Clubs Helping Clubs Returns for 2026

What began as a simple act of support has grown into something much bigger — creating new connections, opening doors and ensuring clubs of all sizes can learn from one another. This year, we're proud to launch the program for a third consecutive year.

When Leichhardt Bowling Club Secretary Manager Baz Compton attended the 2025 ClubsNSW Annual Conference & AGM, he expected to gain practical insights and meet fellow industry professionals. What he didn't expect was that a conversation sparked through the event would help deliver a significant business opportunity for his club.

Baz attended the Conference through Clubs Helping Clubs, an initiative that enables larger clubs to support smaller clubs that may otherwise be unable to attend. Since launching in 2024, the program has helped more than 50 small clubs access the industry's premier event through the generosity of clubs across NSW.

“I would strongly recommend small clubs to stick their hand up, and if you're lucky enough, you can hopefully go [to the Conference] as a really wonderful experience,” Baz says. “A big thanks to Liverpool Catholic Club and the Mounties Group for getting us up there.”

In fact, Baz credits a relationship formed with Mounties Group CEO Dale Hunt during the Conference as being instrumental in helping secure a key beverage contract for Leichhardt Bowling Club — an opportunity that may never have arisen without attending the event.

For many smaller clubs, the cost of travel, accommodation and event registration can make Conference attendance difficult. Clubs Helping Clubs exists to bridge that gap, helping ensure all clubs have the opportunity to participate in industry conversations, gain fresh ideas and build valuable professional networks.

Coledale RSL Director Greg Todd says his Club had initially ruled out attending due to the cost of travelling to the Gold Coast. However, after learning that Wests Group Macarthur had sponsored a ticket on their behalf, they were able to participate. 

“To have that phone call to say someone is prepared to sponsor you to go to the Conference up at the Gold Coast... that sounds like it could be worthwhile, and it certainly was worthwhile,” Greg says. 

“Other clubs aren't in competition with us. This is an industry which realises that we need each other's advice; there is a lot of support out there.”

How the Program Works

Large clubs can purchase a Clubs Helping Clubs ticket, which is then allocated to an eligible small club that has submitted an expression of interest. ClubsNSW also contributes to accommodation and travel costs to help make attendance possible. Sponsor clubs will be recognised at the Conference and have the opportunity to connect directly with the smaller club they have supported.

More Than Just a Conference Ticket

After two successful years, Clubs Helping Clubs has proven to be about far more than getting through the door. The program is creating meaningful relationships between clubs, encouraging collaboration and strengthening ties across the industry and between metro/regional clubs across the state.

The program has attracted support from larger clubs including Bankstown Sports, Mounties, Wests Group Macarthur and St Mary's Rugby League Club, while beneficiary clubs have included Coledale RSL, Carnarvon Golf Club and Leichhardt Bowling Club.

For Wests Group Macarthur CEO Daniel Perkiss, supporting smaller clubs through the program is about giving back to an industry that thrives when clubs support one another. Through Wests' participation, Coledale RSL and Coraki Golf Club were able to attend the 2025 Conference.

“I’ve seen how important these small clubs are to the communities that they support, and Wests Group is right behind supporting smaller clubs,” Daniel says.

“Our industry is bundled up in a bucketload of red tape, so if we can drag some of these smaller operators up to the Conference where they get some learnings to adapt to the new world of operating a club, I think those learnings can help flourish their businesses and underpin them with support from the broader industry.” 

To find out more about just how impactful the initiative has proven to be, you can watch the video below. 

Be Part of Clubs Helping Clubs

From new industry connections to unexpected business opportunities, Clubs Helping Clubs continues to demonstrate the value of clubs supporting one another.

If you're a larger club, consider sponsoring a ticket here. If you're a smaller club, submit an expression of interest here and take the opportunity to be part of the conversations shaping our industry's future.