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

October 28, 2024/in Directors Report, News, President's Report /by Julia Vuong

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

July 31, 2024/in CEO Report, Directors Report /by Danielle McKenna

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

Directors Report May 2024

April 26, 2024/in CEO Report, Directors Report /by Julia Vuong

Directors Report May 2024

Since I joined the Workers’ Club Board in 2020, one of the things I’ve enjoyed most is being the liaison director for my sub clubs.

The sub clubs are the sporting and social groups who wear our colours and represent us in activities like soccer, netball, cricket and swimming. There are also clubs centred around non-sporting pursuits like gardening.

Some of the sub clubs are older than the Workers’ Club itself – many of the 240 foundation members came from local sporting clubs like soccer, cricket and golf, and brought those clubs into the Workers’ when it was founded in 1962. In many registered clubs, the directors have little to do with their sub clubs. Relations between the club and sub club are managed by staff. The sub clubs rarely, if ever, hear from a member of the board let alone see a director at one of their meetings.

At the Workers’ each director is assigned several sub clubs. I look after the Netball, Men’s Golf, Little Athletics and Revesby
Writers sub clubs. Directors are expected to meet with the sub clubs regularly and provide a conduit between the board and the sub club members. This keeps the concerns of the sub clubs front and centre for the board.

There are so many sub clubs in the Workers’ that you can pretty much pick any sport and we have a sub club for you. But one area where we might be lacking a bit is in the arts.

We have our wonderful Revesby Writers who meet on the first Saturday of every month. Every meeting each member brings a new piece, usually on an assigned theme, to read to the group. It’s a great way for local writers to keep going and get feedback on their writing.

When I was a kid we had a Revesby Workers’ Youth Drama Club. Run by Noelene and her husband, there was a junior kids and senior kids classes on weekends. The students would learn acting and confidence skills and build towards a performance in the school holidays. Once or twice a year they put on a pantomime that was on every day for a week
during the holidays. These were extremely popular with parents struggling for holiday activities (and the kids loved them too).

I’d love to see more arts groups come to the club. Acting, music, reading, painting, film, book clubs – I’m open to any
ideas. Communities can’t live on sports alone – we need more places where members whose interests lay elsewhere can find other like-minded people.

They can start small – many of our sub clubs are just a group of people meeting once a month in a room to talk about their common interest. But if enough people join, the club
has many ways of supporting and helping groups grow. I’d love to see the Club with as many arts based sub clubs as we have wonderful sports sub clubs.

If you have any ideas, please email me at badenk@rwc.org.au.

Baden Kirgan, Director

Hard to believe we are now in May, what a start to 2024.

It’s now been 7 months since being elected as a Director at Revesby Workers’ Club and I still pinch myself and feel extremely honoured to represent such an iconic brand, an Organisation that has members and staff at the forefront of every decision that is made.

One of my first official events was the Seniors Christmas Concert held in the Auditorium on the 12^thDecember 2023. What a great afternoon joined by over 400 members with first-class entertainment in what was one of the last events in the Auditorium as we once knew it.

With all function rooms being closed for most of the year due to major renovation and refurbishment we are looking forward to the new look with works due for completion in October 2024.

2024 has seen many great community initiatives take place either by our Revesby Workers’ staff or some of our Sub Club that are all run by dedicated volunteers.

Congratulations to Christine Butters President of Revesby Workers Little Athletics and the team of volunteers on the opening of their new facility at Kelso North a venue that will serve for many years to come.

As many of our Summer Sports wrap up our Winter sports are in full flight Revesby Workers, Netball, and Football (Soccer) just to name a couple.

Revesby Workers Football Club which I’m the Liaison Director has teamed up with Sydney FC to run a Program dedicated to Girls 12 to 15. The program (She Can) is not all about Football it also covers many topics that face young women and provides them with guidance and skills in Communication, Leadership and Confidence.

I joined Club Staff recently attending a Club Wide Meeting lead by our Executive Manager, People & Culture Sharyn Buhagiar who provided key updates with the team and some refresher compliance training.

Thank you to everybody that visited the Club and attended our ceremony to pay respects on ANZAC Day it was truly a fantastic turnout and one of my favourite events on the calendar.

