Archive for month: January, 2026

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Sharper Tools, Stronger Community – $9K Boost for Revesby Men’s Shed

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Sharper Tools, Stronger Community – $9K Boost for Revesby Men’s Shed


Revesby Workers’ Club recently visited the Revesby Men’s Shed to see the positive impact of its $9,000 contribution towards a new safety saw—an essential upgrade supporting the Shed’s ongoing community work and creative projects.

Based in the NSW National Parks & Wildlife building within Georges River National Park, the Revesby Men’s Shed provides a welcoming environment where members can connect, learn new skills, and work on a wide range of hands-on activities. These include engineering, woodworking, stained glass, leatherwork, and model-making, all of which promote both skill development and social connection.

During the visit, Club representatives toured the workshop and spoke with members about how the new safety saw will enhance day-to-day operations. The upgraded equipment improves both precision and safety, particularly across woodworking and restoration projects.

The Revesby Men’s Shed is widely recognised for its positive contribution to the local community, regularly completing maintenance and restoration work at Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter and local schools and community groups, supporting charitable projects, and providing valuable social opportunities for members. The new equipment ensures the group can continue this important work safely and with confidence.

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

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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.

Revesby Workers’ Club Takes a Stand Against Domestic Violence on National TV

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Revesby Workers’ Club Takes a Stand Against Domestic Violence on National TV


The Club is proudly participated in a national TV program across the Nine Network, showcasing the Club’s commitment to addressing domestic and family violence and promoting respectful relationships within the community.

The feature will appear as part of a 10-minute documentary on Helping Hands TV, highlighting the Club’s Purple Shirt Friday initiative. Every Friday, Club staff wear purple to spark meaningful conversations about domestic and family violence and raise awareness of the issue within the workplace and the broader community.

Purple Shirt Friday forms a key part of the Club’s Domestic Violence Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy developed to create a safer, more inclusive environment for staff, members, and the wider community. The Action Plan includes education programs, awareness campaigns, support resources and initiatives designed to empower individuals and promote respectful relationships. The Helping Hands documentary will showcase how Revesby Workers’ Club’s initiatives are making a tangible difference—encouraging conversations, breaking down stigma, and demonstrating the importance of community action in tackling domestic and family violence.

The Club has also sponsored an upcoming episode of Helping Hands featuring Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter, set to launch in 2026. This episode will showcase the vital work of Biyani House in supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence, including the reopening of the shelter following a major redevelopment funding by the government. The refurbishment of the main property, along with the addition of four new units, will allow the shelter to provide support to even more women and children in need.

Through these efforts, the Club is reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility, supporting vulnerable community members, and driving positive change both within the Club and the wider community.

Women in Bowls: Community Friendship and Fun

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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.


Club Staff and Community Walk for Charlotte’s Wish

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Club Staff and Community Walk for Charlotte’s Wish


In 2024, 12-year-old Charlotte O’Brien tragically lost her life due to bullying, her passing was a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need to address youth mental health. Over the course of 7 days from November 3- 9, our staff and community supporters raised an outstanding $14,820 and collectively walked 822 kilometres to champion youth mental health.

Charlotte’s Wish is an initiative that unites participants in raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health support. This year’s campaign has already achieved remarkable milestones:

  • Over $48,000 raised toward the $50,000 goal
  • More than 6,700 kilometres walked by participants across four countries
  • 340 walkers joining together in a worldwide effort to support youth mental health

The week began with a community walk from Revesby Workers’ Club, attended by Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, and received national attention with coverage on the Today Show and 9 News. On Friday, November 7, Charlotte’s family joined our staff team in wearing purple to honour another young life lost to bullying, Corrine Lee Cheu, and to support the Club’s Purple Friday’s initiative, which raises awareness for victims of domestic violence.

Charlotte’s Wish continues to inspire communities to have open conversations about youth mental health and suicide prevention. Revesby Workers’ Club is proud to stand alongside this movement, reinforcing our commitment to creating a safer, more supportive future for young people.

Opening Sporting Doors for Children in Out-of-Home Care

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Opening Sporting Doors for Children in Out-of-Home Care


A partnership between FosterCare FC and the Club is giving children in Out-of-Home Care across Canterbury-Bankstown the opportunity to participate in local sport and build meaningful connections in their community.

FosterCare FC, launched earlier this year, is an initiative helping children in care overcome financial and logistical barriers to joining local sporting groups. Many children face emotional and social challenges, and participation in sport offers routine, friendship, and positive role models. Early support from Revesby Workers’ Club helped launch the program locally and enabled the team to secure additional grants in other areas.

Revesby Workers’ Club is now the program’s founding impact partner, funding 40 placement of children in the local area. Within just three months since the partnership, 10 children have already been registered into clubs, receiving uniforms, equipment, and fees.

The benefits are clear – children who have experienced trauma gain confidence, social skills, and a sense of belonging. One DCJ Case Worker said a previously shy child now trains twice a week, plays every Saturday, and is “thriving through sports.” Children are known not as “the foster kid,” but as part of a team—the striker, the bowler, the goal attack.

