Club Taree

Taree Evacuates

When catastrophic flooding struck Taree in May 2025, Club Taree once again became the region’s lifeline — activated at 3am as an Evacuation Centre during what would become a one‑in‑500‑year flood event. With access roads cut and emergency services unable to reach the site, the Club shouldered the full weight of the response. Led by CEO Paul Allan, just 17 staff members supported 837 evacuees over eight days, stepping into roles far beyond the expectations of any Club.
Without Red Cross, Salvation Army, St John’s, chaplains or security on site, Club Taree’s team became first responders, counsellors, cooks, cleaners, medics, transport operators and emotional anchors. They provided five meals a day, created sleeping zones, cared for the elderly and disabled, played with children, triaged mental health needs, laundered clothing, managed communications and even assisted with aged‑care evacuations.
Staff worked exhausting shifts — some sleeping onsite, some awake for days — driven by compassion and duty. When floodwaters receded, the Club transported evacuees to accommodation and supported them as they returned to devastated homes.
Club Taree’s response was more than operational — it was human. Their leadership turned a crisis into a testament of community, courage and unwavering care.

Dee Why RSL

Guardians of the Coast ― Saving Lives Together

Dee Why RSL has played a pivotal role in strengthening frontline beach safety through its ClubGRANTS support of the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) patrol trailer upgrade. This funding transformed the Club’s ageing trailer into a modern, mobile emergency hub — directly improving lifesaving capability on one of Sydney’s busiest beaches.
The RSL’s investment enabled comprehensive upgrades including precision‑built emergency storage, rapid‑deployment systems for rescue equipment, enhanced communications infrastructure, and a complete refresh of first‑aid and rescue gear used across patrols, the beach buggy and rescue boats. This infrastructure now underpins the work of 200 patrolling volunteers who deliver 8,000 patrol hours annually and safeguard more than 350,000 beachgoers each season.
The impact has been immediate and life‑saving. The upgraded equipment has supported major rescues, including CPR efforts exceeding 10 minutes, multiple ambulance transfers and helicopter extractions. During heightened shark activity, the improved systems allowed for swift water clearances and calm crowd management.
Beyond funding, Dee Why RSL has strengthened volunteer morale — promoting the SLSC through its ""WoW Wall"", social media support and annual ANZAC Day inclusion. Their partnership sets a benchmark for community synergy and has helped ensure Dee Why volunteers remain confident, equipped and deeply supported.

Gosford RSL Club

Standing Together During the Koolewong Bushfires

When the Koolewong bushfires struck the Central Coast on 6 December 2025, Gosford RSL responded within hours — opening its doors as families evacuated from Koolewong, Woy Woy Bay and Phegans Bay with little notice. As smoke thickened and emergency orders escalated, staff across all departments activated immediately, transforming the venue into a safe, calm and fully supported refuge.
Onsite motel rooms were provided at no cost, meals were prepared around the clock and quiet spaces were created for distressed families. With no formal direction required, staff and senior leadership worked side‑by‑side to coordinate accommodation, manage supplies and support exhausted residents. The Gallery became the central coordination hub for NSW RFS, DCJ and Service NSW, hosting briefings, recovery sessions and public information meetings.
Just eight days later, the Club organised a Bushfire Relief Raffle, raising $50,000 to support affected families — a rapid, community‑led initiative praised by local agencies. Recovery assistance continued for weeks, with venue spaces offered for drop‑in services and resident support.
The Club’s response was defined not by obligation but by compassion, leadership and readiness. When the community needed safety and stability, the Club stood firmly as an anchor — living its We Care philosophy when it mattered most.

Halekulani Bowling Club

Rescue Ready IRB Motor

Halekulani Bowling Club has once again strengthened local beach safety through its ongoing support of Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club, providing a financial contribution to upgrade essential rescue and training equipment. This funding will replace an ageing Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) motor and purchase new surf boat oars — critical assets that directly enhance frontline emergency response.
IRBs are the backbone of surf lifesaving operations, enabling rapid in‑water rescues, mass‑rescue capability and urgent first-aid response on one of the Central Coast’s most hazardous beaches. With more than 75,000 visitors each summer and a beach rated 7/10 for danger, reliability is essential. The new IRB motor will improve safety, reduce maintenance costs, lower emissions and ensure volunteer lifesavers can respond instantly and confidently under all conditions.
The upgrade also benefits training and youth development, strengthening the IRB program, which builds teamwork, leadership and surf‑rescue competency in young members. New oars will support both training and competition, helping attract and retain future lifesavers.
Halekulani Bowling Club’s long‑standing support continues to deliver real community impact — ensuring the beach is safer, members are better equipped and lifesavers remain rescue‑ready every patrol.

