Archive for category: Directors Report

Directors Report November 2025


Host Your Next Event at Revesby Greens – Venue Hire is Free!

Looking for the perfect venue to host your next party or function? Revesby Greens offers a stylish and versatile space, free of charge, making it an exceptional choice for your next celebration. Delight your guests with a diverse range of food options, including our popular Asian-inspired dishes – known for their quality, flavour and value.

Our outdoor dining area can comfortably accommodate up to 50 guests, providing a private and welcoming atmosphere. Planning a larger event? We’re happy to work with you to arrange times outside of regular club operations to suit your needs.

The Festive Season is Almost Here

As the holiday season approaches, you’ll begin to see Christmas festivities come to life throughout the Club this November. Santa will be making his return for photos from 26 November, and our Christmas raffles will begin from 3 December—a great opportunity to enjoy the spirit of the season with fellow members and guests. We’re also pleased to share that free entertainment has returned to the Presidents Lounge, adding to the vibrant atmosphere throughout the Club. As we look ahead to the close of another year, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our members, their families and friends a safe, joyful, and relaxing Christmas and holiday season.

To those facing challenges during this time, please know that you’re not alone—we hope our community remains mindful, compassionate, and ready to lend support wherever it’s needed.

Proud to Serve Revesby Workers’ Club

As a long-standing member of Revesby Workers’ Club and now in my third year on the Board, I take great pride in the many ways our Club continues to make a positive impact. Our recent announcement under the Amplified Program, committing 10% of profits to meaningful community initiatives, reflects a strong and enduring dedication to supporting those who need it most. This initiative is not only significant in its scale, but also in its potential to create lasting change.

Our unwavering support for our sub-clubs remains central to who we are. These groups represent the foundation of our history and values, fostering connection, enjoyment, and lifelong friendships for members of all ages.

While gaming remains a core component of our industry, I’m proud of the Club’s responsible approach. We continue to take proactive steps to minimise the risks associated with gambling, ensuring the wellbeing of all patrons remains a top priority.

Above all, I’m proud of the exceptional people and culture at Revesby Workers’. The professionalism, warmth and dedication demonstrated by our staff and management is evident in every interaction and is a true reflection of what makes this Club special.


David Raper, Director

Native Orchid Club Spring Show

The Revesby Workers’ Club Native Orchid Club held its annual Spring Show in the Club foyer during September. The display featured an array of beautifully aromatic and visually striking specimens, with several highly prized entries earning top classification awards. A number of Grand Championship ribbons were awarded to club members – a testament to their dedication and expertise. Congratulations to all participants on another outstanding event.

Revesby Writers Club – Annual Publication Released

The Writers Club has proudly released its latest annual edition of The Revesby Bus, showcasing a diverse collection of member-written works for 2025. The publication features a range of engaging and thought-provoking pieces—perfect for those who enjoy quality local writing. If you have a story to tell or an interest in writing, you’re warmly invited to attend the Club’s monthly meetings, held on the first Saturday of each month in the MacArthur Room.

Education Committee Update

We’re pleased to welcome several new community members to the Education Committee, and thank them for their commitment to supporting local education initiatives. With Year 12 students now completing their final classes and preparing for the HSC exams, we encourage eligible students to apply for the Revesby Workers’ Club Scholarship Program. Open to students who are members or children of members, this long-standing initiative supports those pursuing further education at TAFE or University. For application details and eligibility criteria, please visit our website.

Toastmasters Celebrates 20 Years

Earlier this year, Revesby Toastmasters celebrated a significant milestone—20 years of continuous service to our community. This achievement reflects the dedication and enthusiasm of its members, who contribute to an engaging, supportive, and educational environment. Congratulations to everyone involved for making the club both impactful and enjoyable.


Linda Downey, Director

Executive Report – November 2025

Dear Members,

At the time of writing this report, preparations are underway for our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). This event provides an important opportunity to reflect on the past year’s activities, financials, and achievements, and to look ahead to the year to come.

