32 LITTLETON STREET RIVERWOOD PHONE 9533 3144 CLUBRIVERS.COM.AU
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Michael Free It is with great pleasure that I welcome all of our members to 2024 at Club Rivers. I hope that you all enjoyed spending time with your families over the Christmas and New Year period. As we settle into the new year, I am pleased to submit my report and present our financial accounts for 2023. This year we achieved a $5,446,292 profit before tax for 2023 (unaudited figures), which was again a sensational result considering the shape of the economy, the overall performances within the hospitality industry and also taking into account the increase in depreciation due to all the upgrades and renovations over the past few years. It is also pleasing to note our continued growth in membership; it is obvious the renovations completed over the last few years including the Canopy, Rivergum Café, The Bunker, Thunderdome kids play areas & the introduction of Mike’s Grill are enticing patrons to Club Rivers. We will continue in the future looking for ways to build on our current strong position and improve the member experience at our Club. To the teams at Mikes and Red River House who continue to work tirelessly to provide quality meals at affordable prices. It is a credit to you and your professional teams that you are virtually booked out on our mainstream evenings. Congratulations and thank you for your continued support and efforts. We look forward to another year working together as a team. During 2023 your Board and Management continued to focus on further training and enhance their knowledge of our industry. Directors together with senior management completed numerous courses that were available through Clubs NSW and the Club Educational Institute. This year we also completed a full review of our Strategic Plan which included succession planning for the future.
One of the important part of our Club is our Board. Our Board Members give up their time providing strategic direction to the Club by constructive engagement in the development, execution and modification of the Club’s strategy. They are responsible to members for the overall governance and performance of the Club. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Board member, we will be hosting a Board information Night on 6 March 2024 from 6pm. Further details are located on page 3 of this magazine issue. Later this year I will be gearing up to take on the Mystery Box Charity Rally where myself and Paul Millar our CEO will embark on a unique adventure in a 30+ year old Falcon through Australia's toughest terrain to raise vital funds for the Cancer Council & improving cancer diagnosis, an illness which unfortunately has touched everyone in some way or form. To kickstart our fundraising we have provided a link on page 20 of this magazine to the donation site. It’s a terrific cause and we would be most appreciative of your support in helping us reach our goal of $5000. Don’t forget ANZAC Day is fast approaching. Further details are in this edition together with other great events and promotions. To my fellow Directors, thankyou again, for your continued support and efforts. As a Board we are proud to be elected to serve the members and the community. We enjoy working together and with management, planning and ensuring the future of this great club. Finally, to you our valued members and friends, without your support and patronage, Club Rivers would not be where it is today and we would not be in a position to continue upgrading your facilities and supporting many organisations within the community. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you around the Club.
MONDAY 22 APRIL 2024
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of Riverwood Legion and Community Club Limited ACN 000 411 923 (the “Club”) will be held in the Club’s premises at 32 Littleton Street, Riverwood New South Wales on Monday 22 April 2024. Doors open at 6.30pm meeting commences at 7.00pm. All notices of motion are to please be in the hands of the CEO by Wednesday 25 March 2024. All questions pertaining to the clubs accounts are to please be in the hands of the CEO by Wednesday 8 April 2024 to ensure accuracy of response.
CEO’S REPORT
Paul Millar Welcome to our first edition of the CR NEWS for 2024! The festive season was truly extraordinary, marked by vibrant raffle nights, bustling trade in our F&B areas, and numerous groups gathering to celebrate Christmas and the arrival of the new year. We were excited to introduce our Thunderdome Kids areas in November, creating a warm welcome for our returning families in our community. We trust that many of you had the opportunity to visit our Club and explore the recent enhancements made to our members' facilities throughout the course of 2023. Over the past year, the NSW ClubGrants Program and the ethical obligations of our registered clubs have garnered significant media coverage. I wanted to take this opportunity to provide an overview of the recent contributions made by NSW Clubs and the details of the program. ClubGRANTS stands out as one of the most substantial grant programs in Australia, disbursing $121 million to charities, sporting groups, and community associations during the 2022–23 grant year. Remarkably, clubs went above and beyond by contributing an additional $50 million beyond the required ClubGRANTS scheme amount for the past year. This level of support highlights the clubs' dedication and support of local community causes.
