Local Clubs at the Heart of Regional Communities

It was where my dad always seemed happiest; especially with family and friends around.

I can remember the counter meals like they were yesterday. And the billiards hall that Dad loved. And the community events that he and mum attended; the regular faces that always had time for a chat.

The lobby wall was always plastered with the selection of local teams and their grades; and people gathered to see just who had been picked. There was no internet or Facebook, but the comments still flew thick and fast regarding selection.

And the overflowing of sport on TV; there’s nothing like watching with others.

What always struck me was the contribution back to — and commitment to be a part of — our community. Indeed, to be central to it.

Our business, SEN, makes sports radio shows and live calls for every regional town and into Sydney too on multiple stations, including our own.

Growing up in the country taught me regional towns in particular are too often overlooked in the content space.

Whether it be the Tweed Coast to Newcastle to Broken Hill and everywhere in between, we’ve sought to change that. We’ve given regional NSW a voice while also tapping into the army of sports fans who live in Sydney and consume our SEN 1170 AM and SENTrack 1539 AM stations.

Our dedication to promoting sport in regional NSW extends far beyond the airwaves of our radio network. In recent years, we have forged ongoing commercial and broadcast production partnerships with wide-reaching organisations such as Golf NSW and Bowls Australia.

Our TV business, Rainmaker, broadcasts all of Golf NSW’s oncourse events — many alongside their ClubsNSW partner venue.

And the biggest bowls events in NSW are covered on our Bowls Show, seen on Seven and Fox Sports, or broadcast live from the venue.

Golf and bowls are just two of the sports that work in lockstep with ClubsNSW to grow enjoyment, participation and economic activity across the state.

Sport is an incredible spark to unite communities; as is your local club. It can never be taken for granted.

And the amazing thing about communities is this; when you choose to give, regardless of what you get back, it is just amazing how things go full circle.

When you next see me at a ClubsNSW venue — be it at an outside broadcast, a golf or bowls event, or merely a community occasion — come and say hello. That’s what your local club is all about, after all.