February Column: ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant

One of the most exciting events on the immediate horizon — taking place this Sunday, in fact — is the 2026 NRL season launch in Las Vegas and the Official NRL Vegas Watch Parties that more than 200 clubs across the state will be hosting. This campaign is a fantastic example of how clubs bring people together to share big moments, build atmosphere and create memorable experiences for their communities. It’s a chance to showcase clubs as the natural home of sport and connection.

Thank you to all those who registered, and to our four Official NRL Vegas Fan Hubs, and best of luck for the big day! SEN Radio will be broadcasting live from Wests Illawarra and Canterbury League Club; NRL legends including Dale Finucane, Hazem El Masri, James Maloney and Beau Scott will be making appearances; there are some amazing Vegas-themed food items set to be served up (loaded hotdog, anyone?) and patrons who visit participating clubs will have the chance to win one of two trips for two to NRL Vegas 2027 — it doesn’t  get much better than that! You can find your nearest Official NRL Vegas Watch Party or Fan Hub here. Make sure you pick up a copy of tomorrow’s Daily Telegraph and keep your eyes peeled for our double-page ad promoting all the participating clubs. Here’s a sneak peek!

That same sense of collective action is just as important when it comes to supporting causes that are impacting our community. Purple Friday — Clubs Say No to Domestic Violence is a powerful state-wide initiative taking place on Friday, 8 May where registered clubs will come together to highlight the role that our industry plays in the prevention of domestic violence by turning their clubs purple. The activation has been scheduled in May to align with Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Month, and I’m so pleased to see that more than 120 clubs have signed up to take part already. I encourage you to register your clubs here and to take a look at the webinar circulated earlier this week here, which provides you with everything you need to know about the event and why your participation is so vital. 

On the policy front, a significant milestone was reached recently with the passage of workers compensation reform through NSW Parliament. While reform in this area is complex, this outcome provides greater certainty and sustainability for the system as a whole. ClubsNSW has worked closely with the government throughout this process, advocating for a balanced approach that supports injured workers while ensuring employers — including clubs — can continue to operate viably and responsibly. We will continue to keep members informed in relation to future developments in this space. 

Strong alliances also remain critical to supporting the long-term viability of or industry, which is why I was so thrilled last month to announce the landmark partnership between ClubsNSW and Allara, a global leader in workforce education and training. Allara will deliver education and training aimed at seeing hospitality workers go well beyond simply meeting their compliance obligations, encouraging employees to grow professionally and seek a long-term career in our incredible industry, while also creating a pipeline of future industry leaders. More information about the partnership and what it means for clubs will be made available in due course, including at the Australasian Hospitality & Gaming Expo next month. In the meantime, you can learn more about Allara’s current training offerings by emailing ClubAssist here. 

Before I sign off, I’d like to congratulate Steve Byfield on his retirement and acknowledge his remarkable 47 years of service to Diggers The Entrance and the broader community. Steve’s leadership — especially over the past two decades as CEO — has delivered lasting impacts, and the Club’s growth and the upcoming Lakeview Village are a testament to his vision and steady guiding hand. Having grown up in that area, I know what his hard work and dedication has meant to that community. It’s clear the Club is in strong hands with Michael Kowaliw stepping into the role — you can expect to read more about Michael on ClubLife.com.au in the coming weeks. 

Don’t forget that entries for the 2026 Clubs & Community Awards close this Friday, 27 February! Be sure to get your entries in here before then. 

Thank you for the commitment you show every day to your members, staff and communities. I look forward to continuing the conversation about what else we can achieve together in the months ahead.