Charlestown Bowling Club
Books At the Bowlo
Three years ago, Club Charlestown merged with the struggling Club Lambton, focusing on increasing community engagement. A successful initiative, "Books at the Bowlo" (BATB), was created in partnership with The Hunter Writers' Centre. Local authors visit monthly to discuss their books, with a local bookseller also attending. The event has become popular, boosting the Club’s activity on slow Tuesday nights and attracting new members. BATB gained a 2024 Newcastle Local Council Community Grant for improvements. The initiative strengthens relationships with local authors and the community, benefiting both the Club and participants.
Shoalhaven Ex-Services Group
Inclusivity Takes Centre Stage
Shoalhaven Ex-Services Group supports the Albatross Musical Theatre Company (AMTC) and its Junior Albatross Musical (JAM) program, which offers a free, weekly after-school theatre experience for Shoalhaven children aged 10-15. JAM promotes inclusivity and accessibility, welcoming children of all skill levels, including those with disabilities, and ensures participation for socio-economically disadvantaged children. The program has garnered praise for past productions and has a positive impact on children's confidence, social skills, and emotional well-being. Shoalhaven Ex-Services Group funds the program through its ClubGRANTS, including support for accessibility initiatives like audio-visual adjustments for participants with disabilities.
Workers Lifestyle Group
We Are Studios Empowering Artists with Disability
We Are Studios is Australia's first disability-led collective, designed to empower artists with disabilities from Western Sydney. Founded by directors with disabilities, the studio offers a safe, accessible space for local artists to create and showcase their work. WLG played a pivotal role in the studio's creation by providing funding and expertise to transform an empty space offered by Blacktown City Council into a functional, artist-friendly environment. WLG's tradespeople helped renovate the studio, creating bespoke workspaces and galleries. The partnership with WLG continues as they support the artists through promoting their work, purchasing art, and ensuring the studio’s continued success, including securing a crucial government grant.
Club Marconi
Western Sydney’s Biggest Italian Festival
Every year, on the last weekend of May, Club Marconi hosts a spectacular Italian Republic Day celebration, attracting thousands of members, Italian Australians, and visitors from across Sydney. The event kicks off with a traditional Italian Mass, followed by a vibrant festival of food, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Guests enjoy classic Italian dishes, admire stunning cars, and partake in carnival rides, markets, and performances. The festival includes the Marconi Choir, traditional dances, and live broadcasts, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display. This annual event showcases the community's rich heritage and the power of culture to unite people from all backgrounds.
Pacific Palms Recreation Club
Bringing Live Music Back to the Palms
The Pacific Palms Recreation Club, also known as "The Recky" is the iconic club located on the shore of Wallis Lake and home to the best sunsets and Live Music on the Barrington Coast. From the 90's to early 2000's, this Club was legendary in the music industry, hosting Paul Kelly, John Butler Trio, Christine Anu, Diesel, Troy Cassar Daley, Jimeoin, The Waifs, Billy Thorpe, Yothu Yindi and Darryl Braithwaite just to name a few. After a 20 year hiatus, The Recky is 'back' and once again the place to be for Live Music. In the last 18 months, the Club has seen many artists through their doors including: The Rubens, San Cisco, Ben Lee, Dune Rats, Pete Murray, The Whitlams, Thirsty Merc, The Screaming Jets, Kingswood, Carvana Sun, Tijuana Cartel, Phil Jameson, Ash Grunwald, The Moving Stills with many more lined up for 2025. The same statement has been on repeat over the last 18 months in our community and that is "The Recky is Back."
Hardys Bay Club
Art Gallery at the Club? Yes!