Clubs and Grant recipients are required to report on the outcomes and impact of the funded projects, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of funds. This reporting helps evaluate the effectiveness of the program and ensures that the funds are contributing to the betterment of the community. The 2 main Categories of funding each have different criteria that must be met to be successful: Category 1: Supports community welfare and social services, community development, and employment assistance activities. Category 2: Funds specific community development and support projects, including sports and recreation, arts and culture, and environmental initiatives. In the previous year, 9,052 community groups in NSW received funding through the program. ClubGRANTS serves as a crucial support for community organisations, enabling them to sustain their services and initiatives for the benefit of their communities. Since its establishment in 1998, ClubGRANTS has contributed over $1.5 billion to a wide array of essential causes. Every year, registered clubs in NSW play a vital role in making substantial financial and social contributions to their local communities. We want to express our appreciation to all our members who consistently visit our venue, along with others across NSW enabling us to sustain our commitment to supporting those in need within your local community. I look forward to seeing you around the Club in 2024.
Clubs collaborate with local government entities to identify and prioritise areas of need. This collaborative approach ensures that the funding is directed towards projects that address specific community needs.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS INFORMATION NIGHT Wed 6 March 2024 from 6pm The Board of Directors of Club Rivers will host an informational session on Wed 6 March from 6pm in the Oasis Room at Club Rivers to share information about what it means to be a Board Director. Club Directors are elected by members of the Club. To run for a Club board position, a person must be a current member of the club for two consecutive years and will be listed on the ballot for all voters during the Club Election period. Club Rivers Board members are elected to serve for 2 year terms. Nominations for this year’s election open on Monday 25 March 2024 & close on Monday 1 April 2024. For further information please contact the the Club through enquiries@clubrivers.com.au.
COMMEMORATION SUNDAY 21 APRIL ANZAC Church Service 8.30am Riverwood Punchbowl Anglican Church, Littleton St Riverwood
ANZAC DAY ENTERTAINMENT
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Thur 25 April 12-3pm
from 2pm in The Canopy
Platinum Harmony present a tribute to
$1000
ANZAC DAY MEAT RAFFLE TICKETS ON SALE ALL DAY THUR 25 APRIL
DRAWN AT 3PM
Anzac Day THURSDAY 25 APRIL
DAWN SERVICE 5.30AM Club Rivers Memorial, Littleton Street Riverwood
MAIN SERVICE 9.30AM Club Rivers Memorial, Littleton Street Riverwood
EX-SERVICE MEN & WOMEN ANZAC LUNCHEON 12 PM LOOK AFTER YOUR MATES CELEBRATE OUR FREEDOMS
REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE HONOUR OUR TRADITIONS Expressions of interest Club Rivers is calling for expressions of interest from young men and women between 17 – 24 years of age to participate in the 2024 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge. The program takes young community leaders on a 10 day trek across the 155km Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. Overseen by the RSL & Services Clubs Association, KYLC is aimed at young people at school with natural leadership skills or disadvantaged or unemployed young people in the community who are having difficulty in finding their way in society. Club Rivers will sponsor one young local to participate in the 2024 trek and will cover the cost of their airfare, accommodation and food expenses. Applicants must be aged 17-24 years of age; they must be physically fit and be available to complete the trek towards the end of September early October 2024. Applications open Thursday 1st February & close Tuesday 30th April 2024. To apply please download the application at: h�ps://www.rslservicesclubs.com.au/community/how-to-apply/
SPECIALS
SPECIAL
SPECIAL
mini danish with a regular coffee
bacon & egg muffin with a regular coffee
$8
$10
SPECIAL
SPECIAL
yoghurt, fruit & muesli with a regular coffee
spanakopita with a regular coffee
$10
$10
*Prices subject to change
FRI 9 FEB $5K Members Swipe Promo Everyone’s a winner!
