Social Inclusion
Albion Park Bowling Club
DanceAbility Disco
DanceAbility Disco is an all-inclusive disco for people with special needs. Held on the first Thursday of each month at Albion Park Bowling Club, the DanceAbility Disco provides an opportunity for those living with a disability to form connections. Albion Park Bowling Club is providing financial support to the Disco by waiving room hire cost. The Club is looking to further their involvement and plans to introduce special-needs bingo.
DanceAbility Disco
DanceAbility Disco is an all-inclusive disco for people with special needs. Held on the first Thursday of each month at Albion Park Bowling Club, the DanceAbility Disco provides an opportunity for those living with a disability to form connections. Albion Park Bowling Club is providing financial support to the Disco by waiving room hire cost. The Club is looking to further their involvement and plans to introduce special-needs bingo.
Bankstown Sports Club
ReLove - Creating Homes with Kindness
Bankstown Sports was introduced to ReLove which had been operating out of Botany since 2019, supporting people affected by domestic violence, homelessness and the COVID pandemic, by providing furniture and other household items, free of charge. In 2023, Bankstown Sports contributed $50,000 to support the organisation, with funding going towards warehouse operational costs, staffing costs, fuel and tolls for delivery trucks, insurance and other consumables. Bankstown Sports has also contributed truckloads of pre-loved furniture from their clubs which is now ready and waiting for ReLove clients to select at the Botany warehouse.
ReLove - Creating Homes with Kindness
Bankstown Sports was introduced to ReLove which had been operating out of Botany since 2019, supporting people affected by domestic violence, homelessness and the COVID pandemic, by providing furniture and other household items, free of charge. In 2023, Bankstown Sports contributed $50,000 to support the organisation, with funding going towards warehouse operational costs, staffing costs, fuel and tolls for delivery trucks, insurance and other consumables. Bankstown Sports has also contributed truckloads of pre-loved furniture from their clubs which is now ready and waiting for ReLove clients to select at the Botany warehouse.
Bondi Icebergs Club
Swim Together, Thrive Together
In 2023, Bondi Icebergs embarked on two learn to swim initiatives, extending the reach to Indigenous children and refugees from Ukraine. Generously part-supported by a grant from Waverley Council and member donations, this initiative aimed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for participants to learn essential swimming skills. Amidst the upheaval of their circumstances, the Bondi Iceberg Swim Club served as a beacon of positivity and growth, nurturing not only physical prowess but also mental resilience among these young individuals. The second learn to swim program welcomed 10 indigenous kids from the Yurungai family for a week-long swim experience at the Icebergs pool. This initiative aimed to provide valuable lessons to children who may not have had access to such opportunities.
Swim Together, Thrive Together
In 2023, Bondi Icebergs embarked on two learn to swim initiatives, extending the reach to Indigenous children and refugees from Ukraine. Generously part-supported by a grant from Waverley Council and member donations, this initiative aimed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for participants to learn essential swimming skills. Amidst the upheaval of their circumstances, the Bondi Iceberg Swim Club served as a beacon of positivity and growth, nurturing not only physical prowess but also mental resilience among these young individuals. The second learn to swim program welcomed 10 indigenous kids from the Yurungai family for a week-long swim experience at the Icebergs pool. This initiative aimed to provide valuable lessons to children who may not have had access to such opportunities.
Cabra-Vale Diggers
The SheShed Community - Empowering Women
Since its inception in 2022, The SheShed has blossomed into a vibrant community, welcoming women from all walks of life. From survivors of domestic violence to cancer patients, retirees to new mothers, the SheShed community offers a refuge for those navigating life's challenges and mental health. Through shared stories, laughter and tears, bonds are formed, and lives are transformed. Each week the group meets at Campbelltown RSL and in 2023 celebrated their one-year anniversary. The vision is to set up as many SheShed Community groups as possible, empowering women across Australia. Funded through ClubGRANTS, the Club supplies a room, tea and coffee for the women and provides a safe space for them to share their stories, listen to inspiring speakers or participate in wellness activities.
