Club Industry Legends Acknowledged

John is the President of Bankstown Sports Club and his award was labelled ‘80 Years of Volunteering’, while Kay is the President of the Workers Lifestyle Group and was acknowledged for ‘A Lifetime of Leadership’.

In a touching video played on big screens at the industry’s night of nights, an appreciative crowd heard glowing tributes to John and Kay who are both considered the heart and soul of their respective clubs.
“John has done so many things in his career and outside of that, volunteering and charity work. He’s an incredibly humble person — he doesn’t want any accolades — but certainly I can’t think of anyone more deserving than John Murray,” said Bankstown Sports Club CEO Michael Clancy.
Long-term support of the Bankstown Lidcombe Hospital via grant funding also saw John described as a lifesaver by a local surgeon.

“John Murray through his work as a director has approved over $200 million dollars’ worth of grants to the hospital. He is a person who has been involved in so much humanitarian and philanthropic work,” said Dr George Kourtesis.

“He has saved lives – there’s no doubt about it!”

“He’s really the lifeline of the Club — he’s the backbone, he’s put so much of his life and his passion and his time into this Club — making it a success and supporting the leaders right through,” added Club Director Clare Pearson. 

The audience heard that Kay is an industry trailblazer who has performed various roles at her Club, from bingo-caller to President.

“Kay Kelly deserves a Lifetime Achievement Award because she’s been a humble servant of our Club and our community since she started working for the Club back in 1973,” said Workers Lifestyle Group CEO Morgan Stewart.

“In 2021 she became the longest serving female and the longest serving President in the history of the Club. She really has given her entire life to this Club.”

“Kay Kelly is such an icon in this Club because everything she does comes from her heart. She’s unique in the club industry,” said long-time friend and colleague Kelly Toms, who is the Club’s Entertainment Coordinator.

“She’s a female in what was a male-dominated area, she’s led so well over the years. Everything she does is for the members and the future of the Club.”

You can find the 2023 Clubs & Community Awards Honour Roll here.