Members Anniversary

We were delighted to host a special presentation event on Thursday 23 October 2025, in honour of members who have reached significant milestones in their membership journey with Revesby Workers’ Club.

This meaningful occasion recognised and celebrated those who, in 2025, marked their 25-, 40-, 50-, or 60-year Membership Anniversaries with the Club. These remarkable achievements are a testament not only to the longevity of our members with the Club, but also to the strong sense of community, connection, and loyalty that has been built and sustained over the decades.

For many, Revesby Workers’ Club has been more than just a venue – it has served as a place of friendship, belonging, and lasting memories. From live entertainment and dining to community events and sporting activities, our long-standing members have played a vital role in shaping the Club’s story and continued success.

This annual event is a cherished highlight in the Club’s calendar, providing the Board of Directors with the opportunity to formally express gratitude and appreciation to our most dedicated members. Attendees enjoyed a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a heartfelt presentation ceremony, and the chance to reflect on their shared history and contributions to the Club.

To all members celebrating a milestone this year – thank you. Your commitment, loyalty, and support remain the foundation of what makes Revesby Workers’ Club a truly special community.

ClubGRANTS

In 2025, the Club proudly hosted the Canterbury-Bankstown Local ClubGRANTS Presentation, bringing together Canterbury-Bankstown City Council, 12 local clubs, and over 60 community organisations to recognise recipients of this year’s funding. Mayor Bilal El Hayek attended and addressed the presentation, acknowledging the strong collaboration
between Council, local clubs, and community organisations in addressing key social priorities and delivering meaningful and lasting community benefits across the region.

Collectively, participating clubs contributed an impressive $2.7 million to local projects and services. Revesby Workers’ Club committed $395,735 across 26 programs, providing support for community welfare, youth development, cultural initiatives, and ongoing services for victims of domestic and family violence.

These contributions form part of the Club’s broader social responsibility strategy, reflecting its commitment to community wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainable local impact. Through strategic partnerships and targeted funding, the Club continues to deliver outcomes that strengthen the local community.

Seniors Concerts

Senior’s Concert has been an institution at Revesby Workers’ Club for many years, and we are excited for the Christmas Senior Concert to be held in the Whitlam Theatre on Tuesday 9 December 2025.

With outstanding performers our seniors have the opportunity to listen to some live music and be entertained whilst catching up with lifelong buddies or newfound friends.

Such is our rush for Senior’s concert tickets, we do recommend purchasing your tickets in a timely manner to avoid disappointment. Tickets for November concert attendees will be on sale from Tuesday 18 November from 3.00pm until Sunday 23 November at 7.00pm. Those members new to our Senior’s concerts can purchase online or at Club Reception anytime after the above-mentioned period.

Remembrance Day

We would like to remind all members that our annual Remembrance Day event will take place on Tuesday 11 November 2025. This important occasion offers us the opportunity to come together as a community to honour and remember those who have served and sacrificed.

Please note that this year, the event will no longer be invitation-only. All members and their guests are warmly invited to attend. We encourage you to join us for this meaningful commemoration.

Health Mates Food Drive

Health Mates Fitness Centre is dedicated to giving back and supporting those in need within the community. Each year, Health Mates runs a Christmas Food Drive in partnership with Padstow Community Care, helping create hampers for local families who may be struggling during the festive season. In 2024, the generosity of club members and staff resulted in 183.5 kg of food donated, bringing support and festive cheer to many vulnerable households. Continuing this tradition, the Food Drive will run again this year to further support Padstow Community Care and the local community.

Christmas and New Year

As we draw the year to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our members for your continued support, enthusiasm, and involvement throughout the year. Your participation is what makes our club the vibrant, welcoming, and thriving community that it is. We wish you and your loved ones a
safe, joyful, and restful Christmas season. May this time be filled with peace, laughter, and celebration.

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to continue building on the successes of this year. We have several new initiatives, events, and opportunities in the pipeline, and we can’t wait to share them with you in the New Year.

Until then, enjoy the festive season, take care, and we look forward to welcoming you all back in 2026 for another fantastic year.


