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
Executive Report February 2025
/in CEO Report, Directors Report, Our Members /by Julia VuongDear 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
Escabags to Support Victims of Domestic and Family Abuse
/in Community /by Julia VuongRevesby Workers is an official Stockist of Escabags to Support Victims of Domestic and Family Abuse
Revesby Workers’ Club is proud to announce its $20,000 donation to Escabags Ltd, an Australian-registered charity dedicated to supporting victims fleeing domestic and family abuse. Through this partnership, the club has also become an official stockist of Escabags, ensuring local access to these vital resources.
Each Escape Bag is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and dignity during a crisis. Available in two variations—Parent and Child and Single Adult—these high-quality bags cater to all victims of abuse, regardless of gender.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family abuse and needs to escape an abusive or dangerous situation, Revesby Workers’ Club is here to help. Simply visit the club’s reception and request an Escape Bag. Our friendly team will provide you and/or your children with an Escabag, no questions asked.
Holiday Hope: Record Donations bring joy to local Families
/in Community /by Julia VuongHoliday Hope: Record Donations bring joy to local Families
This year, the Revesby Workers’ Club community has again shown incredible generosity through the Workers’ Giving Tree and Health Mates Food Drive, supporting the Padstow Community Care Christmas Appeal. These initiatives aim to brighten the season for vulnerable families by providing food hampers, gifts, and a free Christmas Day lunch.
Thanks to your overwhelming support, 2024 donations surpassed all expectations, with gifts for children and food items collected. Your contributions will bring joy to many local families this Christmas. Thank you to all the members who contributed to making a difference for those in need!
Celebrating Talent and Achievement at Broderick Gillawarna School
/in Community /by Julia VuongCelebrating Talent and Achievement at Broderick Gillawarna School
The Club warmly congratulates the remarkable students of Broderick Gillawarna School for showcasing their incredible talents and achievements on International Day of People with Disability.
This year’s theme, Shining Bright, Growing Strong, truly encapsulated the energy and resilience of the day. The event was filled with inspiring performances and culminated in an awards ceremony celebrating the students’ hard work and achievements.
Revesby Workers’ Club Vice President, Christine Benham, had the honour of presenting the prestigious Mayor’s Merit Award, recognising outstanding contributions and accomplishments among the students.
It was a day of joy, inspiration, and community pride, reinforcing the club’s commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals of all abilities. Congratulations to the students of Broderick Gillawarna School for their well-deserved recognition!
Revesby Workers’ Club Staff Packs Bright Futures with KARI’s Backpack Program
/in Community /by Julia VuongRevesby Workers’ Club Staff Packs Bright Futures with KARI’s Backpack Program
The Club is played a significant role in supporting KARI’s Transition to Kindergarten Backpack Program. In honour of World Children’s Day, the club donated $20,000 to this important initiative, ensuring that children in the area need are equipped with essential school supplies as they embark on their kindergarten journey.
In addition to this generous donation, seven dedicated staff members from the Club volunteered their time to pack a staggering 500 backpacks, filling them with items designed to help young learners feel confident and prepared for their first year of school.
Youth Upskilling: First Aid Training to Empower Local Youth
/in Community /by Julia VuongYouth Upskilling: First Aid Training to Empower Local Youth
The Club supported headspace Bankstown this year in a commitment to support youth development through a $10,000 funding initiative that provides First Aid training to young people in our community. This program is designed to equip participants with essential life-saving skills while enhancing their employability and personal growth.
The initiative, set to run multiple sessions across 2024 and 2025, catering to up to 20 participants per session. By making this training accessible, the Club aims to empower young individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations. These skills not only improve their prospects for employment but also contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the community. To find out more and register for a session head to: www.facebook.com/bankstown.headspace
School Subsidy Success Stories: Brooklyn Public School
/in Community /by Julia VuongSchool Subsidy Success Stories: Brooklyn Public School
One of the standout success stories from our School Subsidy Program is Brooklyn Public school who was the recipient of the largest subsidy grant totalling $9,780 in funding to upgrade seating in the playground. This much-needed project replaces the outdated and non-functional seating, creating a welcoming and practical space for students and the broader community.
The new seating provides students with a comfortable area to sit and enjoy their recess and lunch off the ground. It also enhances the school’s capacity to host events, offering a convenient and durable space for families and community members to gather.
With the previous seating no longer usable due to extensive wear, this upgrade was crucial. The newly installed seating not only meets the school’s immediate needs but also offers a long-term solution requiring no ongoing maintenance.
Supporting Local Students in International Robotics Challenge Success
/in Community /by Julia VuongSupporting Local Students in International Robotics Challenge Success
The Club is proud to have contributed $1,000 to support the talented students at East Hills Boys High School on their journey to the International Universal Robotics Challenge in Japan. This transformative experience combined cultural immersion with technical challenges, as students explored iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle and Kyoto Pavilion while competing on a global stage.
The teams showcased exceptional skill and resilience, securing impressive 12th and 14th place finishes against world-class competitors. Despite unexpected challenges, they demonstrated determination and problem-solving expertise, representing their school and community with pride.
Revesby Workers’ Club congratulates the students on their achievements and extends gratitude to the many contributors who made this opportunity possible. The Club remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Directors Report November 2024
/in CEO Report, Directors Report /by Julia VuongDirectors 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
Empowering Our Community: ClubGRANTS 2024
/in Community, Our Members /by Danielle McKennaClubGRANTS 2024
The ClubGRANTS program, a collaboration between local clubs and the NSW government, plays an essential role in community development by providing much-needed funding for projects that directly benefit the local population. This year, the Canterbury-Bankstown ClubGRANTS Committee received an overwhelming 301 grant applications, with requests totalling more than $7 million from community groups in need of support. After a rigorous evaluation process, 97 deserving projects were selected for support, resulting in a collective investment of over $2.5 million from 12 clubs throughout the Local Government Area (LGA).
Revesby Workers’ Club took pride in contributing to 15 of these community projects, focusing on a diverse range of sectors that meet the needs of vulnerable groups and enhance community well-being. The funded initiatives span across vital areas such as, Community Welfare and Social Services, Family Support, Community Health Services and Health Promotion Initiatives, Community Education and Development, Aged, Disability, and Youth Services.
These contributions align with Revesby Workers’ Club’s core mission to give back to the community in meaningful ways and the Club continues to be a strong advocate for community-driven projects and remains committed to making a difference in the lives of Canterbury-Bankstown residents through sustainable investment in local initiatives to build a healthier, more inclusive, and supportive community.