A Night to Remember

Competition was extremely tight across each of the nine award categories — Arts & Culture, Club Person of the Year (Individual Award), Education, Emergency Services, Fostering Grassroots Sport, Health Care, Heart of the Community (Club Award), Mental & Social Wellbeing and Sustainability. Two special additional Lifetime Achievement Awards were also announced on the evening for Workers Lifestyle Group President Kay Kelly and Bankstown Sports Chairman John Murray OAM.

Clubs across NSW have implemented a multitude of initiatives during the last year, including Hornsby RSL Club that has embarked on a number of new environmental strategies to reduce its carbon footprint. One of its most effective programs includes converting the Club’s food waste into more than 37,000 litres of garden fertiliser, which is the equivalent of saving 562 trolleys of food being sent to landfill each year! A very worthy recipient of the Sustainability Award.

Broken Hill Musicians Club proudly accepted the award for Arts and Culture following their efforts to save the Silver City Cinema from closing its doors. The future of one of the last independent movie theatres in NSW was secured when the Club stepped in to purchase it, and it will now be run as a not-for-profit enterprise for the enjoyment of the community. Had the cinema closed, locals would have had to travel hundreds of kilometres to watch a movie on the big screen. 

General Manager of the Broken Hill Musicians Club, Michael Boland, took to the stage and delivered a rousing speech for the second year in a row, dedicating the Club’s award to the hardworking CEOs and managers of every regional and remote club in the state.

“I have heard of club managers, while their home is in danger of bushfires and their family is there…they are at the club making sure our first responders are fed and looked after. What other industry does that? Absolutely none!” exclaimed Michael. 

“Through floods, drought, COVID — we are here for our community. It’s an amazing industry and we should be proud of what we do,” he continued. 

“And just remember, arts and culture for tonight is associated with the biggest bogan mining town in the country!” 

The Emergency Services category saw two winners take home the top gong — Mounties and Cudal Bowling Club — who were recognised for their efforts during the 2022 floods, with Mounties raising funds for the devastated town of Broadwater and Cudal Bowling Club quickly transforming into an excavation centre for stranded locals and providing food and shelter for the community for weeks on end.

Capturing hearts and admiration for their bravery and quick-thinking actions were the West Angels who saved the life of a member at Wests Macarthur. When the patron suffered a cardiac arrest inside the Club, team members came to his rescue, using the on-site defibrillator to save his life while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. They took home the Heart of the Community award.

Another highlight on the night was the appearance of ex-services dog, Manic. The Alsatian has served in the Middle East, and when the team at Cronulla RSL became aware of Manic and his service to his country, they made him an honorary member of the Club — the first canine war veteran to be a member of a club! The team then went a step further, using their ANZAC Day two-up games to raise money for Manic and dogs like him who have served their country and need ongoing care. 

The awards night was hosted by the talented Ben Fordham, with outstanding performances from Christine Anu, the Kari Choir and Les Femmes keeping the crowd entertained. 

A big thank you to all those who attended. You can find more photos from the evening, as well as the video from the night, here.