Dr George Peponis OAM Steps Down as ClubsNSW Chair

Dr George Peponis OAM has made the decision to step down from his role as the Chair of ClubsNSW. He will also step down from his position as Chair of Club Keno Holdings (CKH) but will remain on the Board of Directors for both ClubsNSW and CKH. 

Dr Peponis was elected as a Director of ClubsNSW at the 2017 AGM and was appointed to the position of Deputy Chair in 2018. In 2019, he was announced as the new Chair following the retirement of the late Peter Newell OAM. 

Dr Peponis has guided the Association, and clubs, through some of the most tumultuous periods in the industry’s history, including two COVID-19 shutdowns and a contentious debate over cashless gaming. He said that while the decision was a difficult one, with the Association now in a strong position, he feels that the time is right to hand over the reins. 

“It has been a great privilege to lead the peak industry body for the state’s registered clubs for the past five years, and I want to thank my fellow directors and ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant for their support during my tenure,” Dr Peponis said.

“I look forward to continuing to serve on the Board of ClubsNSW and CKH and remaining part of this incredible industry — and I am equally looking forward to travelling more with my wife Dale and visiting our two sons who now both live in America.

“The club industry has been an enormous part of my life, from when I first began playing professional rugby league right through until today, and that will never change. I am extremely proud of what ClubsNSW and our members have achieved since my time on the Board began and I am confident that the industry is heading in the right direction.”

ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant said she is very grateful to Dr Peponis for his guidance during her first year at the Association. 

“From the moment I accepted the role of CEO at ClubsNSW, George made me feel welcome and supported,” Ms Riant said. 

“There’s no doubt that he has helped to navigate our industry through the most challenging and uncertain of times. For that, we will be forever appreciative.”

Information regarding the appointment of a new Chair of ClubsNSW will be provided in due course.