This issue of the Journal covers so many great events happening throughout the club. I’m looking forward to continuing to catch up with members around the club over the coming months.

Daniel Kurtz, Director

Executive Report May 2024

April 17, 2024/in CEO Report, Directors Report /by Danielle McKenna

Dear Members,

We hope you all had an enjoyable Easter and for those who were able to enjoy a lovely 4 day weekend. While the cooler weather has been appreciated, I am sure you will agree that we are not looking forward to those frosty winter months ahead of us.

SCHOOL SUBSIDY PROGRAM

You will recall in our last Executive Report we provided an update on the schools that were fortunate enough to receive funding under our now School Subsidy Program and the projects they were undertaking.

We are happy to report that we held an extremely successful cheque presentation ceremony on Friday, 1 March 2024 that was attended by all recipients where we were able to meet with school representatives and discuss their projects that are currently underway.

In attendance at the morning tea was Vice President Christine Butters, Director Christine Benham and Director/Chair of the Education Committee Linda Downey. Also in attendance was Revesby Workers’ Club staff member Alysha Green who joined the Club in mid- January as the Assistant Manager, Marketing and Community. This event was an opportunity for the school representatives to meet with Alysha as she will be running the school subsidy program next year together with all community related work undertaken at the Club.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

On Wednesday, 14 February 2024 the Education Committee met to review new applications for the annual Tertiary Scholarship Program.

For 2024 the Club had a huge 37 previous recipients receive their $500 scholarship for ongoing studies providing a total of $18,0=500 to previous recipients. 9 of these recipients are in their final year of studies and we would like to wish them all the very best at the conclusion of 2024 and on the completion of their degree. We would love to stay in touch to see where they land their first job and how they find the workforce as we are humbled to have been able to provide financial support throughout their studies.

Similar to last year, we received a significant number of applications with 8 achieving ATARs of over 90 and of those 8, 5 achieving over 95 which made 2024 an extremely competitive process. The 2024 Scholarship Program awarded 1 male and 1 female with a $3,000 scholarship and 12 applicants with a $500 scholarship totalling $12,000 to new applicants in 2024. These 2024 recipients will receive a further $500 for each subsequent year of their degree upon submission of successful results.

This takes the total of Tertiary Scholarship payments in 2024 to $30,500

An afternoon tea for our scholarship recipients took place on Sunday 7 April 2024, an event has over 60 attendees and was the most widely attended afternoon tea ceremony yet.

A special mention must be given to the recipients of the $3,000 scholarships in 2023:

Kristina La who achieved an ATAR of 97 and will be studying a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of NSW.
Tony Hu who achieved an ATAR of 98.50 and will be studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney.

Congratulations to all of our previous and new recipients.

AUDITORIUM RENOVATIONS

Prior to the February 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 auditorium renovation site. Boden Construction has worked extremely hard and fast to commence demolition of the old auditorium and function space in preparation to commence building of our new Auditorium and function space. We look forward to welcoming members back to the space for their future functions towards the end of 2024.

While we are aware of the disruptions this may cause throughout the Club in certain areas, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our extremely understanding members. While the opening of the new area seems far away, we hope to be discussing this in the very next Journal which is only around the corner.

HEART OF THE NATION – DEFIBRILLATORS IN THE COMMUNITY

As outlined in our previous Executive Report, Revesby Workers’ Club Ltd provided funding to Heart of the Nation in the 2023 ClubGRANTS scheme to implement several life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) within the local Community in locations where they can be accessed by community members on a 24/7 basis.

When determining where to place these AEDs, we needed to consider things such as accessibility and a location that is highly populated. In light of this, we are putting a call out to our members and community to determine if any businesses, schools, local churches, or residents would be interested in acting as guardian of an AED.

What is involved

Should we receive expressions of interest, we will select approximately 4 recipients (to fund further defibrillators in future ClubGRANTS programs) and arrange for Heart of the Nation to install an AED for you.

We would ask that you as a “Guardian” of the AED help maintain the integrity of the device noting that a guardian is not responsible for any damage, simply ensuring the AED is well kept and report any damage that may occur so Heart of the Nation can assist you in the maintenance of the device.