Christine Butters

President

Scott Bennetts

CEO

Executive Report – August 2025

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

Directors Report May 2025

DIRECTOR REPORT MAY 2025


It’s hard to believe we’re already in May—what a busy start to 2025!

As I begin my second term as a Director, I feel truly privileged to represent our staff, Club, and members. I want to express my gratitude to my fellow Directors, our CEO Scott Bennetts, the Senior Managers, and the entire team for their unwavering dedication in creating a positive and welcoming environment for all our Members and Guests every day.

After the closure of all the function rooms on Level 1 in 2024 for major renovations and refurbishment, it’s fantastic to see so many events taking place in 2025.

As many of our Summer Sports wrap up their season, I’d like to congratulate everyone on another fantastic year. All of our Sub Clubs are driven by hardworking and dedicated volunteers.

The Revesby Workers’ Football Club, for which I serve as Liaison Director, has had an impressive start to the 2025 season, with 34 teams and over 500 players. The club has also been running Summer Competitions and a Pre-Season Program in preparation for the winter season ahead.

Meanwhile, Illawong Athletics has capped off another great year with a club record at the NSW Milers Meet. Club member Anthony cleared 4.00m in the Pole Vault and took home the win in the open event. The club also had athletes compete in the NSW Juniors, NSW Opens Championships and achieve excellent results at the Masters Championships.

Congratulations to all the athletes and the entire club on these amazing achievements!

I recently joined the Club staff and had the opportunity to attend a Club-wide meeting led by our Executive Manager of People & Culture, Sharyn Buhagiar. She provided key updates and introduced the launch of the Club’s Domestic Violence Action Plan, which includes a range of important initiatives.

A big thank you to everyone who visited the Club and attended our ANZAC Day ceremony. It was a fantastic turnout, and it’s truly one of my favourite events on the calendar as we pay our respects.

This issue of the Journal highlights many exciting events happening throughout the Club. I’m looking forward to continuing to connect with members around the Club in the months ahead.


Daniel Kurtz, Director

It has been six months since my election to the Board of Directors in October last year and I must say how impressed I am at the professionalism, commitment and dedication of the Club’s Board, Management and all the staff I have had the pleasure of engaging. It is truly an honour to represent the Club and its members as my father Keith did for ten years as a director back in the 90s.

I am truly impressed and amazed by the sheer volume and high quality of work the Club dedicates to the community, as well as its generosity and financial support for so many deserving causes and individuals.

A bit about my background: I grew up in Revesby and attended both Revesby Primary and East Hills Boys High Schools. I began playing cricket for Revesby Workers in 1972, and I’m now in my 53rd consecutive year with the Club, currently serving as its President.

I fondly remember attending the annual Christmas parties hosted by the Club and many other events at the old Club before it became Henry Lawson House and later Club Troppo. In the ’80s, I spent a lot of time with my brothers skateboarding in the new Club car park. I joined the Workers Club on my 18th birthday and quickly became a regular at the Wednesday night disco, the Friday night cocktail bar, and spent many weekends at the Sports Bar and the Fibro after playing cricket, baseball, and lawn bowls. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed seeing countless amazing local and international bands perform in the Auditorium and look forward to many more in the new Melham Function Room.

I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the many positive changes the Club has made over the years, both in its buildings and operations, and I’ve seen it grow into one of the leading Clubs in NSW. I’m incredibly excited to be a part of the Club’s future and look forward to working closely with the Board, Management, staff, and members. In my role as Director, I’ve been appointed as the Liaison Director for the Cricket, Fishos, and Men’s Golf Clubs. I was warmly welcomed at the Golf Club’s Christmas and Presentation Day, even in what felt like forty-degree heat! I had a fantastic time with the golfers and am looking forward to playing more with them—hopefully improving my game along the way.

Over the years, my family and I have been actively involved in the Cricket, Baseball, Soccer, Little Athletics, Netball and Bowls Clubs. I have had the pleasure of representing the Revesby Workers’  Cricket Club on the international stage playing in Fiji, New Zealand and Barbados cricket tournaments. One highlight was meeting with West Indian cricket legends Gordon Greenwich and Desmond Haynes and exchanging great cricket stories, I just wish I had one to give them.