The SheShed Community - Empowering Women
Since its inception in 2022, The SheShed has blossomed into a vibrant community, welcoming women from all walks of life. From survivors of domestic violence to cancer patients, retirees to new mothers, the SheShed community offers a refuge for those navigating life's challenges and mental health. Through shared stories, laughter and tears, bonds are formed, and lives are transformed. Each week the group meets at Campbelltown RSL and in 2023 celebrated their one-year anniversary. The vision is to set up as many SheShed Community groups as possible, empowering women across Australia. Funded through ClubGRANTS, the Club supplies a room, tea and coffee for the women and provides a safe space for them to share their stories, listen to inspiring speakers or participate in wellness activities.
Campbelltown Catholic Club
Escabags – Your First Step to Freedom
Campbelltown Catholic Club is a corporate partner of Escabags, a registered charity with the mission to alleviate the immediate trauma of domestic abuse by providing free and effective access to ‘Escape Bags’ in communities, while connecting victims with resources and agencies to continue their journey towards survivorship. Escape Bags are free, non-gender specific tote bags containing the essential items that a victim of abuse and his/her children may need when initially escaping a dangerous or abusive situation, with an aim to alleviate the need to re-enter the family home to collect essential items. Each Escape Bag has been made with love by volunteers and filled in a warehouse in Unanderra, NSW, and then distributed to stockists nationwide. Over 11,00 bags have been distributed. Along with financial support, Campbelltown Catholic Club staff partake in a number of volunteer days to assist in bag packing, is a stockist for the Escape Bags for those who need them, actively participates in the Escabags annual aWEARness fundraising day and provided in-kind support for the Escabags bi-annual gala fundraiser event in 2023.
Escabags – Your First Step to Freedom
Campbelltown Catholic Club is a corporate partner of Escabags, a registered charity with the mission to alleviate the immediate trauma of domestic abuse by providing free and effective access to ‘Escape Bags’ in communities, while connecting victims with resources and agencies to continue their journey towards survivorship. Escape Bags are free, non-gender specific tote bags containing the essential items that a victim of abuse and his/her children may need when initially escaping a dangerous or abusive situation, with an aim to alleviate the need to re-enter the family home to collect essential items. Each Escape Bag has been made with love by volunteers and filled in a warehouse in Unanderra, NSW, and then distributed to stockists nationwide. Over 11,00 bags have been distributed. Along with financial support, Campbelltown Catholic Club staff partake in a number of volunteer days to assist in bag packing, is a stockist for the Escape Bags for those who need them, actively participates in the Escabags annual aWEARness fundraising day and provided in-kind support for the Escabags bi-annual gala fundraiser event in 2023.
Cardiff RSL
Morning Melodies - Musical Mornings for NDIS Wellness
Cardiff RSL hosts a Morning Melodies session every Thursday for individuals and their carers. Musician Pete Sneddon sings crowd favourites to over 100 participants and their carers who attend the weekly event, which has recently incorporated sensory items such as percussion instruments. This thoughtful addition allows participants to actively engage with the music, creating a full sensory experience that transcends traditional entertainment boundaries. Cardiff RSL is proud to pioneer a program that not only entertains but also enriches the lives of those in our community.
Morning Melodies - Musical Mornings for NDIS Wellness
Cardiff RSL hosts a Morning Melodies session every Thursday for individuals and their carers. Musician Pete Sneddon sings crowd favourites to over 100 participants and their carers who attend the weekly event, which has recently incorporated sensory items such as percussion instruments. This thoughtful addition allows participants to actively engage with the music, creating a full sensory experience that transcends traditional entertainment boundaries. Cardiff RSL is proud to pioneer a program that not only entertains but also enriches the lives of those in our community.
Central Coast Leagues Club
Waves Dance Parties a Huge Success
Celebrating its first anniversary, the Waves Inclusive Dance Party brought a vibrant burst of diversity and inclusivity to the Central Coast Leagues Club on 2 June 2023. This event stands as a beacon of joy, uniting young people of all abilities in a delighted celebration filled with music, laughter and dance. Spearheaded by a passionate committee of young adults and supported by Social Futures and the Terrigal Rotary Club, these dance parties embody the essence of community and shared joy. The event in June 2023 was a significant success, attracting over 200 attendees, including Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford, who joyfully participated in the festivities. Tesch's reflections on the event underscore the profound impact of fostering such inclusive spaces, where everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the universal pleasure of dance. These quarterly gatherings have become more than just events; they are a platform for promoting equality, acceptance and community spirit. With a nominal $15 entry fee and complimentary admission for carers, the events are made accessible to all, ensuring sustainability while maintaining the experience's inclusivity for all. Central Coast Leagues Club has offered free room hire for each event, removing a significant financial barrier and enabling the organisers to host these inclusive gatherings. Beyond just the space, the Club has provided logistical support in terms of setup, security and accessibility to ensure that the events run smoothly and are accessible to all attendees, including those with mobility challenges.
