Archive for year: 2026

Directors Report – February 2026


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

Executive Report – February 2026

Dear Members,

We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and that you welcomed 2026 with open arms. Welcoming a New Year is always an exciting and refreshing time—but it feels especially significant this year as we officially farewell 2025.

CONGRATULATIONS DARYL MELHAM AM– CLUB PATRON

Revesby Workers’ Club is proud to announce Daryl Melham AM as a Patron of the Club, following the Annual General Meeting held in October.

Daryl’s relationship with the Club spans over 50 years – beginning as a Barman and Tray Steward in the 1970s, becoming a member in 1976, and joining the Board of Directors in 1980. His leadership has shaped the Club’s growth and success, serving as Vice President (1982–2010) and President (2010–2024).

His incredible record of service spans more than four decades, including an extraordinary 44 years on the Board of Directors. During this time, he provided steady leadership through periods of major redevelopment and guided significant community-focused initiatives that helped shape the organisation’s long-term success.

A committed advocate for the local area, he worked tirelessly to support charities, schools and sporting groups, ensuring they received the resources and recognition needed to thrive. Through his oversight of the ClubGRANTS program, he helped direct millions of dollars in contributions back into the community, strengthening essential services and supporting countless local projects.

Beyond his direct community involvement, he further served the public as the Federal Member of Parliament for the Seat of Banks from 1990 to 2013. His dedication to public life and the wellbeing of his constituents was recognised nationally when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2017.

Having stepped down from the Board in 2024, the Board unanimously supports this appointment in recognition of his extraordinary commitment and legacy.
Please join us in congratulating Daryl on this well-deserved honour.

MEMBER ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

We were pleased to host our Member Anniversary events on 23 October 2025 in our Melham Function Centre. Our 40-, 50- and 60-year members joined us for an afternoon celebration, while our 25-year members were welcomed at an evening event.

These gatherings provided a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect, and honour the dedication of our long-standing members. Each recipient received a commemorative certificate and pin, and members celebrating 40, 50 and 60 years were also presented with our True to our Traditions history book on USB.

This year, we were especially proud to acknowledge our 60-year members—an incredible milestone that represents a lifetime of loyalty, connection and contribution to our community. Reaching 60 years of membership is a rare achievement, and we were honoured to celebrate this extraordinary commitment alongside those who have been part of our story for more than half a century.

We would also like to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of our Marketing and Food & Beverage teams, whose hard work and coordination ensured both events were a great success.

We look forward to celebrating these special milestones with our members again later in the year.

COMMUNITY

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign played a significant role in club activities last November/December reinforcing the Clubs’ commitment to promoting respectful relationships and supporting those impacted by domestic violence.

On November 24 we marked the first day of the campaign with a significant milestone—the reopening of Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter. In partnership with Women’s Community Shelters, Biyani House, State Government, and local organisations, the Club celebrated the launch of a new core and cluster refuge. The Club provides the property for the shelter, while the NSW Government invested $2.29 million to deliver four self-contained units and refurbished facilities within the house, creating a safe haven for women and children escaping violence.

Our staff proudly participated in Canterbury-Bankstown’s Tug O’ War Cup, an event designed to promote respectful relationships and raise awareness about ending domestic violence. Competing with enthusiasm, our mixed team secured second place, demonstrating both strength and solidarity for this important cause.

Early December marked the release of a special Purple Shirts Helping Hands episode, which aired on Channel 9, aligning with the 16 Days of Activism and amplifying education around domestic violence prevention.

BANKSTOWN STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

The Club proudly congratulates Tony Finneran on receiving the “Improving Life After Stroke Award” at the 2025 National Stroke Awards. Tony’s dedication to supporting stroke survivors has had a profound impact, helping individuals regain independence and confidence. As a long-standing Committee member of the Bankstown Stroke Support Group, (a Revesby Workers’ sub-club) Tony has championed inclusive activities, peer support, and greater awareness of stroke recovery needs—creating a welcoming community for those affected.

CHARLOTTE’S WISH WALK

Revesby Workers’ proudly supported Charlotte’s Wish Walk Week, inspired by the memory of 12-year-old Charlotte O’Brien, whose tragic passing in 2024 highlighted the urgent need to address bullying and youth mental health. The Club hosted the launch walk on November 3 and a Purple Friday walk on November 7, raising $14,945 through staff and community efforts. This contributed to a campaign total of $48,947. See page xx for the full story.


Christine Butters

President

Scott Bennetts

CEO