My involvement in many of the sub-clubs over the years has brought me lifelong friendships and cherished memories, and I look forward to creating many more. I’d like to express my gratitude to all the past Board members I’ve had the pleasure of knowing over the past thirty-plus years, since my father was on the Board. I’ve enjoyed many great conversations about the Club and the community. In particular, I want to thank former President Daryl Melham AM and current Vice President Christine Benham for their unwavering support and guidance. Thank you both very much. I’m truly excited to be part of the future of this incredible Club.


Trevor Heaslip, Director

Executive Report May 2025

Dear Members,

We hope you enjoyed a long weekend over Easter and had a wonderful relaxing Easter break.

FUTURE DIRECTION

The Board of Directors held a strategy day late last year, as we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of our industry.

Following on from this we are excited to announce the formation of sub-committees to help further advance our initiatives. Board members are represented on each of these subcommittees along with members of the Management team.

  • ESG, Risk and Community Committee
  • Building Committee
  • Business Committee

I want to take a moment to reaffirm the Board’s unwavering commitment to the strategic direction and vision that we have collectively set for the Club.

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY

We are delighted to share that this year’s International Women’s Day event was our most impactful yet, raising an incredible $40,000 for Biyani House Revesby Women’s Shelter. This is the largest donation we’ve ever made through International Women’s Day, and it speaks volumes about the generosity and compassion of our community. For five years now, this event has been about more than just raising funds, it’s about bringing people together to celebrate women, push for progress, and champion inclusivity.

This year, our speakers Sallianne Faulkner, Grace Rowe, and Frida Deguise shared their deeply personal stories of courage and determination. They reminded us why these conversations, and the action that follows, matter so much.

This achievement was made possible through the generosity of our partner, Leagues Club Australia, and the collective support of ClubsNSW and local clubs across the industry, who have not only supported this event but also work alongside us to drive meaningful change for those experiencing domestic violence and in support of the International Women’s Day movement. We would also like to extend a special thanks to all our event sponsors, the Board, and everyone who attended, whose presence and participation were vital to the success of this event and the important cause.

We would like to thank and recognise the efforts and commitment of our Marketing and Food and Beverage teams for organising and managing this special event.  The success is a credit to all the staff for their hard work and dedication.

VAL KENNEDY

On March 1, a special milestone was celebrated within the Club—the 36th anniversary of the Revesby Workers’ Garden Club, founded by Bill Bullard in 1989. It was an honour to mark this occasion by presenting Val Kennedy, our dedicated Garden Club President, with Life Membership of the Revesby Workers’ Garden Club.

MICHELLE CADDELL

Congratulations to our very own Revesby Village Centre Shopping Manager, Michelle Caddell who committed to being a “Star” of Penrith – a ‘Dancing with the Stars’ type competition run by the Cancer Council on March 21. Michelle danced Irish and raised over $35,000.

ASBESTOS AND DUST DISEASES RESEARCH INSTITUTE

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Club President Christine Butters and CEO Scott Bennetts recently attended a Reception at Government House for the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute.

The event was hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC and was attended by individuals and businesses who donate funding and contribute to the incredible work that the Institute undertakes, working towards finding a cure for asbestos related diseases.

Revesby Workers’ Club generously donated $45,000 in 2024 and are hopeful to support the Institute again this year.

The Club’s support of the Institute was widely recognised throughout the event, and we are honoured to be in a position to be able to provide this much needed funding.


Christine Butters

President

Scott Bennetts

CEO

Directors Report February 2025

DIRECTOR REPORT FEBRUARY 2025


Here we are in 2025 already!  2024 was another major year for the Club, and our Management and staff, across all facets of our business, deserve huge accolades for their outstanding work.