Waves Dance Parties a Huge Success
Celebrating its first anniversary, the Waves Inclusive Dance Party brought a vibrant burst of diversity and inclusivity to the Central Coast Leagues Club on 2 June 2023. This event stands as a beacon of joy, uniting young people of all abilities in a delighted celebration filled with music, laughter and dance. Spearheaded by a passionate committee of young adults and supported by Social Futures and the Terrigal Rotary Club, these dance parties embody the essence of community and shared joy. The event in June 2023 was a significant success, attracting over 200 attendees, including Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford, who joyfully participated in the festivities. Tesch's reflections on the event underscore the profound impact of fostering such inclusive spaces, where everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the universal pleasure of dance. These quarterly gatherings have become more than just events; they are a platform for promoting equality, acceptance and community spirit. With a nominal $15 entry fee and complimentary admission for carers, the events are made accessible to all, ensuring sustainability while maintaining the experience's inclusivity for all. Central Coast Leagues Club has offered free room hire for each event, removing a significant financial barrier and enabling the organisers to host these inclusive gatherings. Beyond just the space, the Club has provided logistical support in terms of setup, security and accessibility to ensure that the events run smoothly and are accessible to all attendees, including those with mobility challenges.
Cherry Street Sports Ballina
Purple Friday - Community Unifies, Making a Stance
Cherry Street Sports Ballina decided to launch Purple Friday in collaboration with their local Rotary Club, to take a stand against domestic violence and start conversations in the community - all by wearing purple shirts. The Club invested $30,000 in sending purple shirts out to local businesses that wanted to get on board and support Purple Friday. Since inception, the cause has met many milestones including a 600+ person walk against violence, visiting parliament house for the launch, winners of community event of the year, and hosting a live concert supporting Love Bites Respectful Relationships, amongst many others.
Purple Friday - Community Unifies, Making a Stance
Cherry Street Sports Ballina decided to launch Purple Friday in collaboration with their local Rotary Club, to take a stand against domestic violence and start conversations in the community - all by wearing purple shirts. The Club invested $30,000 in sending purple shirts out to local businesses that wanted to get on board and support Purple Friday. Since inception, the cause has met many milestones including a 600+ person walk against violence, visiting parliament house for the launch, winners of community event of the year, and hosting a live concert supporting Love Bites Respectful Relationships, amongst many others.
Crescent Head Country Club
Aloha Mabuhay Welcome
Crescent Head Country Club (CHCC) prides itself on fostering inclusivity and diversity across all levels of its operations. From its diverse board and management team - which includes female, overseas-born and Aboriginal directors - to restructuring its interclubs to be more inclusive, CHCC ensures a broad representation of voices and perspectives. Last year, when faced with the departure of a female board member, CHCC strategically appointed a young female director to maintain diversity - a decision well-received by members. The Club's commitment to inclusivity extends to its facilities, with recent projects like the addition of a lift as part of the emergency evacuation centre, a new clubhouse and social hub designed with disability access in mind, and upgrades to the tennis court and a new mini golf facility - both of which have been extended to the students of Macleay Vocational College to enjoy. MVC is a small school of approximately 120 students that is dedicated to empowering young people in years 9-12 who do not fit into the mainstream learning environment.
Aloha Mabuhay Welcome
Crescent Head Country Club (CHCC) prides itself on fostering inclusivity and diversity across all levels of its operations. From its diverse board and management team - which includes female, overseas-born and Aboriginal directors - to restructuring its interclubs to be more inclusive, CHCC ensures a broad representation of voices and perspectives. Last year, when faced with the departure of a female board member, CHCC strategically appointed a young female director to maintain diversity - a decision well-received by members. The Club's commitment to inclusivity extends to its facilities, with recent projects like the addition of a lift as part of the emergency evacuation centre, a new clubhouse and social hub designed with disability access in mind, and upgrades to the tennis court and a new mini golf facility - both of which have been extended to the students of Macleay Vocational College to enjoy. MVC is a small school of approximately 120 students that is dedicated to empowering young people in years 9-12 who do not fit into the mainstream learning environment.
DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club
Inclusion Champion - Empowering Diversity in Our Community
DOOLEYS has showcased unwavering dedication to social inclusion and diversity through various tailored initiatives for individuals with disabilities. Notably their inclusive recruitment efforts which include open sessions with Octec Employment Services, which have led to the successful permanent hiring of four individuals. Furthermore, DOOLEYS partners with organisations like Forward Ability to ensure accessibility in their Club services, making adjustments to entrances and menu items. Their financial support extends to various charities with over $171,000 contributed in the past 15 months alone, benefiting organisations like Goalball and MS Plus. Through proactive outreach, accommodations and financial aid, DOOLEYS not only promotes social equity but also enriches the community's fabric, demonstrating a strategic investment in inclusivity.
Inclusion Champion - Empowering Diversity in Our Community
DOOLEYS has showcased unwavering dedication to social inclusion and diversity through various tailored initiatives for individuals with disabilities. Notably their inclusive recruitment efforts which include open sessions with Octec Employment Services, which have led to the successful permanent hiring of four individuals. Furthermore, DOOLEYS partners with organisations like Forward Ability to ensure accessibility in their Club services, making adjustments to entrances and menu items. Their financial support extends to various charities with over $171,000 contributed in the past 15 months alone, benefiting organisations like Goalball and MS Plus. Through proactive outreach, accommodations and financial aid, DOOLEYS not only promotes social equity but also enriches the community's fabric, demonstrating a strategic investment in inclusivity.
Holman Barnes Group, Wests Ashfield
HBG Community BBQ for the Homeless
In January 2023, Holman Barnes Group (HBG) launched an initiative in support of the Rev. Bill Crews Foundation, an organisation dedicated to addressing the root causes and consequences of homelessness, poverty and disadvantage. This initiative involves hosting a monthly community barbecue at the foundation's site, where 200 guests are warmly served by Club volunteers. HBG not only covers all expenses for the day but also provides staff volunteers in the kitchen, handle the setup and actively participate in the food service. The day is also enriched by live music, creating a festive atmosphere where the guests joyfully sing along as they enjoy their delicious, barbecued treats.
HBG Community BBQ for the Homeless
In January 2023, Holman Barnes Group (HBG) launched an initiative in support of the Rev. Bill Crews Foundation, an organisation dedicated to addressing the root causes and consequences of homelessness, poverty and disadvantage. This initiative involves hosting a monthly community barbecue at the foundation's site, where 200 guests are warmly served by Club volunteers. HBG not only covers all expenses for the day but also provides staff volunteers in the kitchen, handle the setup and actively participate in the food service. The day is also enriched by live music, creating a festive atmosphere where the guests joyfully sing along as they enjoy their delicious, barbecued treats.
Hornsby RSL
Sharing the Dignity
Hornsby RSL has supported Share the Dignity through their 'It's in yhe Bag' drive, donating 108 bags over the Christmas period. These bags supported 60 women, 10 senior women, 29 teenagers and nine mums with babies, who were experiencing financial hardship, stress, disadvantage or domestic violence. The Club donated the use of their facilities as a collection point for the drive, staff volunteers to create collateral and prepare the items ready for collection, and Club resources to advertise the campaign. During this period, the Club saw both members and staff alike show compassion and enormous generosity, bringing in bags of essential items from soaps to deodorant and sanitary items to hair products, as well as luxury items from makeup to jewellery and face masks to cosmetic bags. The Club will be aiming to grow the program in 2024, with a goal to double the number of items donated, allowing them to help over 200 women in need.
