. Designed specifically for refugee and asylum-seeker students aged 16 to 25, the program delivers far more than just language instruction—it offers a vital stepping stone toward a brighter future in Australia. Many of the young people who enter the program have experienced significant disruption to their education due to displacement, trauma, and the challenges of resettlement. By focusing on English language development, the program helps students gain the skills and confidence needed to complete their Higher School Certificate (HSC), transition into TAFE or further study, and ultimately pursue employment or career pathways aligned with their goals.

Beyond the classroom, the program plays a crucial role in fostering social inclusion, self-esteem, and community connection—foundations that are essential for any young person building a new life in a new country.

Executive Report – August 2025

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Dear Members,

As we enter the second half of the calendar year, we do so with a sense of optimism and clear purpose. Our strong financial performance ensures we remain well-positioned to support our sub-clubs, invest in education through school subsidies and scholarships, and contribute meaningfully to charitable sponsorships, fundraising events, and local community projects. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to giving back to our members and the broader community.

RWCommunity – AMPLIFIED ‘Empowering Change, Amplifying Impact’

For more than six decades, Revesby Workers’ Club and its Board have upheld a strong and enduring commitment to community support. During this time, the Club has evolved to meet the shifting needs of our members and the community. This legacy was shaped by visionary founding leaders like Brien Higgs—a foundation member who held various leadership roles, including Secretary Manager and Club President. Higgs was an early advocate for welfare support and wrote ‘In a working -class area there will always be incidences of hardship occurring caused by sickness, death or unemployment …the formation of a club was deemed to be the answer.’

In line with this vision, the current Board have reaffirmed their commitment to community support through the introduction of a new initiative: RWCommunity – AMPLIFIED.

AMPLIFIED was developed as part of the Club’s emerging Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework. Recognising the increasing demand for diverse and accessible community services, the Club has committed to allocating an additional 10% of annual profits to this program. This initiative will provide a significant new funding stream with broader flexibility focusing on the following priorities:

  • Supporting vulnerable community members—families, children, youth, and the elderly—facing issues like domestic violence, homelessness, and isolation.
  • The Improvement of inclusive services for people with disabilities by expanding access, awareness, and support for carers and service providers.
  • Ongoing support of First Nations communities through cultural education, visibility, and employment opportunities.
  • The development of education initiatives for all ages to foster learning and connection.
  • Supporting holistic health and wellbeing through initiatives that support both physical and mental health.

Community organisations and individuals with projects that align with the Clubs Values and priorities are encouraged to apply for support. For more information on eligibility and the application process, please visit https://rwc.org.au/rwcommunity or contact our team at community@rwc.org.au/.

ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Award – Heart of the Community

We are honoured to have received the prestigious ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Award in the “Heart of the Community” category, recognising our long-standing partnership with Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter. Since 2021, the Club has proudly supported the shelter, the only crisis accommodation service for women and children escaping domestic violence in our area. This award reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting victim-survivors and is a testament to the power of collective action. We gratefully acknowledge the support of fellow clubs—Bankstown Sports, Canterbury Leagues, Campsie RSL Group, and Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL—who have also contributed to the shelter’s success.

Alan Ashton OAM

The Board extends congratulations to Club Patron, Alan Ashton who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List. This prestigious recognition was awarded in acknowledgment of his service to the Parliament of New South Wales and his outstanding contributions to the community.

Alan’s achievements span decades of public service, including his tenure as Member for East Hills from 1999 to 2011, his years as a teacher and Head of History Faculty at Picnic Point High School, and his time as a councillor and Deputy Mayor on Bankstown City Council. A passionate advocate for infrastructure, education and community development, Alan was instrumental in advancing several critical local projects — including road upgrades, school refurbishments, and improved public transport services.

Alan has remained an active contributor to Revesby Workers’ Club for many years. As Club Patron since 2011, he continues to play a valued role in supporting the Club’s mission and upholding its community-focused values.

Canterbury Bankstown Local Business Awards

In May, the Club proudly hosted and sponsored the Canterbury Bankstown Local Business Awards, the largest event held in the Whitlam Auditorium since its renovation, welcoming over 561 guests.

Director Trevor Heaslip represented the Club on the night, helping honour the remarkable businesses that drive our local economy and community spirit.

A special thanks goes to our exceptional Food & Beverage and Functions teams for delivering such a seamless event.

Mid North Coast Flood Recovery

Following the devastating floods in May that impacted the Mid North Coast—particularly Taree and surrounding communities—Revesby Workers’ Club proudly contributed $75,000 in support of the ClubsNSW ‘Clubs Helping Clubs’ initiative. This effort underscores our commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis, well beyond our immediate region.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Enclosed is the 2025 Notice of Annual General Meeting. Please note the AGM is scheduled for:

Date: Sunday, 26 October 2025
Time: 10:00am
Venue: Revesby Workers’ Club

Members who wish to submit questions for the AGM are kindly requested to do so in writing no later than 7 business days prior to the meeting. We look forward to your attendance and continued support as we shape the future of the Club together.


Christine Butters

President

Scott Bennetts

CEO