Workers Lifestyle Group

The Challenge to Beat Diabetes

The 2kg Challenge, launched by Blacktown Workers and partners, aims to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent Type 2 diabetes. Initially focused on the more than 60,000Workers' members, the campaign offers free fitness classes, health stations, and diabetes education. With funding from Workers Lifestyle, Novo Nordisk, and WentWest, the initiative expanded in 2024 to 30 plus GP clinics, winning the Best Health Initiative award. In 2025, the 8-week program will support participants through coaching, exercise tips, and community resources to help them lose 2 kilograms, reducing their risk of Type 2 diabetes by 30 per cent. The challenge encourages lasting lifestyle changes for better health.

DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club

Visionary Partnership: Powering Glaucoma Breakthroughs

DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club has committed $100,000 annually from 2024 to 2027 to support groundbreaking glaucoma research at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR). This partnership, which began in 2023, has expanded from initial funding to include sponsorships, staff fundraising, and strategic collaboration. WIMR's glaucoma research, led by Associate Professor Andrew White, focuses on developing eye drops containing irbesartan to prevent glaucoma progression. DOOLEYS’ support will enable the completion of lab testing, pre-clinical trials, and the identification of high-risk individuals for targeted treatment. This research has the potential to improve eye health outcomes globally, with affordable treatments first benefiting the local community. The partnership exemplifies how clubs like DOOLEYS and medical research institutions can drive real-world change, ensuring better healthcare, earlier interventions, and accessible treatments for future generations. This long-term investment strengthens the community and enhances the global fight against blindness.

Wagga RSL

Bowlers Dig Deep for Childrens Ward

In December 2024, the Wagga RSL Men’s Social Bowling Club donated $12,000 to the Children’s Ward at Wagga Base Hospital. The donation stemmed from a 2024 initiative where the bowlers raised $6,000 through raffles, pie sales, and BBQs, with the RSL Board matching it dollar for dollar. The funds purchased play therapy equipment and supported staff education. This annual fundraising tradition, driven by Wayne Barlogie and Jack Whyte, has continuously supported the ward, even during COVID-19. The community’s generosity, including local businesses like O’Brien’s Hot Bake, highlights the Club’s commitment to making a lasting difference for sick children.

Mounties

The Clown Doctors: Humor Therapy

The Humour Foundation's Clown Doctors program uses humour therapy to support children in hospitals, providing psychological and physiological benefits during stressful medical procedures. Since 2022, Mounties Group has been a proud supporter, granting $118,823 to help expand the program's impact. This funding has supported over $50,000 from 2022-2023 and an additional $68,650 in 2024. The partnership underscores Mounties' commitment to enhancing the lives of vulnerable children by promoting laughter and positivity. The Clown Doctors program continues to grow, transforming difficult experiences into moments of joy, fostering resilience, and providing hope to children in need.

Bankstown Sports Club

THE GREAT SANDWICH MAKE-OFF!

Eat Up is Australia's only organisation providing free lunches for students on a national scale. With the help of their partners and dedicated volunteers, each week they make and deliver thousands of fresh sandwiches and donated snacks directly to schools to help the 1 in 5 Aussie kids experiencing hunger. Bankstown Sports has committed to feeding local school children through ClubGRANTS funding, but also rolling up the sleeves, buttering bread and delivering much needed nutritional sandwiches to local schools.

Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club

Club Raises Money for Children's Cancer Institute

For over 30 years, the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club has hosted the annual Elly Stig Memorial Golf Day to raise funds for the Children's Cancer Institute. Named after Elly, who passed away from cancer just before her first birthday, the event has raised nearly $470,000 since its inception in 1994. The Club collaborates with the Stig family and local businesses to organise an auction, with all proceeds benefiting the institute. The most recent event in January 2025 raised over $10,000, showcasing the growing community spirit and generosity supporting children in need.

Ryde Eastwood

Genes, Generosity, and Groundbreaking Research

For 27 years, Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club has been a proud supporter of the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI), funding vital research for children with genetic disorders, cancer, and other serious conditions. Through financial and in-kind contributions, the Club has raised over $120,000 to advance life-changing medical breakthroughs. Key fundraising events like the Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Fun Run, Jeans for Genes Day, and the Staff Christmas Fundraiser not only generate crucial funds but also raise awareness. This partnership has helped advance gene therapy, childhood cancer treatments, and solutions for genetic diseases, improving countless lives. Moving forward, the Club is committed to expanding its support, increasing community participation, and strengthening partnerships to further CMRI’s mission—giving children hope for a better future.

Belmont 16 ft

Legends & Lagers Light Up Blue

In September 2024, Belmont 16s launched a Prostate Cancer Awareness Activation in partnership with the Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance to raise awareness and support early detection. With prostate cancer being the most common cancer among Australian men, the initiative targeted the Club’s male-dominated sailing demographic. Key activities included a Blue Lighting Display and the Legends & Lagers event with NRL legends, which raised $5309.90 for HPCA. The initiative reached hundreds through events, media, and social platforms, helping to break the stigma around prostate cancer through open conversations. Special thanks to Tooheys, HPCA, and the community for their support.