Sharing the Dignity
Hornsby RSL has supported Share the Dignity through their 'It's in yhe Bag' drive, donating 108 bags over the Christmas period. These bags supported 60 women, 10 senior women, 29 teenagers and nine mums with babies, who were experiencing financial hardship, stress, disadvantage or domestic violence. The Club donated the use of their facilities as a collection point for the drive, staff volunteers to create collateral and prepare the items ready for collection, and Club resources to advertise the campaign. During this period, the Club saw both members and staff alike show compassion and enormous generosity, bringing in bags of essential items from soaps to deodorant and sanitary items to hair products, as well as luxury items from makeup to jewellery and face masks to cosmetic bags. The Club will be aiming to grow the program in 2024, with a goal to double the number of items donated, allowing them to help over 200 women in need.
Milton Ulladulla ExServos Club
A Fun Safe Place for Everyone
Milton Ulladulla ExServos Club has been supporting the Pigeon House RSL Day Club for many years through financial support of $11,000 and support in kind through venue provisions. For many who retire there, they don't know others in the area. That's where Day Club comes in. They meet every second Tuesday and kick the day off with games, exercise, entertainment, lunch, snacks and so much laughter. Day Club has more than doubled its membership from 14 participants, including eight volunteers, to forty-plus members. It's safe to say that Pigeon House RSL Day Club is not an ordinary club. The organisers and members incite a sense of childhood happiness and share memories of their past, reliving and sharing their lives with people who were once strangers, but are now lifelong friends.
A Fun Safe Place for Everyone
Milton Ulladulla ExServos Club has been supporting the Pigeon House RSL Day Club for many years through financial support of $11,000 and support in kind through venue provisions. For many who retire there, they don't know others in the area. That's where Day Club comes in. They meet every second Tuesday and kick the day off with games, exercise, entertainment, lunch, snacks and so much laughter. Day Club has more than doubled its membership from 14 participants, including eight volunteers, to forty-plus members. It's safe to say that Pigeon House RSL Day Club is not an ordinary club. The organisers and members incite a sense of childhood happiness and share memories of their past, reliving and sharing their lives with people who were once strangers, but are now lifelong friends.
Moama Bowling Club
A Tradition of Community Support
The familiar hum of the Moama Bowling Club courtesy bus used to signal a night of fun and a convenient ride home for Club patrons – now, it signals something even more special. The 12-seater Mercedes Benz van has found a new home with Vivid – a disability service provider in the Echuca Moama community. For Vivid clients restricted mobility often means missing out. Whether it be a doctor's appointment, community gatherings or even the chance to hold down a job – transportation hurdles can often make it difficult. This bus is a chance to provide Vivid clients greater independence. Moama Bowling Club's commitment to Vivid extends further, with the Club also providing paid work opportunities for young people leaving school, through Vivid's employment support program.
A Tradition of Community Support
The familiar hum of the Moama Bowling Club courtesy bus used to signal a night of fun and a convenient ride home for Club patrons – now, it signals something even more special. The 12-seater Mercedes Benz van has found a new home with Vivid – a disability service provider in the Echuca Moama community. For Vivid clients restricted mobility often means missing out. Whether it be a doctor's appointment, community gatherings or even the chance to hold down a job – transportation hurdles can often make it difficult. This bus is a chance to provide Vivid clients greater independence. Moama Bowling Club's commitment to Vivid extends further, with the Club also providing paid work opportunities for young people leaving school, through Vivid's employment support program.
Moorebank Sports Club
Breaking Down Barriers with Heroes with Ability
Social inclusion is something Moorebank Sports Club (Sporties) values highly in both their daily operations and their partnerships, which cemented their decision to support Heroes with Ability. Heroes with Ability was formed in a bid to embed inclusive sport participation in schools, providing opportunities for people with disabilities to play sport in the community. In early 2023, Nuwarra Public School in Moorebank expressed interest in running the Heroes with Ability program for their students and requested a contribution of $10,000 from Sporties through ClubGRANTS – becoming the first primary school to implement the program. The Heroes with Ability program was delivered to 19 students at Nuwarra PS in term 4, 2023 and received such great feedback that Sporties decided to extend its support. In November 2023, Sporties sponsored the Heroes with Ability Gala Day, providing the 225 students who had taken part in the Heroes with Ability school program an opportunity to come together to showcase their ability and represent their schools in a competition-style environment.
