A Week of Highs and Lows

As you are no doubt aware by now, a data breach incident involving a third-party IT service provider to several clubs occurred this week, primarily involving the personal information collected via sign-in systems provided by the third-party supplier. 

The relevant authorities were informed by the supplier, and ClubsNSW informed Liquor & Gaming NSW and held meetings with the impacted clubs to assist them with their response to the incident. Pleasingly, just after 5pm yesterday, Cybercrime Squad detectives arrested a 46-year-old man in Fairfield West in connection with this incident — he has now been charged with blackmail.

In light of these recent developments, I strongly encourage all clubs to review the data security practices associated with their sign-in system. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has put together a guide to securing personal information, which is also worth taking a look at here.  

Naturally, this incident has attracted a significant amount of media interest since details started emerging late on Wednesday night. ClubsNSW was keen to get on the front foot and defend our industry — after all, the clubs impacted, as well as their members and patrons, have been caught up in this incident through no fault of their own.

Rebecca was on 2GB Breakfast talking to Ben Fordham just after the 7.30am news yesterday and did a great job, meanwhile a ClubsNSW media statement was provided to dozens of print publications, TV and radio networks throughout the day, with the Media Team fielding over 150 calls between them. Later in the day, Rebecca also spoke to 7 News and 9 News, while Ingleburn RSL CEO Glenn Cushion spoke with 10 News.

A reminder that if you are a member club and have any concerns, you can call ClubASSIST on 1300 730 001 or send them an email at [email protected]. Members of the public who have any concerns can contact ID Support NSW on 1800 001 040 or via their online form.

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In more pleasant news, voting for the 2024 Your Local Club Perfect Plate Awards opened on Tuesday, with the public being encouraged to get out and visit participating clubs to taste and vote for the 170-plus competition dishes on offer… and hundreds of votes are rolling in.

Be sure to check out The Daily Telegraph’s Perfect Plate wrap here as well as the in-depth look at the new Best Dessert category, featuring The Verandah Beecroft’s entry: Cinnamon Creme Brulee with Candied Orange and Almond Biscotti.

Perfect Plate ambassadors Matt Moran and Courtney Roulston will begin their tour of the state’s clubs early next week — keep an eye out.

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Last but certainly not least, this week Rebecca and I had the pleasure of visiting Campsie RSL to catch up with CEO Craig Love, President Neville Moloney and COO Brendan Bates, before heading to Club Burwood RSL to meet with CEO Andrew Anderson and President Graham Green. Thank you all for your warm hospitality.