Celebrate
Traditonal Chinese Dancers LION DANCERS from 8PM
Fortune Cookies
Thur 23 May Tickets $15
Come along and support Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at Club Rivers on Thur 23 May from 9am RSVP by Wed 16 May to jenny@clubrivers.com.au
Hot Cross Bun’dle
$10 Coffee and Bun Members price
Available during March while stocks last
EASTER EGG GUESSING COMPETITION! GUESS HOW MANY EGGS ARE IN THE BOX to be in with a chance to win the box full of Chocolate eggs. With every kids meal purchased between Fri 15th Mar & Fri 29th Mar you will be eligible to make a guess. Prize drawn Friday 29th Mar at 7.30pm Terms & condi�ons apply
COCKTAIL SPECIAL
$13 members price
SUNDAY 24 march $2000 IN EASTER EGGS TO BE WON TICKETS
ALL DAY
PRIZES DRAWN
3PM
GOOD Friday 29 March $2000 IN EASTER EGGS TO BE WON TICKETS
ALL DAY
PRIZES DRAWN
7PM
THURSDAY 28 March $3000 IN SEAFOOD TO BE WON ALL DAY 7PM TICKETS ON SALE
PRIZES DRAWN
$1000 WORTH OF MEAT TRAYS TO BE WON
TICKETS ON SALE AT THE CLUB FROM 10AM FIRST DRAW 3PM
I
! k c a b t’s
Live loud and
on the big screen
1st 50,000 Bonus points
2nd 25,000 Bonus points
3rd 12,500 Bonus points
EVERY FULL ROUND EARNS YOU 1,000 BONUS POINTS INSTANTLY DON’T MISS OUT! JOIN BEFORE THE FIRST ROUND KICKS OFF ON SUN 3RD MARCH 2024
Free entry for all club rivers members
BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH US *Terms & conditions apply Call 02 9533 3144
High Tea in the Canopy Indulge in the �meless tradi�on of high tea in the enchan�ng surroundings of The Canopy at Club Rivers. from
Bookings essen�al. Call 9533 3144 or email enquiries@clubrivers.com.au
$20 Per person
SEND YOURSELF TO PARADISE AND SAY ALOHA TO SOME BIG CASH PRIZES! FREE $50K MEMBERS PROMO
EVERY WEDNESDAY IN MARCH AND APRIL
PLENTY OF CHANCES TO WIN YOUR SHARE OF $50,000 CASH DRAWS EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN MARCH AND APRIL MARCH MINOR DRAWS MARCH 6TH MARCH 20TH
MARCH 13TH MARCH 27TH
APRIL MINOR DRAWS APRIL 3RD APRIL 10TH APRIL 17TH APRIL 24TH
(HIGHEST WINNER FROM EACH MINOR DRAW WILL RETURN FOR OUR MAJOR DRAW)
2 MAJOR DRAWS WHERE THE WINNERS OF OUR MINOR DRAW NIGHTS RETURN TO BATTLE IT OUT AND TAKE HOME A
GUARANTEED $5,000 CASH
MAJOR DRAW NIGHT 1 WEDNESDAY 27TH MARCH MAJOR DRAW NIGHT 2 WEDNESDAY 24TH APRIL THE DRAW TIMES FOR EACH WEDNESDAY NIGHT WILL BE 6.30PM, 7.00PM, 7.30PM, 8PM
SIMPLY SWIPE YOUR CARD AT ANY MEMBERS REWARDS TERMINAL EVERY HALF AN HOUR FROM 5PM (POSSIBLE 6 ENTRIES)
EVERY $20 SPENT AT ANY BAR, THE RIVERGUM CAFÉ OR AT MIKE’S GRILL (CUMULATIVE)
Introducing our new delicious
Slice to meet you!
s
SUNIL KUNWAR
Where are you from – what is your na�onality? I am from Kathmandu in Nepal, where I studied hospitality management. I have been in Australia for 10 years and since being here I have con�nued my hospitality studies. I have also studied so�ware development and have a sound knowledge in both fields, hospitality and so�ware development. How long have you worked for Mike’s and what is your posi�on? I’ve worked for Mike’s for 7 years and my posi�on s Head Chef What is the best thing about working with Mike’s? Mike is a very easy going guy, is great to work for and is a great boss. We have a very honest and open rela�onship with each other which makes for a very harmonious workplace What is your favourite dish from Mike’s? Lamb souvlaki, I love the way we slow cook it in the salamander which makes it so juicy and tender What is the most popular Mike’s dish at Club Rivers? Creamy Garlic Prawns by far.
