NSW Clubs celebrated the Australian spirit this week, recognising the incredible support Clubs have shown to their local communities over the past year.
The 2023 Clubs and Community Awards Night was held at Luna Park in Sydney, hosting guests such as the Minister for Hospitality and Racing, David Harris and Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Anderson. In all, over 850 guests honoured the outstanding efforts of their peers at this black-tie event.
Award categories had been reviewed from previous years in light of the challenges faced by the industry over the last 12 months. This year they included: Arts & Culture; Club Person of the Year (Individual award); Education, Emergency Services, Fostering Grassroots Sport, Health Care, Mental & Social Wellbeing, and a new category of Sustainability.
Along with a winner for each category, four Highly Commended entrants were acknowledged. Award winners are listed below.
Lifetime achievement awards were also given to Kay Kelly for A Lifetime of Achievement, and John Murray OAM for an astounding 80 Years of Volunteering.
ClubsNSW Acting CEO Sallianne Faulkner said she was inspired by the number and calibre of the submissions for the 2023 Clubs & Community Awards.
“There were 120 very deserving Clubs & Community Awards finalists this year, with each one working tirelessly to look after their members and the wider community,” said Ms Faulkner.
Winners
Arts & Culture – Broken Hill Musicians Club
Club Person of the Year – Tony Ireland (submitted by Milton Ulladulla ExServos Club)
Education – Club Central Hurstville
Emergency Services – Cudal Bowling Club and Mounties
Fostering Grassroots Sport – Cherry Street Sports Ballina
Health Care – Workers Lifestyle Group
Heart of the Community – Cronulla RSL and Lithgow Workies Club
Mental & Social Wellbeing – Club Forster
Sustainability – Hornsby RSL Club
Highly Commended:
Education – Twin Towns
Emergency Services – Orange Ex-Services Club
Heart of the Community – Wests Macarthur Group
Mental & Social Wellbeing – Club Taree