After the Annual General Meeting in October, we farewelled our President, Daryl Melham AM, at a wonderful lunch that followed the official opening of The Melham Function Centre.  I am proud to have stood on the Board for sixteen years with Daryl, whose decision not to stand in the election could not have been an easy one.  We welcome two new Directors, John Choueifate and Trevor Heaslip, whose skills greatly complement the talent pool of the Directors.

Within Revesby Workers’ Club, we have numerous sub-clubs that are run by many great volunteers who are committed to enhancing other people’s lives.  From Little Athletics, Football, Bowls, Netball, Cricket – to name a few of the sporting sub-clubs – to the Garden Club, Ladies Group, Toastmasters and other common interest groups. There are plenty of opportunities for our members to get involved with the many clubs, contact details are available on the club’s website or at reception.

One particular group, for which I am the Liaison Director, is the Bankstown Stroke Support Group, which meets monthly in the Club.  This is an excellent group whose membership is fluid and comprises people who have experienced stroke, others who are carers, and anyone else who shares an interest in new developments in assessing the risks, identifying stroke and ongoing updates in treatments.

In November we had a very successful pre-Christmas meeting of the various sub-clubs at Revesby Greens.  It was wonderful to see so many volunteers on the day and to be able to share experiences.  We look forward to hearing tales from our Hockey Club next November, after their trip in May 2025 to the World Masters Games in Taipei, a trip they have been fundraising for over many months!

Revesby Workers’ Club, through its Club Grants, has been proud to support local special schools over the years. The dedicated teachers and staff at these schools do incredible work with children who are both intellectually and often physically disabled. This year, we were thrilled to fund the MiniFit program at Caroline Chisholm School and Broderick Gillawarna School. Founded by former Rugby League player Anthony Minichiello, this program focuses on health and exercise, specially adapted for these amazing children by Anthony and his team.

Additionally, through our Club Grants, we have been supporting Mercy Works, a fantastic charity that aids refugees and asylum seekers in settling within our community. One of their programs involves teaching English as a second language to students, usually between the ages of 18 and 25, at Bankstown Senior College.


As Chair of the Club’s Charity Committee, I am honoured to share that we have continued our efforts to raise funds for the local community, most recently by purchasing much-needed equipment for Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital from their ‘wish list.’ We are incredibly grateful for the generous support Revesby Workers’ Club provides through our Friday night meat raffles at Revesby Greens. Over time, we’ve built a dedicated group of supporters, and we’re always happy to welcome new faces! In the near future, our charity will be further funding the purchase of up to five different types of devices for Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital and I look forward to sharing the details in a future issue of the Journal.

We are truly lucky to live in Australia.  Let’s continue to support the wonderful volunteers we have in this country when we can.  I look forward to another great year for Revesby Workers’ Club in 2025.


Christine Benham, Vice President

My election to the board of the Revesby Workers’ Club in late October 2024 has been quite surreal. I joined the club as an 18-year-old, some 46 years ago, and I’ll be frank, the only reason I joined at the time was to gain entry to the club and enjoy a schooner or two of lemon squash with fellow players from the cricket club.

I recall the world class entertainment and watching Tom Jones performing to packed audiences night after night, and for those who remember, the yearly Christmas Party for families was an event not to be missed.  My fondest memory was handing out ice creams from a white caravan with former President Daryl Melham, and late director Keith Heaslip and his wife, in the early 80s.

Since those heady days, my connection with the Club has never waned and when I was asked to join the board, I saw an opportunity to play a more active role and to continue the great work and community focus.  Over the years, there have been many structural and architectural changes but what hasn’t changed are the regulars and loyal patrons who have supported the board and management.

Testimony of the stability of the board was the recent retirement of President Daryl Melham AM who called it quits after serving 44 years as a director and more recently as Club President. I am sure that milestone will never be eclipsed.

For those members who don’t know me, I have lived in the area most of my life and recall the days of the market gardens, the horse drawn milk carts, no sewerage and the “dunny man” picking up the toilet can and the chicken farm around the club premises. The club was a place for the wharfies, fishos, union organisers and political types to meet and strategise, but most of the time it was to swap yarns and tell tall tales.