The Hardys Bay Community Club has become a hub for arts, culture, and community engagement. Founded in 2023, the Hardys Archies competition encourages local artists to paint portraits of fellow residents, with entries judged by both the community and a panel. The Club also sponsors the Hardys Scapes competition, where locals paint local landscapes. Additionally, the Club offers wall space for local artists to display and sell their work, receiving 10 per cent of the proceeds. Beyond the arts, the Club hosts events like a book club, live music, and monthly luncheons. It also supports charitable causes and fosters cultural exchange, such as hosting St Jude’s School from Tanzania. The Club thrives with the support of its 700 members and volunteers.
Young Services Club
Superstar brings community together!
The Young Services Club played a crucial role in hosting an unforgettable event that brought international superstar Tones & I to the town of Young. It all began when local high school student Katelyn Whitehouse campaigned on social media to bring the artist to town, catching Tones' attention. Within two days, the Club organised two sold-out shows, coordinating staff, sound, lighting, and safety measures with local authorities. The shows were a huge success, with Tones & I interacting with fans and even visiting local schools. The Club's staff were praised for their exceptional service, and Tones returned in March 2025 to perform again.
Stroud & District Country Club
Locals Live - Open Mic Night
The Stroud Country Club, a non-profit organisation run by volunteers, hosts community events like the popular "Open Mic Nights" to support local talent and businesses. These events, open to all ages and skills, provide musical equipment and a courtesy bus at no charge. The Club also features the restaurant Three Birdies, praised for its menu. The goal is to offer a platform for local musicians to shine, without prizes or contracts, just community support. The events, held four times in 2024 and planned for 2025, have helped musicians secure private bookings, benefiting both the performers and the community.
Coogee Legion Club
Every Day - Every Week - Everyone
Since becoming CEO of Coogee Legion Club, Kristy Strong was thrilled to see the vibrant live music scene. The Club offers free live music every weekend, with a duo, trio, or full band performing in the Main Bar. “However, we knew we could do more,” says Kristy. Since January 2024, they expanded entertainment to include free events every day, such as Trivia on Tuesdays, Music Bingo on Wednesdays, and 'Trads Night' on Thursdays featuring Irish musicians. Fridays host 'Throwback Sessions' with a DJ, and the Club also offers pop-up live music and special events on public holidays. “The community's input is always welcome as we continue to grow”, says Kristy.
Mounties
Empowering Voices: The Fairfield Fashion Runway Project
The Fairfield Fashion Runway project aims to empower culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) and refugee women in Liverpool and Greater Western Sydney (GWS) by enhancing their visibility and inclusion. The project fosters community engagement, promotes well-being, and creates economic pathways by producing sellable products and offering paid positions to local women. Mounties Group supported the initiative with a $36,830 grant, along with in-kind contributions like staffing, transport, and marketing. Launched in July 2024, it has already engaged over 60 refugee women and will culminate in a public fashion parade, providing a platform for their artistic expression and cultural visibility.
The Concord Community Club
Stars & Songlines: Sky Stories
The "Stars & Songlines" initiative, supported by Maclean Bowling Club, celebrated the intersection of Indigenous astronomy, storytelling, and modern science. Inspired by Dr. Bob Fuller's research on Indigenous sky stories, the event featured cultural and educational activities, including a music performance by Indigenous artists and an immersive pop-up planetarium experience. The event fostered community pride, cultural exchange, and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It sparked the creation of the Clarence River Guardians project and further cultural initiatives. Maclean Bowling Club's support was pivotal in making this event a success and has paved the way for future cultural programs.
Dubbo RSL
Celebrating Community Engagement & Culture Cooking
The Dubbo RSL Rhino Lodge cooking classes have become a vital community initiative, promoting healthy eating, culinary skills, and social inclusion. These classes educate participants on nutrition, meal planning, and cooking techniques, empowering them to make healthier dietary choices. They provide hands-on experience for individuals with little kitchen knowledge, boosting confidence and encouraging culinary exploration. The classes also serve as a social hub, fostering community bonds and reducing isolation. By emphasising locally-sourced produce and celebrating cultural diversity, the initiative strengthens both local businesses and community connections, earning recognition for its positive impact on well-being and unity.