Moama Bowling Club

Major Boost Delivered for Community Safety

Moama Bowling Club has reaffirmed its role as one of the Echuca–Moama region’s most committed community partners through a major $100,000 contribution to the Echuca–Moama Safe Towns CCTV Project. This investment — building on a previous $30,000 commitment — delivers the funding required to commence Stage 1 installation of a coordinated CCTV network across Echuca’s CBD, High Street shopping strip and key visitor precincts.
The Club’s leadership has been central to moving the long‑planned initiative from concept to implementation. Developed collaboratively by C4EM, Victoria Police, Campaspe Shire Council, Murray River Council and local businesses, the Safe Towns project aims to improve public safety, deter anti‑social behaviour and strengthen confidence for residents, visitors and the hospitality sector.
Local leaders have praised Moama Bowling Club for stepping forward at a critical time, noting that its contribution not only closes the funding gap but also brings credibility and momentum to the project. As the region continues to grow and attract high visitor numbers, enhanced safety infrastructure is vital to supporting economic stability and community wellbeing.
With funding secured, Stage 1 installation will soon begin — marking an important step toward a safer, more connected Echuca–Moama community.

Mounties

Broken Hill ―Standing with Community Beyond Crisis

Mounties Group’s response to the Broken Hill crisis exemplifies true emergency leadership — the kind that continues long after headlines fade. Six months after severe weather and prolonged power outages devastated the region, Mounties Group returned with a clear purpose: to restore connection, morale and hope. Their “Beers for Broken Hill” event, delivered across multiple venues with community activities and a headline performance from The Choirboys, reminded residents they had not been forgotten.
Across its full response, Mounties Group committed $200,000 in support — $100,000 in immediate relief followed by a further $100,000 during the Broken Hill event weekend. This funding delivered essential, practical assistance including a generator for Meals on Wheels, replacement medications for elderly residents, food deliveries for pensioners, 1,440 bottles of water for Wilcannia and urgent supplies distributed through local partners. Support also extended to children and families, with funding for PCYC programs, school bags for every child in Wilcannia and assistance for the Huxley Heroes.
Working alongside Broken Hill Musicians Club and Wilcannia Golf Club, Mounties Group demonstrated that community recovery requires presence, partnership and compassion. Their ongoing commitment reinforces the belief that clubs are the heartbeat of communities — standing with Broken Hill not just in crisis, but throughout the long journey of recovery.

Club North Haven

Rescue Ready at Camden haven SLSC

Club North Haven stepped in to fund a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) — a vital piece of life‑saving equipment — for Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club. While small, Camden Haven Surf Club plays a crucial role in protecting beachgoers on the Mid North Coast. Thanks to Club North Haven, the new AED will ensure volunteer lifesavers are rescue‑ready whenever an emergency occurs. The AED is now housed in a patrol trailer on the beach, positioned alongside trained lifesavers watching over swimmers between the red and yellow flags.
This contribution has made a meaningful difference to community safety. Camden Haven SLSC has extended its heartfelt thanks to Club North Haven for enabling the purchase of this essential emergency equipment and supporting our mission to keep locals and visitors safe.

Port City Bowling Club

ClubsGrants Powers Lifesaving Rescue Craft

Port City Bowling Club has made a significant and practical contribution to coastal safety through its generous $11,655 donation to Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast (SLSMNC). This funding enabled the immediate purchase of essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for rescue water craft operators — including new helmets and personal flotation devices.
RWC teams are deployed to the region’s most hazardous incidents, from heavy surf and offshore rescues to rock emergencies. By funding modern, compliant and properly fitted PPE, Port City Bowling Club directly improved the safety and effectiveness of frontline volunteer lifesavers.
The donation allowed SLSMNC to equip more trained operators across multiple clubs, expand endorsement and training opportunities, and reduce delays caused by shared or outdated equipment. The upgraded PPE has already been used throughout patrol operations and emergency callouts, strengthening the branch’s overall rescue readiness.
Beyond the financial support, this contribution reflects Port City Bowling Club’s genuine commitment to the wellbeing of the volunteers who protect the Mid North Coast every day. Their investment has enhanced safety, boosted volunteer confidence and delivered lasting benefits for the wider community.

