On Thursday June 6, clubs from across New South Wales gathered to the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney for the industry’s night of nights. Attendees got dressed up in their finest black-tie outfits, making the event a dazzling celebration.
There were 139 finalists for the ClubNSW’s 2024 Clubs & Community Awards.
The annual recognise the social contributions made by clubs in their local areas across nine categories: arts, culture and entertainment; education; emergency services; fostering grassroots sport; health care; heart of the community; mental wellbeing; social inclusion; and environmental sustainability.
The awards were judged by an independent panel of judges: The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate; ClubsNSW ambassador Nathan Hindmarsh; News Corp Australia 360 Commercial national editor Louise Roberts; Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce; and Keno national partnership manager Luke Harrison.
Here’s the full list of winners and highly commended entries:
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Winner: Moama Bowling Club
Highly commended: Euston Bowling Club
Education
Winners: Wellington Soldier Club and Workers Lifestyle Group
Highly commended: Castle Hill RSL and Mounties
Emergency Services
Winner: Mounties
Highly commended: Bathurst RSL
Environmental Sustainability
Winner: Nelson Bay Golf Club
Highly commended: Crescent Head Country Club
Fostering Grassroots Sport
Winner: Wyong Rugby League Club
Highly commended: Bankstown Sports Club and SS&A Albury
Heart of the Community
Winners: Crescent Head Country Club, Bathurst RSL and Arley Carrion from Mounties
Highly commended: Greta Workers Club and Brian Gray from Bankstown Sports Club
Mental Wellbeing
Winner: Club York
Highly commended: Liverpool Catholic Club and Seagulls Club
Social Inclusion
Winner: Twin Towns and Cherry Street Sports Ballina
Highly commended: Norths
A special judges award was also handed down to Coledale RSL for its efforts on reopening the club doors after it shut in 2022.
The industry was also joined by special guest 11-year-old Lennox Wade, who at the age of three started #Snacktember, which, in collaboration with OzHarvest , helps to reduce food waste and feed hungry kids by collecting unwanted snacks and pantry items.
On the night, ClubsNSW announced it would donate $2,500 to assist Wade with the incredible work she’s doing with #Snacktember. She’s currently organising a Future Leaders Forum to be held at Cronulla RSL to grow the initiative.