My involvement with the club was regular but limited due to my work commitments, as I held senior roles in the media over a period of 40 years. I also had a brief dalliance in Government and even started my own communications consultancy and strategy business.

During this time, the club has grown, now boasting around 70,000 members and a demographic embracing a mix of young and old from diverse backgrounds. Over the years the wants and needs of Club members has changed, and this is clearly reflected by the investment in the retail village and medical precinct, the refurbishment of the gym and providing a better family dining experience.

The first few months have been quite hectic and only reinforced my decision to be a part of the board. Some of the events included Remembrance Day, a special luncheon ceremony for those members celebrating 25, 40 and 50 years of membership, the seniors Christmas concert, and the annual staff awards.

The generosity of the club is something that isn’t rarely spoken of and deserves a mention. Whether it is providing grants to local schools, education grants to high-achieving students, bereavement support, subsidising our sporting teams or waiving fees to charitable and other organisations to use the club facilities, these are just some of the decisions made on members’ behalf.

On other matters, I have some big shoes to fill and will be taking over from Club President Christine Butters as the Liaison Director for the Mooney Mooney Club which includes the Volunteer Rural Fire Service and the Marine Rescue. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the locals and they were very warm and welcoming. I have also asked to be on the Building, Education and Light on the Hill Committees, as well as the Disciplinary Committee.

The year has kicked off in fine style and I am looking forward to being a part of some exciting events and changes during 2025.


As Chair of the Club’s Charity Committee, I am honoured to share that we have continued our efforts to raise funds for the local community, most recently by purchasing much-needed equipment for Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital from their ‘wish list.’ We are incredibly grateful for the generous support Revesby Workers’ Club provides through our Friday night meat raffles at Revesby Greens. Over time, we’ve built a dedicated group of supporters, and we’re always happy to welcome new faces! In the near future, our charity will be further funding the purchase of up to five different types of devices for Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital and I look forward to sharing the details in a future issue of the Journal.

We are truly lucky to live in Australia.  Let’s continue to support the wonderful volunteers we have in this country when we can.  I look forward to another great year for Revesby Workers’ Club in 2025.


John Choueifate, Director

Executive Report February 2025

Dear Members,

We hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and New Year festivities and that you welcomed 2025 with open arms. Welcoming a New Year is always an exciting time, and even more so this year as we farewell 2024.

WELCOME TREVOR HEALSIP AND JOHN CHOUEIFATE

Following the retirement of Daryl Melham AM at the conclusion of the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the results of the election for Board of Directors were announced, confirming that Trevor Heaslip and John Choueifate would be joining the Board of Directors at Revesby Workers’ Club.

Trevor is a Life Member of Revesby Workers’ Cricket Club, and current President with over 52 years as player, coach and executive.

He graduated with a Diploma in Crime Prevention, Certificate IV in Security Risk Management, Advanced Certificate in Safety & Crowd Management, Advanced Certificate in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

John Choueifate has been a member of the Revesby Workers’ for 45 years. He has been involved in Australian media for more than 40 years and held executive roles at the Seven, Nine and Ten Networks. He has directed and mentored some of Australia’s leading presenters and journalists.

John was appointed by NSW Premier Morris Iemma as Head of Government Strategy and Communication in 2008, and has relationships with State and Federal Government Ministers, along with business leaders.

We have welcomed both Trevor and John to the Board and hope you join us in congratulating them and wishing them all the best for their term.



Trevor Healsip

Director




John Choueifate

Director

NEW CLUB PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT

Following the AGM in October last year, the Board elected myself as president and Christine Benham as Vice President.

Christine Benham was elected to the Board in November 2008.  Her service not only to the Club, but to the community, is immeasurable.

Christine is the Liaison Director for Revesby Workers’ Women’s Hockey, Revesby Workers’ Swim Club, Bankstown Stroke Support Group, Revesby Workers’ Senior Golf and Revesby Workers’ Netball.

Her dedication and support for all things community made it a very easy decision to elect her as the Vice President. Her passion for the Club and its members will ensure a very positive future for the Revesby Workers’ Group.



