New ClubsNSW Brand, Regulatory Discussions & AGM Feature at Conference Day Two

Day two of the 2025 ClubsNSW Conference & AGM kicked off on the Gold Coast, with CEO Rebecca Riant using her opening address to unveil a revitalised ClubsNSW brand and logo. 

The new logo reflects the diversity of the club industry — from coastal blues to outback-inspired hues, with a circular icon symbolising member clubs, communities and the millions of patrons that the industry serves.  

“These brands have not been refreshed in well over a decade — so the project was somewhat overdue,” Rebecca told the gathered delegates.

“We absolutely love the new brand — and we hope you do too! From today, we will commence using the new ClubsNSW brand and creative assets, and then the new Your Local Club brand will be officially rolled out in the coming months.”

The ClubsNSW Conference — the biggest event on the club industry calendar — kicked off yesterday with the ClubsNSW and Clubs Queensland Race Day at the Gold Coast Turf Club. 

More than 770 delegates have travelled from across NSW to attend the Conference, with days two and three being held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre. 

In her opening address, Rebecca thanked those who participated in the Clubs Helping Clubs program, with larger clubs helping to purchase almost 60 tickets to allow smaller clubs to attend the event.

“It is so important to us that all clubs, regardless of their size or location, have the opportunity to attend these events — to have their voices heard, to learn and to network with the industry peers — and I’m so proud of the way that our clubs work together to ensure that no club gets left behind,” said Rebecca. 

First Keynote

Dr Kirstin Ferguson was the first keynote address of the event, presenting on Leading with Impact: How to See What Others Miss. 

She used her address to challenge the audience to ask questions, to realise that sometimes they won’t have the answers to complex challenges, and to adapt to an ever-evolving world.

“Blind spots are the gap between what we think we know and what is really there,” said Dr Ferguson.

“Given that the world is moving so rapidly these blind spots are more important to recognise than ever… I can only imagine the changes in your industry while you’ve been working in it. What I believe that’s now really important for us is to learn and then unlearn, and pivot as much as necessary.” 

Panel Sessions

The first panel sessions followed morning tea, each featuring important discussion around critical issues currently facing clubs across the state.

The first, Navigating the Future: The Evolving AML Regulatory Landscape for Clubs, featured ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant in conversation with AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas. 

Mr Thomas said most patrons visit venues for legitimate reasons, but clubs need to understand their legislative obligations when an activity looks suspicious.

“The vast majority of customers who go to pubs and clubs are low risk,” he told delegates.

“The enhanced due diligence comes when you’re suspicious about something. We don’t expect you to do something that’s not reasonable, you’re not the police. You can ask polite questions, but you can’t make them answer and that’s why we have Suspicious Matter Reports. It’s understanding what to look for that’s higher risk.”

The second panel session, The Future of Gaming, featured ClubsNSW Chief Strategy & Advocacy Officer Daniel Mitchell with Aristocrat’s Mitchell Bowen and Terry O’Halloran, and MST Financial Senior Analyst Rohan Sundram. 

“The way I see the environment, we are in a favourable time for clubs and the industry in general,” said Rohan.

“We are seeing a supportive macro environment and what I see as a stable and rational regulatory environment… and we are in a low unemployment, falling interest rate environment, and petrol prices are no longer here nor there — these are the things that drive additional residual income in people’s wallets.” 

Following the lunch break, the final panel session of the day got underway, Regulation in Focus, featured Deputy Secretary, Hospitality and Racing, Tarek Barakat in conversation with ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant. 

Mr Barakat outlined two of the key focuses that clubs can expect over the coming months.  

“We’ll be looking at how venues are implementing and responding to some of the reforms that the government has made,” he told delegates, including the likes of responsible gambling officers, placement of ATMs and signage. 

Mr Barakat also revealed that they will be focussing on club governance in regional areas, particularly upskilling smaller clubs with the help of larger clubs.  

Second Keynote

A hot topic in businesses across the globe — artificial intelligence — was the focus of the second keynote of the day, with Dawid Naude delivering his address AI in the Boardroom.

Mr Naude told delegates that rather than seeing AI as a threat, they should be embracing the technology as an “incredible opportunity”. 

“Think of when you first got the internet or a smart phone, at the start it’s interesting, you’re not sure what you’ll use it for,” he said. 

“Five years later, you’re addicted to it — and things like banks are shutting down because you do online banking… AI will keep accelerating.” 

ClubsNSW AGM 

The ClubsNSW AGM followed, with ClubsNSW Deputy Chair Ron Coskerie and Director William Drury both re-elected to the ClubsNSW Board for a further three years. 

ClubsNSW Chair Sallianne Faulkner outlined some of the achievements of the Association over the past year, including the removal of the 5km rule, a rise in the net promoter score for the second consecutive year and advocacy efforts. 

Keno Conference Party

Day two concluded with an opportunity for delegates to let their hair down, with the Keno Conference Party themed ‘Back to the Future’ — with a night full of throwback fun and great music. 

The third and final day of the ClubsNSW Conference gets underway on Friday morning.