Scan the code to view our menu
11 inch tomato base topped with mozzarella cheese
Roasted Chicken 22 (M) 24 (V) sweet potato, danish feta, sundried tomato, spanish onion, spinach leaves & chilli aioli
The supreme 22 (M) 24 (V) ham, pepperoni, mushroom, spanish onion, olives, pineapple, roasted capsicum & oregano
Garlic Prawn 24 (M) 26 (V) garlic prawns, roasted capsicum, chilli flakes, feta & shallots Hawaiian 20 (M) 22 (V) ham & pineapple Only pepperoni 20 (M) 22 (V) vegetarian 18 (M) 20 (V) mushrooms, cherry tomato, roasted capsicum & olives margherita 18 (M) 20 (V) oregano & tomato
SCHOOL HOLiDAY ACTIVITIES
kids BASKETBALL clinic 5-12 yr BOYS & Girls
TUE APR 16 10am - 12pm
kids NETBALL clinic
New kids playgrounds
Now open!
WHATs ON PROMOTIONS & EVENTS FREE
from 7PM Tuesday
27 Feb 26 Mar 30 Apr 28 May Every Mon & FRI DOORS OPEN 9AM EYES DOWN 10AM *Members only
Commencing Mon 4th Mar
Live on the big screen The Premier’s Gala Concert
Wed 13 March from 2.30PM
over $2000 FRIDAY NIGHT MEAT RAFFLE TICKETS ON SALE ALL DAY FROM 10AM DRAWN AT 7PM
over $1000 SUNDAY TRIVIA & MEAT RAFFLE TICKETS ON SALE ALL DAY FROM 10AM DRAWN AT 3PM
Jo in u s fo r lu n ch and a w h o le lo t o f fu n !
• $1 from every tray will be dontated to Soldier On, a not for profit organisation supporting current and former Australian Defence Force Personnel, and their families. • Jumbuck Meats a Gold Pledge Member of Soldier On will be recruiting returned Veterans for any future roles as they grow.
OUT & AB UT COMMUNITY CARE PADSTOW CHRISTMAS LUNCH LIFEGATE CHURCH
The giving keeps coming this Christmas. Here are our volunteers serving up Christmas dinner at Lifegate Church, which we have been contribu�ng to for many years. Each year we also donate hams to Community Care Padstow for their Christmas lunch. We love fining and helping these communi�es at Christmas.
RIVERWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE GEORGES RIVER LIFE CARE CHRISTMAS TOY APPEAL Our Club Rivers Members are so awesome and generous. All of these gi�s were purchased and donated by our Members to help more families this Christmas. A huge thank you to everyone who donated, know that you have made an enormous difference to our local families and put smiles on the faces of li�le kids.
AUTISM COMMUNITY NETWORK VISIT FROM SANTA Our Club Rivers Santa had a ball at Oatley Park last weekend, spreading Christmas joy at the Au�sm Community Network Christmas party. He was checking his list and checking it twice to see who had been naughty and who had been nice. We are sure all the kids from ACN have been nice and all looked forward to Santa’s visit.
Smiles all round from these 2 legends from our team. Join us in congratula�ng Jamie Neil our new Chief Opera�ng Officer and Lachlan Green our new Gaming Manager. Congratula�ons and Cheers to you both and a successful 2024.
SAILABILITY KOGARAH During October Michael Free, our Club President and Jenny, visited the Sailability open day. Sailability is a charitable organisa�on that help children with disabili�es learn to sail and Club Rivers are very proud sponsors. It was a gorgeous day being by the water at Kogarah Bay and really heartwarming seeing so many children enjoy this event. Thanks to Lions Club of Lugarno, they even got free breakfast.