Breaking Down Barriers with Heroes with Ability
Social inclusion is something Moorebank Sports Club (Sporties) values highly in both their daily operations and their partnerships, which cemented their decision to support Heroes with Ability. Heroes with Ability was formed in a bid to embed inclusive sport participation in schools, providing opportunities for people with disabilities to play sport in the community. In early 2023, Nuwarra Public School in Moorebank expressed interest in running the Heroes with Ability program for their students and requested a contribution of $10,000 from Sporties through ClubGRANTS – becoming the first primary school to implement the program. The Heroes with Ability program was delivered to 19 students at Nuwarra PS in term 4, 2023 and received such great feedback that Sporties decided to extend its support. In November 2023, Sporties sponsored the Heroes with Ability Gala Day, providing the 225 students who had taken part in the Heroes with Ability school program an opportunity to come together to showcase their ability and represent their schools in a competition-style environment.
Mounties
Equal Opportunity for People with Autism
Mounties Group supports Somewhere Nice – an autism employment opportunity shop by Autism Advisory and Support Services (AASS). The Club provides funding to help address the significant unemployment rates among individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With an unemployment rate of 31.6 per cent (three times the rate of people with other disabilities and six times the rate of those without disabilities), there is a critical need to create employment opportunities tailored to individuals with ASD. Somewhere Nice operates as a social enterprise Op Shop and Cafe, providing a supportive environment for participants to develop essential retail skills. Participants undergo training including obtaining a Cert 2 in retail studies to equip them with the necessary skills and confidence for employment. Upon completion of the training, or when ready, participants transition to employment in mainstream settings. The goal is to expand employment opportunities for participants, providing them with greater choice and control over their futures. Additionally, AASS conducts a series of 10-week "get ready for work" programs, focusing on imparting vital retail and hospitality skills to small groups of individuals with ASD. The Club's funding played a crucial role in safely fitting out the retail space, creating an inclusive and accessible environment for participants.
Equal Opportunity for People with Autism
Mounties Group supports Somewhere Nice – an autism employment opportunity shop by Autism Advisory and Support Services (AASS). The Club provides funding to help address the significant unemployment rates among individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With an unemployment rate of 31.6 per cent (three times the rate of people with other disabilities and six times the rate of those without disabilities), there is a critical need to create employment opportunities tailored to individuals with ASD. Somewhere Nice operates as a social enterprise Op Shop and Cafe, providing a supportive environment for participants to develop essential retail skills. Participants undergo training including obtaining a Cert 2 in retail studies to equip them with the necessary skills and confidence for employment. Upon completion of the training, or when ready, participants transition to employment in mainstream settings. The goal is to expand employment opportunities for participants, providing them with greater choice and control over their futures. Additionally, AASS conducts a series of 10-week "get ready for work" programs, focusing on imparting vital retail and hospitality skills to small groups of individuals with ASD. The Club's funding played a crucial role in safely fitting out the retail space, creating an inclusive and accessible environment for participants.
NCYC
Anchored Community - Sailing Beyond Boundaries
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) has been active in its local community since its inception in 1994. Notable initiatives include SheSails, initiated by Jan Howard and Mary Holley in 2010 to boost female participation in sailing. The Club offers Women’s Learn to Sail courses twice a week and hosts two annual regattas to boost sailing skills and promote inclusivity. NCYC also hosts the Making Waves Foundation, providing sailing opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged youth, and supports the Saltwater Veterans and Front Line Sailing programs – aiding participants with shared experiences like PTSD. Additionally, NCYC's Men's Shed fosters community among retired men, while its partnership with Omnia Inclusive Employment Solutions facilitated employment for individuals with disabilities, fostering confidence and boosting their workplace experience.
Anchored Community - Sailing Beyond Boundaries
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) has been active in its local community since its inception in 1994. Notable initiatives include SheSails, initiated by Jan Howard and Mary Holley in 2010 to boost female participation in sailing. The Club offers Women’s Learn to Sail courses twice a week and hosts two annual regattas to boost sailing skills and promote inclusivity. NCYC also hosts the Making Waves Foundation, providing sailing opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged youth, and supports the Saltwater Veterans and Front Line Sailing programs – aiding participants with shared experiences like PTSD. Additionally, NCYC's Men's Shed fosters community among retired men, while its partnership with Omnia Inclusive Employment Solutions facilitated employment for individuals with disabilities, fostering confidence and boosting their workplace experience.