Community Responders

Should anyone express interest in housing an AED and want to be further involved, you may wish to become a “Community Responder”. By downloading the Heart of the Nation app, you would be set up to receive alerts when an AED is required nearby and can deliver the life-saving machine to a local in the community and potentially save their life.

How do we get involved

If you are interested in finding out more about the Heart of the Nation program and how you can participate, please contact Alysha Green at alyshag@rwc.org.au.

Executive Report February 2024

January 31, 2024/in Community, Directors Report /by Julia Vuong

Dear Members,

We hope our members have enjoyed a lovely start to 2024. For some we are sure Christmas and New Year feel like a distant memory, however, we hope you all enjoyed a lovely festive season.

SCHOOL SUBSIDY PROGRAM

Having commenced as far back at 1986 with very little change to the structure, this year the Board approved a change in structure to the School Subsidy Program.

The School Subsidy program offered by Revesby Workers’ Club commenced back in 1986 when the Club supplied $11,000 to 22 schools in the local district. In 1999 the program had grown to fund 24 local schools with a $1,000 subsidy, a subsidy that was later increased to $2,000 in 2001.

By 2011, the subsidy amount was increased to $3,000 and the Club offered this to as many as 28 local schools, totalling $84,000. The annual subsidies paid to local schools align with the Club’s purpose of being people focused and community proud by contributing to the education of our future.

This year, schools were invited to submit an application to request funding for 2024 with the possibility of applying for as much as $10,000 to fund things such as a school project, a new educational program, a school event, or a sponsorship.

We received 19 applications of which 15 were successful in receiving their full requested amount or a partial grant. Congratulations to the following schools:

Padstow Heights Public School – receiving $3,000 towards mathematics resources;
Mount St Joseph, Milperra – receiving $3,000 towards umbrellas for student outdoor space;
Menai Public School – receiving $3,000 towards main learning displays;
Padstow North Public School – receiving $4,800 towards K-2 Robotics Club;
Caroline Chisholm School – receiving $5,000 towards purchasing 3-wheel bikes ‘Join the Joyride’;
Broderick Gillawarna School – receiving $5,000 towards music lessons;
Tower Street Public School – receiving $6,000 towards a sensory playground project;
Revesby Public School – receiving $3,000 towards a student wellbeing program;
Picnic Point Public School – receiving $5,000 towards Kindergarten iPad upgrade;
Panania Public School – receiving $5,000 towards shelter park seating;
Padstow Park Public School – receiving $4,500 towards outdoor stimulus playground;
East Hills Public School – receiving $2,000 towards their East Hills eats eatery;
East Hills Public School – receiving $1,000 towards Dad’s Group;
Brooklyn Public School – receiving $9,780 towards upgraded seating for the playground;
De La Salle College Revesby – $3,500 towards the purchase of a panel saw for TAS.

HEART OF THE NATION – DEFIBRILATORS IN THE COMMUNITY

As part of the 2023 ClubGRANTS program, Revesby Workers’ Club Ltd provided funding to Heart of the Nation in order to implement a number of life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) within the local community in locations where they can be accessed by community members on a 24/7 basis.

When determining where to place these AEDs, we needed to consider things such as accessibility and a location that is highly populated. In light of this, we are putting a call out to our members and community to determine if any business, schools, local churches or residents would be interested in acting as a guardian of an AED.

What is Involved

Should we receive expressions of interest, we will select approximately 4 recipients (with a view to funding further defibrillators in future ClubGRANTS programs) and arrange for Heart of the Nation to install an AED for you.

Community Responders

How to get Involved

If you are interested in finding out more about the Heart of the Nation program and how you can participate, please contact the Club’s Executive Assistant Tenielle Symington at tenielles@rwc.org.au.

ANZAC DAY 2024

We would like to remind VIPs, Members and Guests of our Anzac Day Ceremony scheduled for 10.30am on Thursday, 25 April 2024. Similar to last year, we are looking forward to the march from Bankstown YMCA through to the Cenotaph at the Tarro Avenue entrance of the Club.

As always, we look forward to seeing our past Directors, Life Members, Patron, Directors, Sub-clubs, schools, community and members in attendance for a National Day of Remembrance.