Christine Benham

Vice President

MEMBER ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

We would also like to take the opportunity to share some photos from our Member Anniversary events that took place on 24 October 2024 in our new Whitlam Theatre.  Our 40 and 50-year members were invited to an afternoon event while our 25-year members joined us for an evening event.

The Board of Directors were honoured to be able to recognise the loyalty of those 25, 40 and 50 year members to our Club.

We would like to recognise the efforts of our Marketing and Food and Beverage teams for managing both events.  The success of these events is a credit to their hard work and dedication.

We look forward to celebrating these events again later in the year with our Members.



FAREWELL BRUCE BREESE

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Mooney Mooney resident and long-term member of the Advisory Committee Bruce Breese. Bruce has demonstrated an unwavering dedication and service to the Mooney Mooney community. His contributions have made a lasting impact. Through Bruce’s hard work, commitment, and compassion, he has helped foster a sense of unity, strength, and resilience in the Mooney Mooney community.

Bruce retired from the Advisory Committee in December as he plans his future further up the North Coast.

Bruce your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are truly fortunate to have someone like you who consistently strives to make the world a better place. Thank you for your incredible service.



Christine Butters

President

Scott Bennetts

CEO

Directors Report November 2024

Directors Report November 2024

Nearing the end of my second year as a Director of Revesby Workers’ Club, it continues to be a privilege to work with the Board to serve our members and staff. It is often challenging, but such a positive experience is made easier by a combination of a great leadership team under our CEO Scott Bennetts, and all the fantastic staff that make up our club.

Like many, with the completion of the Function Centre renovations including the Whitlam Theatre, I greatly anticipate seeing members and visitors enjoying the beautiful new facilities. This was a major project expertly and professionally delivered by our management team. In general, I can see many exciting events planned across the club over the coming months through the upcoming holiday season.

From a Board perspective, I will continue to collaborate with fellow board members to focus on several priorities. These priorities include supporting our CEO and his team, sustaining our club as a leader in the industry, and making the best decisions in the interest of the club’s future. This also extends to the value and priority we place on all club employees in protecting our positive culture. Given my long history as part of Revesby Workers’ before joining the Board, I also have a deep appreciation of the relationships with all our wonderful sub-clubs and the benefits these can have in building life-long associations.

At the time of writing, of course, we face the stepping down of our President Daryl Melham, the heart and soul of the club for such a long time. To say he will be missed is of course a huge understatement. There will be much more to be said as we celebrate his time of service, and I’m sure his involvement and support for the club will continue.

With regard to sub-clubs, I look forward to giving ongoing support when needed. Lawn Bowls enters a new era with the unification of the Men’s and Ladies Clubs. The volunteer committee members work tirelessly to run regular events throughout the year out of Revesby Greens at Spence Street. ‘Twilight Bowls’ is one such social event that commences with Daylight Saving, so if you would like to get involved you would be welcomed with open arms. The Ladies Indoor Bowls are undoubtedly looking forward to resuming play in the new Whitlam Theatre. Billiards and Snooker are looking forward to hosting the Shire Singles event. Darts had a new Club Champion christened in John Savage, and are heading towards the Doubles Championships, and the Spearfishing Club continues to proudly fly the club colours – check them out on social media if you are interested.

Finally, I look forward to being a part of a club that continues to provide significant financial help across our community. I also hope and trust that we all will have a safe and happy Christmas and holiday season.

David Raper, Director

Welcome to the last journal of the year and an update as to what’s on offer at the club this holiday season.

Our new Function Centre and renovated Whitlam Theatre, located on Level 1 of the Club, were formally opened in late October with an event that officially recognised and honoured the long-term service of the club’s immediate past president Daryl Melham AM. We thank him for his service to our club, the industry in general, and to our community.

Daryl’s guidance has been instrumental in developing a club whose major focus is providing for its members and community.

