Archive for month: April, 2026

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Purple Friday: A Year of Purpose, Progress

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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.


Mayors 24hrs for Mental Health

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Mayors 24hrs for Mental Health

Revesby Workers’ Club proudly participated in the Mayor’s 24‑Hour Challenge for Mental Health, joining community members, leaders and local organisations in a powerful show of support for young people’s mental wellbeing. Held from 16–17 April at The Crest Athletics Track, Bass Hill, the event brought the Canterbury‑Bankstown community together for 24 hours of continuous movement—symbolising strength, resilience and the importance of staying connected during mental health challenges.

This year, Revesby Workers’ efforts resulted in an outstanding fundraising total of over $10,000, enough to fully fund one additional Charlotte’s Wish Scholarship for a young person in the local area.

The Mayor’s 24‑Hour Challenge was created in response to a growing mental health crisis affecting young Australians. With 75% of mental health conditions developing before age 25, and nearly half of young people reporting high psychological distress, early support has never been more important.

Funds raised through the challenge directly support Charlotte’s Wish Scholarships, delivered through the Step into Action Foundation. These scholarships provide local young people with tailored mentorship from trained professionals, ongoing emotional and wellbeing support, and access to mental health tools that help build confidence and resilience. Recipients also take part in structured personal development, keeping them connected, engaged and hopeful about their future. In addition, the scholarship offers opportunities to strengthen social skills, motivation and future pathways, giving young people the support they need to thrive.

This initiative holds deep meaning for Revesby Workers’ and the wider community, as Charlotte O’Brien, whose family is local to the area, tragically passed away due to the impacts of bullying. Her legacy now lives on through Charlotte’s Wish Scholarships, offering young people the support, connection and care she should have received. By funding an additional scholarship, our Club is helping ensure that no child in our community feels alone or unsupported during their most vulnerable moments because “Everyone matters every day.”


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

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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.


GIVING TO GAIN: A COMMUNITY UNITED FOR IWD 2026

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GIVING TO GAIN: A COMMUNITY UNITED FOR IWD 2026

Since launching in 2021, the Revesby Workers’ International Women’s Day (IWD) event has grown into one of the Club’s most anticipated annual celebrations—an empowering tradition that continues to evolve in scale and significance.

Guided by the 2026 themes of “Give to Gain” and “Balance the Scales,” the March 6 IWD event brought together community members, leaders, and advocates with a shared purpose: to champion gender equality, spotlight women’s achievements, and raise critical funds for Biyani House – Revesby’s Women’s Shelter.

The event welcomed inspiring voices on the main stage, each bringing a powerful message of resilience, leadership and community spirit. Natalie Cooney, widely recognised for her advocacy and influence across business and community sectors, spoke to the strength found in collective generosity. She emphasised that giving across communities delivers more than tangible outcomes—it sparks possibility, strengthens unity and lays the groundwork for lasting change. Equally compelling was Molly Croft, a young leader whose deeply personal story of resilience resonated with the audience. Molly reflected on her Metastatic Osteoblastic Osteosarcoma journey, noting that her illness has never defined her; instead, her strength has been shaped by the women who stand beside her and support her.

Adding even more star power and insight to the event was a special panel discussion featuring two iconic sporting figures. Tarsha Gale, a trailblazer in women’s rugby league whose legacy continues to pave the way for the next generation of female athletes, joined Tom Sermanni, an internationally respected football coach of the Matildas and long‑standing advocate for the advancement of women’s sport. Together, they offered candid perspectives on gender equity in sport, the importance of representation, and the progress still needed to level the playing field—both literally and figuratively.

In a testament to the generosity and spirit of the local community, this year’s IWD event raised over $66,792.95 — the largest amount ever raised since the Revesby Workers’ IWD tradition began. A significant portion of the fundraising success came from the live auction, which was supported with a range of exceptional donations. Contributions from DSA, Canterbury Leagues Club, the Parramatta Eels, the Sydney Roosters, the Matildas, Leagues Club Australia and Nora O Art helped drive bidding to new heights.

The fundraising effort is vital because Biyani House plays an increasingly critical role in supporting women and children escaping domestic and family violence in the Canterbury‑Bankstown region—one of the highest‑need areas in NSW. Since opening, Biyani House delivered life‑changing support, providing over 150 women and children with safety and stability, and delivering 7862 nights of care and protection to families in crisis. Demand continues to grow sharply across the Women’s Community Shelters network, with requests for assistance rising by 20% in the past year, and one in two women seeking crisis accommodation still turned away due to a lack of available beds.