FUNCTION ROOM RENOVATIONS

As outlined in previous communications our members are well aware of the current renovations taking place in our auditorium and function area. With these renovations expected to take approximately 9 months, our functions team will have the extremely challenging task of finding limited rooms and function space elsewhere throughout the Club to cater for our regular users.

We once again express our gratitude for your patience and understanding during this time as we endeavour to assist as many members and guests as possible.

Daryl Melham AM

PRESIDENT

Scott Bennetts

CEO

Directors Report February 2024

January 31, 2024/in Community, Directors Report /by Julia Vuong

DIRECTORS REPORT FEBRUARY 2024

Welcome to 2024. It seems no time since I was writing this report last year.

In general, 2023 was a better year for most with less sickness, improved weather and more work opportunities for many. It was a tough year for our families with mortgages and we empathise with those struggling with rising interest rates, hopefully there will be a reprieve early in 2024.

Later in this journal you will see information about our annual International Women’s Day event scheduled to take place on 8 March. This year our Marketing team have been working very hard to come up with creative ideas to fit a very different setting. The event will take place in Miss Iggy’s and will be different in format to the sit-down luncheons we have held previously, but I have every confidence the event will be one of entertainment, fun and excitement with all proceeds going to Biyani House, our local Women’s’ Shelter, so please save the date, gather some friends and plan to join in the activity.

For the most part of 2024 our Function Rooms and Auditorium will be out of action as they undergo major renovations and refurbishment. It is hoped work will be complete by October and we will all be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art facility. Many months of planning has gone into this and I know the Functions team have been working hard to try and accommodate all our regular users of these facilities who have been displaced because of the refurbishments. Please be patient and understanding if the temporary arrangements aren’t quite what you are used. Unfortunately, because of this work our Seniors Concerts have been put on hold until next Christmas but I am sure they will be worth waiting for when they return.

It is always positive to hear of the activities from our sub clubs, the summer sporting groups are winding up their seasons as the winter ones take registrations and get ready for another busy year. Apart from our larger sporting groups, we have a number of smaller interest groups running under the auspices of Revesby Workers’ Club. If darts, snooker, spearfishing, native orchids, gardening, public speaking, indoor bowls, hockey, writing or just women’s friendship piques your interest, we have a group for you. Check out the list in the back of the Journal and make contact, it could be the start of a new hobby.

While it seems early to talk about ANZAC Day, this journal covers the period encompassing ANZAC Day and I look forward to welcoming our sub clubs and members to participate in the March and Service on Thursday 25 April. Each year this event gets bigger and reaches out to raise awareness to many in our community. It will also be a poignant day for many at the Club being the first anniversary of the passing of long-term employee Wayne “Rabbit” Steele and I extend my thoughts to his friends and colleagues.

Christine Butters, Vice President

Here we are in 2024 already! 2023 was a huge year for the Club and our management and staff across all facets of our business deserve huge accolades for their outstanding work.

The Christmas break provided time for me to reflect on what a wonderful world we are living in right now, in Australia. The atrocities in Israel and the Gaza Strip and the ongoing war in the Ukraine, with the Russian invasion, surely makes us all think about the individual lives that have been lost and families torn apart.

Within Revesby Workers Club, we have lots of sub-clubs that are run by great volunteers who are committed to enhancing other peoples’ lives. From Little Athletics, Football, Bowls, Cricket – to name a few of the sporting sub-clubs – to the Garden Club, Ladies Group, Toastmasters and other common interest groups – there are lots of opportunities for our members to get involved.

One particular group, for which I am Liaison Director, is the Bankstown Stroke Recovery 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. The Executive of this group arranges guest speakers to address most meetings and during 2023 we also had several trips – a morning tea at Headway in Bankstown (another group that work with people with acquired brain injury) and the Ingham Institute at Liverpool Hospital, which undertakes medical research. Visitors are always welcome at their meetings and I would encourage members and their families to come along if you have an interest in finding more about what inroads are being made in preventing, assessing and treating strokes.

Revesby Workers’ Club, through ClubGRANTS, has provided support to the local schools who specialise in the development of students who face intellectual and physical challenges over many years. The teachers and staff at these schools do wonderful work for students with diverse learning needs and are truly dedicated. Prior to Christmas, I was privileged to be invited to attend the Presentation Day at Broderick Gillawarna School and the Year 12 graduation at Caroline Chisholm School. The performances were truly uplifting, and the self confidence that these children have developed through their education is overwhelming.