Norths
A Pawsitive Partnership with Assistance Dogs Australia
Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) enhances independence and social inclusion for people with disabilities by providing highly trained, accredited Assistance Dogs. ADA provides dogs to individuals with physical disabilities, children and young adults with autism, and veterans and first responders with PTSD. Whilst a two-year training program and an investment of $60,000 is required to train each assistance dog, ADA receives no ongoing government funding – instead relying on donations from the public and support from corporate partners, philanthropists, trusts and foundations. The decision for Norths Cammeray to support ADA was rooted in their dedication to fostering independence and inclusivity, transforming lives through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs. Norths Cammeray extends multifaceted support to ADA, through financial contribution via the clubGRANTS program, in-kind support by providing club facilities to host the ‘Furever Friends’ event and actively promoting club staff and members to volunteer for various ADA initiatives.
A Pawsitive Partnership with Assistance Dogs Australia
Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) enhances independence and social inclusion for people with disabilities by providing highly trained, accredited Assistance Dogs. ADA provides dogs to individuals with physical disabilities, children and young adults with autism, and veterans and first responders with PTSD. Whilst a two-year training program and an investment of $60,000 is required to train each assistance dog, ADA receives no ongoing government funding – instead relying on donations from the public and support from corporate partners, philanthropists, trusts and foundations. The decision for Norths Cammeray to support ADA was rooted in their dedication to fostering independence and inclusivity, transforming lives through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs. Norths Cammeray extends multifaceted support to ADA, through financial contribution via the clubGRANTS program, in-kind support by providing club facilities to host the ‘Furever Friends’ event and actively promoting club staff and members to volunteer for various ADA initiatives.
Parra Leagues
Dignity
At the core of Dignity's mission was the belief in treating every person with the utmost respect and dignity. Their philosophy is simple yet profound - by offering essential services like nourishing food, safe shelter, clean clothes, and education, they aim to guide individuals back to a place they could call home. A phone call to the Community Manager at Parra Leagues resulted in the use of kitchens, cooking and soon 1200 meals were packed for distribution. In the darkest of times there is always a glimmer of hope.
Dignity
At the core of Dignity's mission was the belief in treating every person with the utmost respect and dignity. Their philosophy is simple yet profound - by offering essential services like nourishing food, safe shelter, clean clothes, and education, they aim to guide individuals back to a place they could call home. A phone call to the Community Manager at Parra Leagues resulted in the use of kitchens, cooking and soon 1200 meals were packed for distribution. In the darkest of times there is always a glimmer of hope.
Ramsgate RSL
Nourishing Hearts, One Snack at a Time
During the month of September Ramsgate RSL joined forces with not-for-profit charity Snacktember. Started by Lennox Wade when she was only three years old, Snacktember – in partnership with OzHarvest – helps to reduce food waste and aims to feed hungry kids by collecting unwanted snacks and pantry items and distributing them to those in need. Since its inception, Snacktember has collected over 750 kilograms of snacks to share with the disadvantaged and those facing food insecurity. Ramsgate RSL launched their Snacktember initiative with their staff, members and guests, holding a collection point in the foyer of the Club for members to donate unused snacks, utilising a trolley kindly supplied by the local IGA grocery store.
Nourishing Hearts, One Snack at a Time
During the month of September Ramsgate RSL joined forces with not-for-profit charity Snacktember. Started by Lennox Wade when she was only three years old, Snacktember – in partnership with OzHarvest – helps to reduce food waste and aims to feed hungry kids by collecting unwanted snacks and pantry items and distributing them to those in need. Since its inception, Snacktember has collected over 750 kilograms of snacks to share with the disadvantaged and those facing food insecurity. Ramsgate RSL launched their Snacktember initiative with their staff, members and guests, holding a collection point in the foyer of the Club for members to donate unused snacks, utilising a trolley kindly supplied by the local IGA grocery store.
