March Column: ClubsNSW Chair Sallianne Faulkner

We’ve hit the ground running, with the first round of regional meetings well underway. These meetings are always a valuable opportunity to get out on the road and hear directly from clubs about what’s happening on the ground. Just as importantly, they also provide a chance for us to update you on the work the Association is doing on your behalf, to ensure our priorities remain firmly aligned with you, our members.

One of my first ports of call was to the Riverina & South West, where their first regional meeting of the year takes the form of a regional conference.

Among the many highlights was hearing from the amazing Grace Brennan, who founded Buy From The Bush to support rural communities facing drought. There was also a wonderful family story about Calabrian Wines, whose proud 95-year history has seen the business flourish into one of Australia’s top 20 wine producers.

Adding another important dimension to the day, NRL legend Brad Fittler spoke about the importance of being your BEST self — focusing on Breathing, Exercise, Sleep and Talking to others. Of course, we finished with an exceptional meal, along with some real food for thought from the inspiring speakers.

Next stop was the beautiful Batemans Bay and in particular Catalina Club where they have just completed a terrific renovation — congratulations to the team.

We were treated to a wonderful meal and the chance to hear from in the incredible local organisation Safe Waters, whose work supporting people experiencing homelessness in the area is truly heartwarming. A special shout-out as well for a terrific night’s sleep at The Esplanade, the accommodation of Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, a great example of the amenities built and run by clubs.

In Sydney, Eastern Metro’s regional was dominated by some of the challenges facing clubs, particularly mandatory gaming machine shutdown hours and notifications on the outcome of exemption applications. 

A reminder that changes to existing varied gaming machine shutdown hours that have not been reapproved will come into effect on Wednesday, 1 April. You can read a recent circular here. Please remember to call ClubAssist on 1300 730 001 if you need further information.

Up the M1 Motorway and East Maitland Bowling Club was looking resplendent, with its covered greens buzzing with activity, and it was wonderful to address a packed meeting with so many clubs from across the region in attendance. 

We also heard from a representative of Hunter Breast Cancer, whose work is having an enormous and deeply meaningful impact in the local community. 

I was also particularly encouraged by the region’s active involvement in the Clubs Helping Clubs initiative, with larger clubs supporting their smaller counterparts to attend the 2026 ClubsNSW Annual Conference & AGM. It’s great to see such a proactive approach already underway and I encourage other clubs to keep an eye out for a circular in the coming weeks when we’ll formally call for expressions of interest. 

A few quick things before I sign off:

• The Industry Contribution Survey is now live and we are calling on every member club to take part. Your participation will help us demonstrate the value of our industry to government, media and other key stakeholders — ensuring our collective voice remains strong. Please click here to participate. 
• A huge congratulations to the 171 finalists announced in the 2026 Clubs & Community Awards. Supporting the homeless, disadvantaged and survivors of domestic violence, as well as improving the mental wellbeing of young people, have emerged as some of the key areas of focus for clubs. The Awards Night is always an inspiring evening and a reminder of the enormous contribution of our industry. Tickets are available here.
• Thank you to the 200 clubs who have registered to participate in the state-wide Purple Friday — Clubs Say No to Domestic Violence initiative. Taking place on 8 May, the activation is an opportunity for clubs across the state to come together to highlight the role that our industry plays in the prevention of domestic violence by turning their clubs purple. 

As we head into Easter, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable break and thank everyone who will be working in our clubs over this long weekend.