Archive for year: 2026

Purple Friday: A Year of Purpose, Progress

May marks 12 months since Revesby Workers’ Club launched the Purple Friday initiative, a bold commitment to our staff, members and community to raise awareness of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) and strengthen support for those impacted. What began as a visible symbol of solidarity has evolved into a whole‑of‑organisation movement for education, prevention and genuine cultural change.

Inspired by the actions of Cherry Street Sports Club in Ballina, CEO Scott Bennetts and Chief People Officer Sharyn Buhagiar championed this initiative with a shared belief in creating a workplace—and a community—where safety, respect and support are not merely encouraged but absolutely non‑negotiable.

Together, they brought to life a comprehensive approach grounded in the Club’s Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Action Plan, a framework that formalised our commitments, actions and long‑term objectives.

Over the past year, more than 250 staff members have completed formal DFSV awareness training. This equips every team member with the ability to recognise warning signs, provide appropriate support and adopt a culture that does not tolerate violence in any form.

Purple Friday is also a Club‑wide visual statement. Each Friday, staff proudly wear their purple shirts—symbolising strength, courage and dignity—to show solidarity with survivors and spark meaningful conversations about respectful relationships.

To extend the visibility of the initiative beyond staff, the Club installed Purple Benches at both the Tarro Avenue and Brett Street entrances. These benches serve as permanent reminders of our stance against domestic and family violence, encouraging reflection, awareness and community connection.

They represent more than a symbol—they reinforce that Revesby Workers’ is a safe place to seek help and an active ally in ending violence.

Purple Friday is deeply connected to our longstanding relationship with Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter, the only crisis refuge for women and children in the Canterbury‑Bankstown LGA. With domestic violence reports rising 17.1% in our LGA and 45% of homelessness cases linked to DFV, the need for support has never been greater. Through strong partnerships and continued advocacy, the Club is contributing to life‑changing services, including the shelter’s recent major redevelopment that will enable them to support even more families in crisis.

In November 2025, during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the Club was featured across the Nine Network as part of a national TV documentary called Helping Hands. The segment highlighted Purple Friday and showcased how the initiative is driving cultural awareness, reducing stigma and promoting respectful relationships within both the workplace and the broader community.

Twelve months later, Purple Friday stands as a powerful reflection of who we are as an organisation. Every staff member—from the front desk to senior leadership—has embraced the initiative with sincerity and pride. Together, we have created an environment where education, empathy and support are embedded in daily practice.

The Club’s message remains clear and unwavering:

REVESBY WORKERS’ CLUB
Say YES to Respectful Relationships.
Say NO to Violence.
Let’s continue making a difference—together.

Pull Up a Chair: The Revesby Men’s Table Movement

In a world where men are often encouraged to “tough it out” and keep their feelings to themselves, the Revesby Men’s Table is offering a much‑needed alternative. Launched in February, this local initiative led by local community members, provides a safe, welcoming and supportive space for men to connect, talk openly and build genuine friendships.

While each meeting does involve sharing a meal at Revesby Greens, the Men’s Table is about far more than food. It’s about creating community. It’s a place where men can speak honestly about life’s challenges and successes—conversations many say they rarely have anywhere else. As one member put it: “It’s a great opportunity to get together with a bunch of blokes and talk about stuff you wouldn’t normally talk about.”

The Revesby Men’s Table is open to men of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re dealing with a specific challenge or simply want to connect with others in the community, you’ll find a warm and inclusive group ready to welcome you.

If you’re interested in joining the Revesby Men’s Table, the first step is attending an Entree, which is an easy, relaxed introduction session. You can join an online Entree any fortnight by registering here: https://themenstable.org/entree-online

For more information call 1800 636 782 or email hello@themenstable.org to chat with one of the men involved in the community.

Revesby Workers’ Club Wins Prestigious Leagues Club Australia John Knipe Award

Revesby Workers’ Club has been honoured with the prestigious Leagues Club Australia (LCA) John Knipe Award in recognition of the outstanding impact of its Tertiary Scholarship Program.

The John Knipe Award, presented by LCA, celebrates clubs that deliver exceptional community or charitable initiatives outside of standard grants programs. It recognises organisations that make a meaningful, long-term difference in their communities, placing Revesby Workers’ Club alongside other clubs nationally acknowledged for their commitment to positive social impact.

The Club’s Tertiary Scholarship Program, which has been running for more than six decades, is one of the longest-standing initiatives of its kind in the Australian club industry. The program eases the financial burden for local students pursuing higher education and supports the development of future leaders across a wide range of fields, including health, engineering, law, science, trades, and the arts.

Since its inception, the program has enabled countless students to access tertiary education, helping to foster skills, opportunities, and leadership within the local community. By recognising academic achievement and supporting young people to reach their potential, the program has become a cornerstone of the Club’s commitment to education and community development.

Women in Bowls: Community Friendship and Fun

The women of Revesby Workers’ Bowls—both Indoor and Outdoor—continue to demonstrate the power of community, friendship and sport in bringing people together. Across the Revesby Workers’ Women’s Indoor Bowls Club and the Revesby Workers’ Bowling Club (mixed), are players of all ages and skill levels are finding connection, confidence and a sense of belonging.

For many, joining begins with a simple decision to try something new. Connie Sorrenti first walked into the Ladies Indoor Bowls Club in 2017 after reducing her work hours and feeling the need for a mid‑week connection. Despite not knowing a thing about bowls, she was welcomed with open arms by a group of women who ranged in age from their late 60s through to an impressive 92. The Indoor Bowls Club, now over 30 years old, has long provided a warm and supportive environment for women—particularly those living alone—to spend time with friends, share laughter, and enjoy friendly competition every Wednesday. The room is always filled with playful cheers, groans, chatter and celebration, proving that the social side of the game is just as meaningful as the sport itself.

Outdoors at Revesby Workers’ Bowling Club, members like Leanne Kelly have discovered a new passion in lawn bowls. After years of playing netball and wanting a safer way to stay active, Leanne took up the sport and quickly fell in love with it. In just two years she has already achieved impressive results, including winning a Charity Day event and finishing as runner‑up in the Ladies Pairs competition. She thrives on the physical and mental challenge—mastering line and length, predicting opponents’ shots, and facing the unpredictable elements of the weather. What she values most, however, is the camaraderie and friendships built within the club, where modern uniforms and a lively social culture have replaced old stereotypes of bowls being a quiet pastime for older players.

Both the Indoor and Outdoor Bowls communities offer women a sense of place and purpose. Players celebrate milestones together, support one another through challenges, and share countless moments of joy on and off the mat. Whether it’s the friendly mid‑week Indoor games or the competitive and social sessions on the greens—including twilight bowls in summer—each experience strengthens the network of women who proudly represent Revesby Workers’.

Both clubs extend a warm invitation to new players.

The Revesby Workers’ Ladies Indoor Bowls Club will hold an Open Day on 18 February, where visitors can try a game, enjoy free tea and coffee, and meet the wonderful women who make the club so special. Contact Connie Sorrenti 0409 677 755 for further details.

The Revesby Workers Bowling Club at Revesby Greens also welcomes newcomers with access to coaching, equipment and a friendly community ready to help beginners learn the sport. Contact the Bowls office for further information on 02 8707 6995 or email revesbybowlers@outlook.com.