Taree Aquatic Club

Resilience, Reform, Rebuild

In mid‑May 2025, Taree Aquatic Club – affectionately known as The Sailos – faced one of the most devastating floods in its history. After more than 700mm of rain fell in just three days, the mighty Manning River surged beyond all predictions, inundating the club to 1.4 metres above its upper floor. By the evening of 20 May, water had overtopped the bar, destroyed equipment and infrastructure, and caused more than $1.5 million in uninsured damage.
Despite the destruction, the Club’s leadership and community spirit never wavered. CEO Pete Hemingway and a small team worked through the night to secure the building, shut down power, sandbag entry points and protect whatever they could before evacuating safely. When floodwaters receded, members, volunteers, Fire & Rescue crews and local supporters returned immediately — shovelling mud, clearing debris and beginning the massive rebuild.
What followed was a remarkable industry‑wide response. Through ClubsNSW’s Clubs Helping Clubs initiative, Taree Aquatic Club received $166,404 in financial support and essential equipment donations, including a major $50,000 contribution from Revesby Workers. This solidarity enabled The Sailos to reopen in just eight weeks — proof that when disaster strikes, the club industry stands together.

Twin Towns

Hiding from Alfred

When Cyclone Alfred tore across the Queensland–NSW border in March 2025, Twin Towns Clubs & Resorts became an unexpected lifeline for thousands. As torrential rain, destructive winds and widespread power outages shut supermarkets, highways and entire townships, Twin Towns remained one of the only places with power — and the community flocked to it.
Across four chaotic days, a skeleton crew of around 15 staff kept the multi‑level venue open, providing hot meals, power for phone charging, shelter and 900 undercover car spaces. Resort rooms filled with stranded travellers, SES crews and media, while permanent residents relied on staff for meals, welfare checks and essential supplies. Employees slept onsite, cooked around the clock, provided improvised breakfasts for hundreds and ensured elderly residents — including a 102‑year‑oldv — were safe and supported.
Despite sustaining more than $1.3 million in roof and storm damage, Twin Towns continued serving as a community hub long after the cyclone passed. Management praised staff whose extraordinary commitment, teamwork and compassion turned the club into the region’s most vital refuge at the height of the disaster.

Wenty Leagues

Hands-On Heroes at the Heart of Wenty

Wenty Leagues proudly delivered its much‑loved Heart of Wenty: Emergency Services Day in June 2025, celebrating the frontline responders who protect the local community. Aligning with First Responders Day, the event drew record crowds of families and residents for a day dedicated to education, appreciation and hands‑on engagement.
Emergency Services Day brought together NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, St John Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW SES, giving the community a rare opportunity to explore emergency vehicles, watch live demonstrations and speak directly with first responders. Families learned key safety messages, CPR basics and emergency preparedness skills through interactive activities designed especially for children.
The event also strengthened volunteer recruitment, highlighting the crucial need for local SES, RFS and St John volunteers who support disaster readiness and response across the region. Family‑friendly attractions — including face painting to raise funds for SES Holroyd and appearances by PAW Patrol characters— added to the day’s appeal.
The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees and agencies alike. Emergency Services Day reinforces Wenty Leagues’ commitment to community wellbeing — honouring emergency personnel while empowering families through knowledge, connection and resilience‑building.

Wests Group Macarthur

Here, We Walk Together ― The Broken Path

Wests Group Macarthur is proudly supporting The Broken Path, a new local charity dedicated to frontline workers and families impacted by PTSD, trauma and life‑changing events. Founded by Stephen, Audrey and Monique — each carrying their own frontline or lived‑experience journey — The Broken Path creates a safe, non‑clinical space where people can connect, be understood and begin healing together.
Wests Group Macarthur supported the launch of the charity by helping establish its website, uniforms and community engagement resources. This partnership also enabled a series of community gatherings featuring BBQs, activities and lived‑experience guest speakers. More than 130 people attended the inaugural event, including frontline workers and families seeking connection, understanding and support.
One attendee, a long‑serving bus driver carrying the trauma of a workplace fatality, described finding for the first time “somewhere people truly understood”. These stories reflect the heart of The Broken Path.
Wests Group Macarthur is also hosting a Thank A First Responder Golf Appreciation Day and creating further speaking opportunities to ensure frontline workers and their families never have to walk their path alone.