CELEBRATING 90 YEARS DICK MATTHEWS December 6, 2023 marked the 90th Birthday of our Sub Branch President, Dick Ma�hews OAM. Dick is a double Life Member and served on the Board of Directors of Club Rivers. He is an ac�ve Member of our Community, a�ending our weekly raffles, par�cipa�ng in many school presenta�on days and ANZAC services. We were privileged to host his 90th Birthday at CR, where he celebrated in style with his family, friends, CR family and extended family. Happy Birthday Dick and many happy returns.
OUT & AB UT GEORGES RIVER LIFE CARE SCHOOL BACKPACK PROGRAM
Since 2018 Georges River Life Care, together with local organisa�ons, schools and the community, have been supplying school-ready backpacks to kids who are doing it tough each Christmas. So far, together, we have delivered over 1,300 backpacks! Club Rivers are proud to be part of this wonderful opportunity to make a big difference to at risk families in our local community.
We were very privileged to host Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce - CBCC, Brave Focus Group. Brave is a program which assists, supports, provides resources and encourages Women to return to the workforce. Well done CBCC for great implemen�ng this great ini�a�ve and thanks for choosing us to host this event.
We need your support!
Donate at h�ps://2024.mysteryboxrally.com.au/cr-communiteam/donate
In the
Spotlight Employee of the month
Staff Award Night Winners Employee of the Year
Valentino Psaros
Volunteer of the Year
Gordon Wu
Managers Choice
Valentino Psaros
Spirit of Club Rivers
Nikoleta Mousadou Sema Fatongiatau
Emplo ye e of th e Y e ar
Decemb er Jarad
10 yea rs Lac hl an
Customer Service Champion Kosta Iosifidis
Va l
20 yea rs Pau l
Meet our EAM Communi T
1. What would you choose if you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life? Mikes’s Penne Vego and garlic bread 2. What fashion trend do you regret? The Jus�n Bieber comb over 3. Who would you invite onto your talk show? The local golf legend Paul Mitchell. 4. What’s the weirdest fact you know? On average your body will lose 1.5 liters of water on a 3-hour flight. 5. What is your favorite midnight snack? Porridge
Rookie of Year
Rachel Whiley
People’s Choice
Rosemary Bergin
Years of service awards
25 yea rs Sh aron
James Brennan 6. What the greatest TV show of all �me? “No soup for you!” Seinfeld 7. What is something most people don’t know about you? I’m an Irish twin (I was born in the same year as my sister) 8. What did you want to be when you were younger? A pilot, I was obsessed with avia�on growing up , s�ll am.
$7
Schooner
BEER OF THE MONTH
Members price
FEB MAR HAZY PALE ALE
APR MAY HAZY PALE ALE CLUB RIVERS PROMOTES THE RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL
w e r B W CRE
Join our
BrewCREW
for FREE
to receive regular exclusive Craft Beer specials. *Offer available to members only. Sign up to the Club Rivers Mailing list. Receive your first schooner free. Schooner limited to beer of the month. Can not be used in conjunction with any other offers. Expires 1 month from sign up. Drink responsibly.
FEB
Malibu Sunset
MAR Salted Caramel Mudslide
APR
Strawberry Bon-Bon
MAY
Mother’s Kisses
$ 13
Members price CLUB RIVERS PROMOTES THE RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL
Mother’s Day Sunday 12 May Mike’s full menu available Lunch & Dinner. Bookings essential. *Seniors meals will not be available on Mother’s Day
Mike’s Mother’s Day Specials
Lobster mornay 1/2 $40.00 or full $75.00 with your choice of side Oysters Natural - dozen $40.00 1/2 dozen $25.00 Oysters Kilpatrick - dozen $42.00 1/2 dozen $27.00
Cocktail Special 5 $3 G SANG(meRImbeArsJU price)
Raffle $2000 in Meat & Seafood drawn at 3pm
kids entertainment
Saturday 11 May Free! 6-8pm 12-2pm Sunday 12 May
Red velvet cake & regular coffee $10 available all mother’s day weekend