January Column: ClubsNSW Chair Sallianne Faulkner

Registrations for two courses under the new Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and ClubsNSW partnership are now open.

As a graduate of the AICD, I’m really proud of this partnership with the largest director institute in the world, which will provide incredible value to our member clubs. Continuous learning is so important as we navigate fast moving and increasingly complex environments as directors.

Two courses are now available for registration, the Company Directors Course and the Governance Foundations for Not-For-Profit Directors. You can register here.

Our landmark partnership with the AICD provides substantial discounts and exclusive access to content tailored specifically for the club industry, and I encourage you to avail yourselves of the enormous benefits. More information can be found here.

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It’s hard to believe we’re already talking about the 2026 Clubs & Community Awards, but the deadline for submissions is coming up next month. To submit your story, click here.

The Awards are an opportunity to showcase your club’s positive community impact and achievements, as well as formally recognise the hard work and dedication of your staff members and volunteers.

I strongly encourage clubs to submit at least one story that highlights your community initiatives, programs and partnerships. I am really looking forward to reading your submissions, it fills the heart with reminders of our importance to our members and our communities.

This year, clubs can submit stories across 10 categories, including the new ‘Small Club, Big Heart’ category — honouring small clubs making a significant impact — and the ‘Sustainable Future’ category — recognising clubs that are actively investing in long-term sustainability and resilience. The full list of categories is here.

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ClubsNSW has again partnered with the NRL to bring the excitement of NRL Vegas and the launch of the 2026 season to clubs across the state for the second-year running.

I encourage clubs to register to host an Official NRL Vegas Watch Party, which will mean you’re a part of an extensive, state-wide campaign designed to drive foot traffic, boost patron engagement and position your venue as the go-to destination for NRL fans.

To find out more, you can read a recent circular here and to register your club as an Official NRL Vegas Watch Party, click here. And I’ll add, go Sharkies, I think 2026 is our year!

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I enjoyed watching clubs highlighted in the news over the festive period for their good work. Among them were Gosford RSL Club and Cowra Bowling Club, featured on NBN News and 7 News respectively, for the way they brought families together on Christmas Day. 

Don’t forget if you’ve got a positive story to share, our Media Team would like to hear from you. Stories like these are useful when it comes to the public’s trust in clubs and our engagement with government and other key stakeholders.

You can reach the Media Team via [email protected].