April Column: ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant

The breadth of that impact is especially evident when you look at the record number of finalists announced for this year’s Clubs & Community Awards. Clubs really are making a tangible difference in people’s lives every single day. Congratulations once again to all of the finalists; I can’t wait to celebrate your hard work and dedication at the Clubs & Community Awards Night on Thursday, 11 June. (Tickets are available here if you haven’t purchased yours yet!)

As we are all too acutely aware, the price of just about everything is continuing to soar, with fuel prices rising by as much as 40 per cent across NSW since the war with Iran began. So, it’s no surprise to see clubs once again coming up with innovative ways to help their members and patrons. From Workers Lifestyle Group to Culburra Beach Bowlo, clubs across the state are working fuel voucher giveaways into their weekly offerings — a great example of clubs listening to their communities and responding in a way that genuinely eases some of their everyday pressures. You can read more about all of that here.

Of course, our state’s clubs also provide plenty of opportunities for people to take a well-earned break from household budgeting and petrol bowser panic, including by putting on some of the best live music and entertainment events — many of which are completely free. If you haven’t watched the latest episode of ClubTV yet, I encourage you to do so below. It’s a wonderful showcase of how clubs continue to support musicians of all calibres while providing vibrant social spaces to come together, and it perfectly captures the energy, talent and atmosphere of clubs right across NSW. We were thrilled that the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, was able to be involved in this episode, too. 

As we head into the ANZAC Day long weekend, clubs will once again play a central role in hosting dawn services, commemorations and community gatherings across NSW. Clubs have long been places of remembrance, and ANZAC Day is a powerful reminder of their enduring connection to service communities. Our Magic Moments ‘Where Respect Belongs’ ad is currently being broadcast on free-to-air TV, streaming services and social media — you are most welcome to share it on your own channels too. I encourage everyone to attend local services where possible and, afterwards, to safely enjoy the long weekend with friends, family and loved ones.

Last but certainly not least, a huge thank you to the 200-plus clubs who have registered for Purple Friday — Clubs Say No to Domestic Violence, which is coming up on 8 May. The colour purple is a symbol of strength, courage and dignity, and represents our industry’s commitment to breaking the silence around domestic violence and standing in solidarity with those affected. Both 2GB Mornings and Afternoons will be broadcasting live from Revesby Workers’ Club on the day and there will be coverage in The Daily Telegraph, on SEN Radio and across social media to ensure that our message of support reaches as many people as possible. For those clubs posting on social media on the day, be sure to tag @yourlocalclub and use the hashtags #PurpleFriday and #YourLocalClub so that we can keep across the incredible work you are all doing.

As always, thank you all for the passion and commitment you bring to your clubs and the communities you serve.