The program also strengthens community ties. Clubs, carers, and case workers collaborate to support children, while FosterCare FC manages coordination to remove barriers such as cost, lack of networks, and complex registration systems.

With the backing of local Clubs, FosterCare Sport is on track to reach 120 children nationally in its first year, with hopes to expand further. This partnership is helping children in care feel included, valued, and connected—both on and off the field.

Staff Join Forces to Support the Salvation Army

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Staff Join Forces to Support the Salvation Army


Club staff members from across the organisation came together this week to support the local area Salvation Army branch by volunteering their personal time. A total of 8 volunteers across 2 days staff rolled up their sleeves and got to work—assembling food hampers, organising toy donations by age group, and ensuring every parcel was packed with care.

Adding to these volunteer efforts, the Club has donated $20,000 to support several key community initiatives delivered through the Salvation Army Panania branch. This funding will allow the organisation to:

  • Provide ongoing emergency relief services to support the increasing number of local families experiencing financial hardship including delivering food hampers and supermarket vouchers to individuals struggling with rising living costs.
  • Strengthen financial literacy workshops to empower local residents with practical budgeting and money management skills.
  • Expand support for seniors in Panania who are at risk of social isolation, offering more community engagement opportunities through The Village Café.
  • Providing access to crisis accommodation and pathways to long-term housing.

The Salvation Army’s relies heavily on volunteers and community partners, and the Club is proud to stand beside them in their vital work.


Sub Club Christmas – Celebrating Community Volunteers

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Sub Club Christmas – Celebrating Community Volunteers


The Board of Directors recently hosted the annual Sub Club Appreciation Christmas Event at Revesby Greens—an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the remarkable volunteers of our community. These passionate individuals selflessly give their time, skills, and energy throughout the year to support families and community members through sport, recreation, and social connection.

Club Vice President Christine Benham opened the event with a warm and heartfelt welcome, highlighting the vital contribution our Sub Clubs make to enriching local lives. From Cricket, Swimming, Seniors Golf, Indoor Ladies Bowls, Hockey, Netball, Revesby Writers, and Toastmasters—among many others—each group embodies the strong community spirit that defines our Club.

The celebration also featured a special Bill Bullard Charity raffle, adding an extra layer of goodwill. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the raffle raised over $500 for the Bill Bullard Charity Committee. These funds will go directly toward supporting the Bankstown–Lidcombe Hospital by helping purchase essential items from the hospital’s equipment wish list.


Continuing a Proud Tradition of Community Care

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Continuing a Proud Tradition of Community Care


The spirit of giving was alive and well at Revesby Workers’ during the festive season. The Club’s annual Giving Tree and Health Mates Food Drive once again brought the community together. Thanks to the generosity of our members and friends, hundreds of gifts and food items were donated to support local families doing it tough.

The response was so overwhelming that the Padstow Community Care team needed to make multiple trips to collect donations—a true testament to the compassion and community spirit that defines our local community. Their dedicated volunteers ensured food hampers reached families in need and that children receive a special present this Christmas.

For over 10 years the Club and local community have proudly supported programs that assist vulnerable members of our local area. This initiative is another tangible way that the club, staff, members and local community support those in need.

The club also supports Padstow Community Care’s Christmas Day Community Lunch, a tradition spanning 18 years. With funding provided by the club the event provides a three-course meal, gifts, and food packages for those who would otherwise spend Christmas alone. In 2025, the lunch hosted over 100 guests—a reflection of the growing need caused by rising living costs and social isolation.

Thank you to everyone who donated and helped make this year’s Giving Tree and Food Drive a success. Together, we continue to make a real difference.


Directors Report – February 2026

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Oh no!! Not 2026 already! 2025 was another major year for the Club, our management and staff, across all facets of our business, deserve huge accolades for their outstanding
work. We thank those members who patiently supported the major works to Health Mates in the final quarter of the year… and what a great facility it is!

The Club was proud to receive two major industry awards this year. At the annual Clubs and Community Awards, Clubs NSW honoured us with the Heart of the Community Award
in recognition of our commitment to Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter. In November, Leagues Clubs Australia presented the Club with the prestigious John Knipe Award, acknowledging the impact of our Tertiary Scholarship Program.

Within Revesby Workers Club, we have lots of sub-clubs that are run by dedicated volunteers who are committed to enhancing other peoples’ lives. From sporting groups such
as Little Athletics, Football, Bowls, Netball, and Cricket, to interest-based groups like the Garden Club, Ladies Group, Stroke Support Group, Toastmasters, and many more – there are lots of opportunities for our members to get involved, so please consider joining.

This year, we held two highly successful volunteer recognition events at Revesby Greens, celebrating the incredible contributions of our sub-club volunteers. It was wonderful to see so many passionate individuals come together to share experiences and achievements. Among the highlights were stories from our Hockey Club, which achieved remarkable success at the World Masters Games in Taipei in May 2025, fielding two teams and bringing home gold medals for
both! Their journey was made possible through months of enthusiastic fundraising and teamwork.

