May Column: ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant

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It is apt that this week is National Volunteer Week, given there are currently dozens — if not hundreds — of club employees across the state’s Mid-North Coast and Hunter regions volunteering their time to look after those who have sought refuge in their clubs amidst the ongoing flood emergency.

At the time of writing this column, 12 of the 15 official evacuation centres in operation are in our registered clubs — Bulahdelah Golf Club, C.ex Coffs Harbour, Club Gloucester, Club Old Bar, Club Taree, Dungog RSL Club, Manning Point, Bowling Club, Nambucca RSL Club, Panthers Port Macquarie, Sawtell RSL Club, Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club and Wingham RSL.

Earlier this morning, ClubsNSW distributed a circular announcing that we are reactivating the Clubs Helping Clubs initiative to support those impacted by the floods. At this stage, we are aware of one club — Taree Aquatic Club — that has been severely impacted, with the venue almost completely submerged.

Clubs interested in providing direct support to another club — financial or otherwise — are encouraged to express their interest by contacting ClubASSIST on 1300 730 001 or at [email protected]. Similarly, if your club is suffering as a result of the floods, please contact ClubASSIST. We are here to help you.

This morning’s circular also details our conversations with Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) and what the ClubGRANTS Guidelines say about donations to victims of natural disasters. You can read it here.

Our thoughts are with all those impacted and we will do whatever we can to support the recovery and relief efforts, starting with a $25,000 donation.

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Be sure to tune into 2GB Mornings today both for updates on the flood emergency and to hear Mark Levy broadcasting live from the Regatta Club (Haberfield Rowers) as part of the Your Local Club Perfect Plate Awards campaign.

Mark will be joined on air by Perfect Plate ambassadors Matt Moran, Courtney Roulston and Nathan Hindmarsh to sample the Club’s competition dish — Beef Cheek and Forest Mushroom Risotto — and the team will be giving away $100 dining vouchers. A bit of fun for a Friday!

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You’ll be hearing more about Clubs Helping Clubs in the coming weeks, not just in relation to the flood emergency, but for our 2025 ClubsNSW Conference & AGM. The Clubs Helping Clubs program aims to strengthen connections between our members by encouraging larger clubs to purchase additional Conference tickets to support the attendance of smaller clubs.  

To express your interest in the Clubs Helping Clubs initiative — either to purchase a conference ticket or tickets for a smaller club, or to receive a ticket or tickets from a larger club — please click here. 

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Have a safe weekend.