The Club’s Charity Committee (which I am privileged to Chair) has continued to raise funds to assist the local community, in recent times by purchasing “wish list” equipment for Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital. We are most grateful for the support provided to the Charity by Revesby Workers’ Club through our Friday night meat raffles at the recently renamed Revesby Greens and through ticket sales for Seniors Concerts. We have grown a very loyal group of supporters at our raffles and welcome newcomers! Our (belated) Christmas in July function was lots of fun, as well. During the year the Charity was able to provide $50,000 towards the purchase of a critical ultrasound device to assist during surgery at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital.

As I said, we are truly lucky to live in Australia. We look forward to another great year for Revesby Workers’ Club in 2024.

Christine Benham, Director

Director Reports November 2023

November 1, 2023/in CEO Report, Directors Report /by Julia Vuong

Director Reports November 2023

A year has flown by since I had the honour to be elected to the Board of our club. Having been involved in Revesby Workers since a young age in Cricket and Snooker, and being a long-term member, I have taken great pleasure in seeing first hand that past values and thinking remain at the forefront of decision making.

I have enjoyed catching up with the various sub-clubs through the year, and am looking forward to building these relationships and providing support wherever possible. These clubs provide a special means for community connection and friendship amongst our members and often represent a significant part of people’s lives, sometimes from generation to generation within families.

As a Director I am also thankful to see in detail the significant level of past and ongoing commitment of the Board to providing substantial funds to the wider community. Every member who has been involved in Charity related activities deserve congratulations.

In the words of the modern philosopher Taylor Swift “This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.” We are all of course subject to the impacts of change, and there is certainly a fair bit of it in the air; Whether an increasingly digital world, changes in regulation affecting the industry, or evolving social expectations and demands. The Board will be alert in preparing to meet the challenges ahead, and I find it hard to imagine a better equipped team with respect to our excellent Staff and Management under the leadership of CEO Scott.

I, along with hopefully all members, am looking forward to exciting developments ahead, including the renovated auditorium. A new caterer has come on board at the newly named Sports Club at Spence Street from mid-October; members might check it out and even combine a meal with a dabble of twilight lawn bowls on Friday afternoons.

As the year comes towards an end, special thoughts go out to the families, friends and co-workers who have lost a loved one during the year.

I wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

David Raper, Director

I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all the HSC students (and their parents) who have completed their studies and are waiting expectantly for their exam and ATAR results and are taking the first steps to enter exciting new career paths, training and study options.

The Revesby Workers’ Club has for many years supported local students to achieve their goals through its Tertiary Scholarship Program and I urge all current HSC students whose parents are RWC members to take advantage of the opportunity to apply for one of our scholarships. Applications open 1 December 2023 and close on 31 January 2023. Application packs can be requested from the Club’s Executive Assistant via email at tenielles@rwc.org.au.

To all other students I wish them a great holiday and rest over the holidays (Wednesday 20 December to Monday 29 January 2024) so that they can be ready for the new school year. The Club has a range of activities available for younger people during their holidays such as Zone Bowling and Flip Out located upstairs from the Brett Street entrance.

Revesby Workers’ Club continues to offer the Christmas activities as it did last year, including:

Christmas Day Lunches, including a ‘At Home’ option
Santa, Pet and Sensitive Photos sessions
Workers’ Giving Tree and Health Mates Food Drive, support Padstow Community Care
Christmas Toy and Ham & Pork Raffles

I would like to wish everyone a safe Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Linda Downey, Director

Executive Report November 2023

November 1, 2023/in CEO Report, Directors Report, President's Report /by Julia Vuong

Dear Members,

At the time of writing this report, we have just held a General Meeting for the purpose of electing a Director to fill the vacancy left following the resignation of Kylie Wilkinson.

We would like to thank those members who attended the Club on Tuesday 3 October 2023 in order to vote at the General Meeting by-election.

WELCOME DANIEL KURTZ

We would like to congratulate Daniel Kurtz who was elected by the members at the General Meeting on Tuesday 3 October 2023 as Director to the Board of Revesby Workers’ Club Ltd. Daniel is the 42^nd Director appointed to the Club and his appointment sees our Board return to a Board of 7 Directors.