Revesby Greens is a wonderful venue for social gatherings, and we encourage our sub-clubs to make the most of it. While it may not accommodate the larger presentations
some sub-clubs require, it’s perfect for team get-togethers and fundraising events. Plus, Barefoot Bowls is available and offers a fun, relaxed way to enjoy the space.

Revesby Workers’ Swim Club enjoyed another successful year, continuing to build its junior ranks. Exceptional management and a committed team of volunteers were evident in the smooth running of two highly successful swim meets, attracting participants from across Sydney. The Little Athletics Centre saw substantial growth—not only in participant numbers but also in performance, achieving impressive results at Zone and Regional levels. Our Senior Cricket team celebrated an unexpected triumph, winning the 3rd Grade Premiership. Remarkably, this team was formed from players of two sides that finished last in 1st and 5th Grade the previous season. The Revesby Workers’ Netball Club also had an outstanding year, securing several premierships and earning the title of Association Champions.

Revesby Workers’ Club, through Club Grants, has proudly supported local Special Schools for many years. The teachers and staff at these schools do incredible work with children
who are intellectually and often physically disabled, showing true dedication and care. This year, we again funded the MiniFit program for both Caroline Chisholm School and Broderick Gillawarna School, as well as the Morris Music Program—and seeing the joy on the faces of participating students was truly heart-warming.

The Club’s Charity Committee (which I am privileged to chair) continues to raise funds to assist our local community, most recently by purchasing essential “wish list” equipment for Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital. We are deeply grateful for the support provided through our Friday night meat raffles at Revesby Greens, which have attracted a loyal group of supporters—and we always welcome newcomers!

Our Charity will shortly be purchasing much-needed equipment for the hospital as soon as we receive their updated list of requirements. We are truly lucky to live in Australia. Let’s continue to support the wonderful volunteers we have in this country when we can.

We look forward to another great year for Revesby Workers’ Club in 2026.


Christine Benham, Vice President

As I wrote this quarter’s report, I reflected on how quickly the year has flown by. It reminded me of John Rowles’ classic, If I Only Had Time. Like the lyrics, I wondered where time has gone. Rowles performed at the Club in 1972 and again in 1980 to a packed audience. I was there in 1980—it feels like only yesterday!

Having said that, it was wonderful to see families enjoying Christmas and New Year at the Club. Guests loved the festive foyer display and Santa photo opportunities for children. Our staff embraced the season too, celebrating with their annual Christmas breakfast and Service Awards, adding to the joyful atmosphere throughout the holidays.

Our refurbished Health Mates gym is earning rave reviews from staff and regulars, with holiday usage remaining strong. This investment benefits members and the Club, and with all the excitement around the new equipment, I might just dust off the Lycra and give it a go!

And for those sports lovers who’d rather watch the action with a drink in hand than hit the gym, get ready! Our Vegas Watch Party is set to bring footy fans together to cheer on the mighty Bulldogs as they take on St George in the NRL season launch in Las Vegas. It’s shaping up to be a huge year for the Dogs—don’t miss it!

Our February board meeting set the year’s tone with updates on NSW Government changes to gaming hours, plans to replace two ageing escalators from the foyer to the gaming floor, entertainment across venues, and our continued commitment to support school children, charitable causes, and local community organisations.

The Club’s commitment to giving back has never been stronger. Through grants and sponsorships, we’ll continue supporting those in need—from sporting and cultural groups to schools, community organisations, and causes like Charlotte’s Wish Walk for mental health, the Mayor’s Sleepout for homelessness, and the Tug ‘o’ War Cup against domestic violence.

As liaison director on the Education Committee, our support of local school children going on to university, or TAFE, will continue with an emphasis on supporting academic excellence, encouraging those taking up trades and those in financial need.

Contrary to the phrase “beware the Ides of March” from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, March promises to be an engaging and rewarding month as we celebrate seniors and women. Our week-long Seniors Festival will feature activities and special meal deals. On Friday 6 March, we’ll host our International Women’s Day event, with staff wearing purple shirts to highlight the fight against domestic violence. This year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” promotes generosity and collaboration—a principle that resonates with our Club values. When you give, you gain, and we’re proud to embrace this mindset in everything we do.

April will be a month of reflection and celebration. Good Friday and Easter Sunday—significant dates on the Christian calendar—invite families to gather at the Club for Easter lunches. Later, we pause to honour those who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. As in past years, I’ll attend our Anzac Day service with directors, members, and veterans. It’s always moving and inspiring to see more young people present. After the formalities, we’ll share drinks, mingle, and listen to stories from days gone by.

After reading my report, you would have realised that time is on the march and passing us by!

Be safe and don’t forget that Mother’s Day is just around the corner, make sure you plan ahead and remember to make it a special day.


John Choueifate, Director