November Column: ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m genuinely excited by the opportunities and achievements shaping our club industry. There’s so much to celebrate — and even more to look forward to, including…

Member Clubs Hosting the Official NRL Vegas Watch Party

In case you missed it, ClubsNSW is again teaming up with the NRL to bring all the excitement of Las Vegas right into our clubs. On Sunday, 1 March all member clubs are invited (and encouraged!) to host an Official NRL Vegas Watch Party. By simply registering a Watch Party here, your club will be included in an extensive state-wide advertising campaign — think The Daily Telegraph, 2GB, SEN Radio and NRL.com — not to mention the organic media coverage and social media buzz. 

Patrons in participating clubs will have the chance to win one of two trips for two people to NRL Vegas 2027, and the first 100 clubs to register their Watch Party by early next month will have the chance to win jerseys to give away in their club on the day. 

This is all about driving foot traffic, boosting engagement and making clubs the go-to destinations for footy fans, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the action. You can find more details here.
Exclusive Access to AICD Courses for Member Clubs

In exciting news on the governance front, and as you may have heard me announce at the ClubsNSW Conference last month, ClubsNSW has partnered with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) — the world’s largest director institute. 

This is all about raising the bar for governance and professional development in our clubs, and it will unlock significant discounts for member clubs when they sign up for the Company Directors Course™ which has been adapted specifically for our industry. 

There is also a complimentary 12-month AICD membership for course participants, giving you access to ongoing professional development opportunities. The first course will be held in April 2026; registrations open in January. If you’re keen to learn more, the AICD will hold a virtual Q&A session on Wednesday, 10 December from 6pm. You can find all the details here.

Shining a Spotlight on Small Clubs at the Clubs & Community Awards

Submissions for the 2026 Clubs & Community Awards are open, and I encourage every club to submit at least one story that showcases your contribution to your community — whether it’s a fundraiser you held for a local family or business in need, a live music event that you hosted to showcase local artists, or even lending out your space to a charity — every story is worth telling. 

There are 10 award categories including two brand-new ones: Small Club, Big Heart (honouring small clubs making a mighty impact) and Sustainable Future (recognising clubs that are investing in long-term sustainability and resilience). 

We know it’s a busy time of year and that sometimes we all need an extra incentive, so here’s something to sweeten the deal. Individuals who submit a story by Friday, 12 December will go in the draw to win one of three $500 Visa gift cards! Click here for all the details. 

Clubs Making Moves to Address Housing Crisis

With the housing crisis a key area of focus for the NSW Government, our industry is putting up its hand to help — and I look forward to seeing more of it in 2026! 

Campbelltown Catholic Club is the latest to make moves in this space, unveiling the Siquilla Retirement Residences — purpose-built for over-60s, right next to the Club’s main premises. This project is part of a growing trend, with more than 30 clubs across NSW now diversifying into seniors’ living. 

Not only does this provide high-quality accommodation and a vibrant lifestyle for retirees, but it also helps free up much-needed housing for young families. If you haven’t watched the ClubTV episode on this yet, be sure to do so here.

ClubGRANTS Changing Lives of Locals 

This year we saw a record $127 million delivered through ClubGRANTS, supporting more than 7600 charities and community groups right across the state. That’s an average grant of almost $9000 per recipient — and it’s $47 million more than what’s required by the guidelines. 

The impact of this program is real and wide-reaching. From women’s shelters and veterans’ organisations to children’s hospitals and mental health foundations, our industry has extended a helping hand to worthy organisations that support some of the most vulnerable people in society. 

It’s a testament to the generosity and commitment of our sector, something we should all be proud of — and this result has set the bar high for 2026!

***

All of the above initiatives reflect the strength, vibrancy, generosity and leadership of our industry. Thank you for everything you do to make our communities stronger and more connected. Here’s to another year of achievement and opportunity for NSW clubs.