Twin Towns
All Abilities Come to the Party
Children with additional needs often struggle to be accepted with many finding it tough to meet and make new friends. This is due to a range of reasons such as physical limitations, emotional or behavioural problems or due to finding unfamiliar environments stressful. Although preschool and school-aged children regularly attend parties throughout their school years, many kids with additional needs seldom receive an invitation. Twin Towns has changed that for children with additional needs living in the local community – inviting them and their parents or carers (plus any siblings) to attend the biggest free, fully-catered Kids Party in the Tweed Shire. For three fun-filled hours, Twin Towns treats the children and families to a jaw-dropping, non-stop parade of refreshments and party food. Twin Towns packs hundreds of take-home gift bags for the kids and their siblings with goodies such as chips, lollies, games and activities, just like a regular kids’ party. Since 2005, Twins Towns has held 16 parties, touching the lives of over 4000 children.
All Abilities Come to the Party
Children with additional needs often struggle to be accepted with many finding it tough to meet and make new friends. This is due to a range of reasons such as physical limitations, emotional or behavioural problems or due to finding unfamiliar environments stressful. Although preschool and school-aged children regularly attend parties throughout their school years, many kids with additional needs seldom receive an invitation. Twin Towns has changed that for children with additional needs living in the local community – inviting them and their parents or carers (plus any siblings) to attend the biggest free, fully-catered Kids Party in the Tweed Shire. For three fun-filled hours, Twin Towns treats the children and families to a jaw-dropping, non-stop parade of refreshments and party food. Twin Towns packs hundreds of take-home gift bags for the kids and their siblings with goodies such as chips, lollies, games and activities, just like a regular kids’ party. Since 2005, Twins Towns has held 16 parties, touching the lives of over 4000 children.
Wenty Leagues
Charity Housie - Engaging the Community
Charity Housie – a community game akin to bingo – is a key contributor of funds to Learning Links – a not-for-profit organisation that has been empowering children to learn, develop and thrive for over 50 years. With 90 sessions run weekly at 44 clubs across NSW, the funds raised through Charity Housie are vital in enabling Learning Links to grow, innovate and maximise its impact on children and families. In addition to funding, Charity Housie offers various benefits: enhancing mental health and brain cognition, providing routine and social interaction, maintaining physical dexterity and reducing stress. Housie is an inclusive game that promotes unity and acceptance by addressing the needs of the diverse community.
Charity Housie - Engaging the Community
Charity Housie – a community game akin to bingo – is a key contributor of funds to Learning Links – a not-for-profit organisation that has been empowering children to learn, develop and thrive for over 50 years. With 90 sessions run weekly at 44 clubs across NSW, the funds raised through Charity Housie are vital in enabling Learning Links to grow, innovate and maximise its impact on children and families. In addition to funding, Charity Housie offers various benefits: enhancing mental health and brain cognition, providing routine and social interaction, maintaining physical dexterity and reducing stress. Housie is an inclusive game that promotes unity and acceptance by addressing the needs of the diverse community.
Workers Lifestyle Group
CEO & Co - Homeless in Blacktown
On possibly the coldest evening of the year, the Winter Solstice, over 40 participants from Workers Lifestyle Group and their partners braved the freezing, wet weather at the Clubs third annual CEO & Co Winter Sleepout to raise funds for Carevan Blacktown. During a time when many are doing it tough, Carevan Blacktown helps those in need with food, hampers and warm clothes. Seeing the need for services in Western Sydney and the excellent locally based charities providing those services, Workers Lifestyle Group CEO Morgan Stewart, decided that the Club would raise funds to specifically target the Workers Lifestyle Community – with the vision to engage local people to a local cause for local benefit. Workers Lifestyle Group helped raise over $50,000, which enabled Carevan Blacktown to provide additional assistance to those facing hardship in the Blacktown community.
CEO & Co - Homeless in Blacktown
On possibly the coldest evening of the year, the Winter Solstice, over 40 participants from Workers Lifestyle Group and their partners braved the freezing, wet weather at the Clubs third annual CEO & Co Winter Sleepout to raise funds for Carevan Blacktown. During a time when many are doing it tough, Carevan Blacktown helps those in need with food, hampers and warm clothes. Seeing the need for services in Western Sydney and the excellent locally based charities providing those services, Workers Lifestyle Group CEO Morgan Stewart, decided that the Club would raise funds to specifically target the Workers Lifestyle Community – with the vision to engage local people to a local cause for local benefit. Workers Lifestyle Group helped raise over $50,000, which enabled Carevan Blacktown to provide additional assistance to those facing hardship in the Blacktown community.