A number of our members would be familiar with Daniel due to his current Presidency of the Revesby Workers’ Football Club since 2019. Daniel is also a Director of Bankstown District Football Association and has been since 2022.

Daniel has grown up in the area, attending a local school and is passionate about his volunteer role which enables him to give back to the community through sporting organisations that provide a structured and safe environment for people of all ages to participate and have fun.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Management, we welcome Daniel to the Revesby Workers’ Club Board and look forward to working with him in the future.

Newly Elected Club Director Daniel Kurtz.

TERTIARY SCHOLARHIP PROGRAM

We are proud to once again offer the Revesby Workers’ Tertiary Scholarship Program. Application packs can be requested from 1 December 2023 and applications will be received up to and including 31 January 2024. As we did in 2023, the Club will be offering 2 x $3,000 university scholarships and 2 x $3,000 TAFE scholarships together with $500 scholarships to outstanding applicants who are not successful in obtaining the $3,000 scholarship.

The Club has dedicated funding of up to $35,000 for this program annually, which will fund the $3,000 scholarships and honour the previous recipients who each receive $500 for every subsequent year of study, subject to satisfactory results throughout their degree (up to 6 years).

If you have any questions in relation to the 2024 Tertiary Scholarship Program or would like to request an application pack from 1 December 2023, please contact the Club’s Executive Assistant, Tenielle Symington on (02) 8707 6912 or tenielles@rwc.org.au.

SCHOOL SUBSIDY PROGRAM

The School Subsidy program offered by Revesby Workers’ Club commenced back in 1986 when the Club supplied $11,000 to 22 schools in the local district. In 1999 the school subsidy program had progressed to fund 24 local school with a $1,000 subsidy, a subsidy that was later increased to $2,000 in 2001.

By 2011, the subsidy amount was once again increased to $3,000 and the Club offered as many as 28 local schools totalling $84,000. These annual subsidies paid to our local schools aligns with the Club’s purpose of being people focused and community proud by contributing to the education of our future.

As the program has run for many years, we have decided to change the structure to offer the potential to receive a larger subsidy to fund a much bigger project within schools which potentially benefits many more students both current and future.

Similar to our local ClubGRANTS scheme run by Council, the Club will open a grant round and invite our 28 local schools to submit an application for funding ranging from $3,000 to $30,000 to utilise for things such as undertaking a school project or introducing a new school program, apply for sponsorship, assist with a school event or purchase items required by the school.

Upon closing, our Education Committee will review all applications and select a number of recipients to receive funding equivalent of the $84,000 that we provide annually. Further detail in relation to the revised program will be communicated to our local schools shortly.

Recipients of The School Subsidy program.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

On closing, we would like to wish all of our members a safe and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We look forward to welcoming you all back in the New Year and update you on the exciting things ahead for 2024.

Daryl Melham AM

PRESIDENT

Scott Bennetts

CEO

Executive Report August 2023

August 1, 2023/in CEO Report, Directors Report /by Julia Vuong

Dear Members,

With the end of financial year now behind us, we look towards the second half of the calendar year with many of us starting the countdown towards the Christmas break. We are happy to report that Revesby Workers’ Club recorded a profit of $xx, detail of which is outlined in the Financial Report, but more importantly that this enables our Club to continue to provide funding to our sub-clubs, invest in education through our school subsidy and scholarship program, consider sponsorships for charities and fundraising events and community projects to really give back to our members and wider Community.

Vale William Pearce (Foundation Member #68)

It is great sadness that we advise our members of the passing of Foundation Member William “Bill” Pearce on 3 July 2023 aged 97. Bill was one of the Club’s 8 remaining Foundation Members and living local, he still frequented the Club when he was able.

As a young married man having moved into Sphinx Avenue with his wife Jean, both Bill and Jean established themselves in the community where Bill became a member of the Workers Club. He enjoyed socialising in the Sports Bar, playing snooker and darts and always had a bet on a Saturday with friends. When Bill reached retirement age, he celebrated with his family in the old dining room upstairs in the Club as you can see highlighted in the photo below. Upon losing his wife Jean in 1991, Bill became a regular golfer and with that came beers after each game in the Sports Bar with his golf buddies. The Club became such a great support for Bill in his later years since becoming a widow.

