Honouring Heritage to Build for Tomorrow

Maclean Bowling Club (Social Inclusion category) has grown beyond its traditional role as a local sporting venue into a vibrant hub of support and progress for the Clarence Valley’s Indigenous community. 

Partnering with the Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation, the Club is pivotal in delivering the transformative Close the Gap Day initiative. This focuses on addressing inequality in health, education and employment for Indigenous Australians.

In its five years as a major sponsor, the Club has contributed more than $50,000 to the event and offered essential logistical support.

Close the Gap Day has grown into one of the region’s most impactful annual events, welcoming thousands of students and community members while bringing in small business, artists and high-profile NRL players to inspire and engage young Indigenous people.

Last year, attendance had surged to 1500 students with the event moving to larger venues like the Grafton Racecourse.

Looking ahead, the Club is helping expand the initiative with more cultural facilitators and outreach programs.

“The partnership between Maclean Bowling Club and Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation has created a lasting impact within the Clarence Valley, strengthening cultural awareness, reconciliation and access to vital services,” said Marketing and Promotions Manager Tamara Bendeich.

Consistent support and a deep commitment to inclusivity is also evident at Sharks at Kareela (Social Inclusion category). 

In addition to a successful First Nations Community Day, a key win is their partnership with Deadly Choices which provides critical health benefits for Indigenous people. This is via the 715 health check — an annual health assessment designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

The checks focus on early detection and management of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease which disproportionately affect them.

The Club also promotes health education in local schools. Young students can take charge of their wellbeing by tapping into care which is sensitive to cultural needs.

“The Sharks’ initiatives have not only celebrated diversity but have also provided tangible health benefits, reinforcing their role as a leader in community engagement and support,” said Cronulla Sharks Head of Community and Government Relations Vinh Tran.

Easts Leagues (Heart of the Community category) and the Sydney Roosters are proud to be champions of Indigenous engagement and cultural celebration with inspiring programs and initiatives.

One standout effort is the NRL School to Work program, which empowers young Indigenous Australians through education and mentorship. 

In 2024, four Roosters-affiliated students were named finalists at the program's annual awards, with a Central Coast teacher honoured as Teacher of the Year.

The Club also supported the Boots for Brighter Futures campaign which gave Indigenous students the chance to hand-paint boots for Roosters players to wear on game day. 

Not only did it highlight artistic talent but fostered cultural pride and storytelling.

Celebrating Indigenous Round with long-standing partner the KARI Foundation, the Club took part in special gift exchanges and events like KARI Unity Day and Corporate Games.

The Roosters also back the Deadly Choices 715 Health Checks campaign.

In an effort to encourage proactive healthcare, those who did a check-up received a Sydney Roosters Deadly Choices shirt.

In their Multicultural Round, the Roosters collaborated with New Zealand’s Te Atatu Roosters, sharing hand-painted boots and warm-up shirts designed by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and artist Tavita Mose.

The win was diversity and strengthening cultural ties across the game.

The Club’s work with Indigenous members illustrates a deep commitment to drive positive change across many community areas, according to Easts Group Community and Government Relations Manager Anthony Brooks.

“In 2024, we expanded our impact through programs that foster inclusivity, celebrate diversity and provide essential support where it is needed most,” Mr Brooks said.

The 2025 Clubs & Community Awards Dinner will be held in the ICC Ballroom on Thursday, 19 June. To purchase tickets, click here.