With our community in mind, Revesby Workers’ Club has been committed to investing in education for many years, an incentive I am passionate about from my background in both education and community service. Our Tertiary Scholarship program has been running for 27 years and has provided financial support to over 670 students in achieving their academic goals. As Chair of the Education Committee, I congratulate all HSC students on completing their studies and encourage them to apply for our scholarship program. Applications can be submitted through our website.

Another longstanding initiative is our School Subsidy program, which began in 1986 as an annual contribution of $11,000 to 22 local schools and has since expanded to offer support to 32 local schools. Last year, the Club contributed over $65,000 in crucial funding through this program, enabling schools to enhance their facilities, introduce new programs, and provide additional resources. This ongoing program directly improves the quality of education and opportunities available to students in our community year after year.

As we head into the next few months the club will be offering a great range of festive activities and services from Photos with Santa, Kids Toy Raffles, Ham and Pork Raffles, our annual Worker’s Giving Tree and Health Mates Food Drive supporting Padstow Community Care as well as Christmas Day lunches for family celebrations.

The lineup of 2025 events and activities can also be found in this issue of the Journal, from Australia Day, Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day, all designed to bring our club community together.

I would like to wish all our members and staff a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please take care throughout the holiday season.

Linda Downey, Director

The President’s Final Report


After over four decades on the Board of Directors for Revesby Workers’ Club Group, Daryl officially announced his retirement as Club President at the Annual General Meeting on Sunday 27 October.

Daryl’s dedicated service on the Board of Directors and his significant contributions have been instrumental in shaping Revesby Workers’ Club Group into the progressive community-based organisation it is today.

In recognition of this, the newly renovated function centre was named ‘The Melham Function Centre’ in his honour.

‘I sincerely wish to thank the Revesby Workers’ Club for the naming of “The MELHAM Function Centre”. The family and I are honored and most appreciative.’ said Daryl in his closing speech on Sunday.

Click here to see Daryl’s final report as Club President

Executive Report August 2024

Dear Members,

With the end of financial year now behind us, we look towards the second half of the calendar year.

We are happy to report that Revesby Workers’ Club recorded a profit of circa $6.5m pending year-end adjustments, details of which is outlined in the Financial report, this enables our Club to continue to provide funding to our subclubs, invest in education through our school subsidy and scholarship programs, consider sponsorships for charities and fundraising events and community projects to really give back to our members and wider community.

FAREWELL TO BADEN KIRGAN

After four years of loyal service to Revesby Workers’ Club as a director, Baden Kirgan has stepped down from the board as of the 25th June 2024.

Baden’s contribution in and outside the boardroom has always been outstanding. His support, guidance, and mentoring of the senior leadership team, has been invaluable.

Baden achieved a significant amount in his time serving as a director and offered support to his Sub Clubs Revesby Workers’ Athletics Junior, Revesby Workers’ Men’s Golf, Revesby Workers’ Netball and Revesby Workers’ Writers Club.

We wish Baden every success and take this opportunity to thank him for his contribution to our Club.

AUDITORIUM AND FUNCTIONS RENOVATIONS

As mentioned in previous Executive Reports, the renovation to our Function Centre is progressing well and we are excited for the opening at the end of this year.

Prior to the May Board Meeting, our Executive Manager – Food and Beverage, Darren Foots and Executive Manager – Facilities, Simon Melham took the Board of Directors for a tour of the renovation site and it was great to see the significant transformation since commencing this project in January.

We look forward to welcoming members back to the space for their future functions towards the end of 2024.

DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS

Nominations for the Board of Directors open: 9:00am on Friday, 13 September 2024. Nominations for the Board of Directors Close and Draw for the positions on the Ballot Paper: 6:00pm on Friday, 27 September 2024.

Ballot for the Board of Directors will be conducted from 10:00am to 8:00pm on Thursday, 24 October 2024 and Friday, 25 October 2024

AGM

Please note our AGM is scheduled for Sunday, 27 October 2024 at 10am and will be held on the Club’s premises.

If you have any questions for the AGM, please ensure they are received in writing 7 business days prior to the meeting.

We look forward to our members’ attendance in support of the Club


Daryl Melham AM

PRESIDENT


Scott Bennetts

CEO