Bill was always very proud of the Revesby Workers’ Club, acknowledging the work within the community that it did and he always sang the praises of the staff and Directors and felt very proud to be part of the history and day to day life of such a great Community Club.

Bill’s retirement dinner with family in 1981. Bill is seated on the right side, far back, age 55.

Vale Marijana Projcheski

31/10/1986 – 10/7/2023
A new mother, beloved wife and friend to many.

It is with heavy heart that we inform our Revesby Community of the sudden passing of Marijana Projcheski.

Many would remember her welcoming face as she greeted and farewelled you as part of our Guest Relations Team.

She will be remembered fondly and sadly leaves behind her husband Nick and month-old twin boys, Hunter and Hayden.

Marijana with her twin boys.

Notice of General Meeting – 3 October 2023 (BY-ELECTION)

Included in this Journal, members will find a Notice of General Meeting.

Under Rule 63 of the Revesby Workers’ Club Constitution, the Board of Directors call for a General Meeting to be held on Tuesday, 3 October 2023 for the purposes of undertaking a By-Election to fill the casual vacancy on the Board of Revesby Workers’ Club following the resignation of previous Director Kylie Wilkinson.

Auditorium And Functions Renovations

As briefly mentioned in our previous Executive Report, the Board of Directors were reviewing a proposal for a much-needed renovation to our Auditorium and Functions area. We can confirm that this proposal has since been approved and that these renovations are due to commence in January 2024.

Due to the volume of works being undertaken, the renovations are expected to take approximately 9 months meaning the Whitlam Theatre, Waratah, Acacia and Grevillia rooms will be unavailable from January through to September 2024.

We understand a closure of the functions area for such an extended period will put strain on the remaining function spaces within the Club and while our functions team will endeavour to look after as many bookings as possible, we appreciate your understanding during this time is appreciated.

We are excited to share the concept images below to give members an idea of our vision and to share what we believe will be a state of the art, modern, future focussed area for our members to enjoy in the future.

2023 ClubGRANTS

2023 Canterbury Bankstown Council run ClubGRANTS (Category 1) were open for applications from Tuesday 14 March 2023 and closed on Friday 21 April 2023.

163 applications were received and reviewed by the ClubGRANTS Committee with 21 being wholly or partly funded by Revesby Workers’ Club. These organisations include:

Bankstown City Aged Care – Creating a home like environment in aged care
Bankstown District Uniting Church – English Second Language Classes for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Bankstown Koori Elders Group – Ceramic and Aboriginal cultural projects
Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter – Operations Support
Broderick Gillawarna School – Smell, touch, look and listen – Sensory Garden
Caroline Chisholm School – Outdoor pool shade cover structure
Chester Hill Neighbourhood Centre – Resources for family on-line cooking classes
Coolaburoo Neighbourhood Centre – Let’s extend the Counselling support to Family and DV Victims
Headway Adult Development Program Inc – Serving Canterbury Bankstown for 40 years (Cooling for Life Edition)
Mercy Works Ltd – Mercy Connect – Mentoring Program for Refugee and Asylum Seeker Students
Morris Children’s Fund Inc – Music Therapy at 3 schools that cater for children with a disability
Nanghami Ngallia Aboriginal Corporation – Nanghami Ngallia Outreach Program
Our National Heart Pty Ltd – Heart of the Nation Communities
Revesby Uniting Church – Kidsplay @ Revesby
Richmond PRA – Headspace Hangout
St Luke the Evangelist Parish Church Revesby – The Perfect Blend
St Vincent De Paul Society – Vinnies Bankstown Support Centre (New Freezer for food provisions)
The Multicultural Network – Seniors Aged Care Program
The Potters House Revesby – Revesby 180
Whitlam Institute – Civics and Citizenship for Young Australians
Women’s Justice Network – My Way Youth Mentoring

All organisations who were successful in receiving whole or part funding have been invited to attend a ClubGRANTS presentation ceremony at Bankstown Sports Club on Friday, 4 August 2023.

Annual General Meeting

A copy of the 2023 Notice of Annual General Meeting also included within. Please note our AGM is scheduled for Sunday, 29 October 2022 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