Wests Community Magazine 2026

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 2025/2026

EVERYTHING WE DO IS For Macarthur

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD of Directors

This special publication offers a chance to step back and recognise the collective impact we have made across the Macarthur region. It showcases the partnerships, programs, and people who have helped turn our commitment to community into meaningful outcomes and it is your support that makes this possible.

At Wests Group Macarthur, our mission is to support and connect our community, inspiring a greater sense of belonging. As a profit-for-purpose organisation, every success we achieve is channelled directly into local initiatives, enhanced facilities, and opportunities that enrich the lives of our members and the broader community.

In 2025, we are proud to share that our contributions have reached $5.1 million, supporting local sport, schools, and a wide range of community organisations. We have supported more than 178 grants totalling over $3.79 million via ClubGRANTS, assisted 167 organisations, powered more than 42,000 local sporting participants and 114 sporting clubs, and hosted or attended countless events. All of this work focuses on enabling programs and services that continue to uplift individuals and strengthen community connections throughout the region.

Sport remains at the heart of our community strategy. We recognise its power to bring people together, build resilience, and inspire healthy, active lifestyles. Through the Wests Sports Council, our sports grants, and our Annual Sports Awards, we remain dedicated to supporting everyone from young athletes and volunteers to elite teams and the many individuals who form the backbone of local sport.

Our investment is not limited to programs. It also extends to the places where our community gathers. Maintaining high-quality, modern facilities is a fundamental part of our promise to the region. Over the past year, we have progressed several key projects aimed at enhancing the experience across our venues, including:

• The installation of a new maintenance facility at Lakeside, which not only supports ongoing improvements to our golf course but now also serves as home to the Macarthur Beekeepers Association

• Fresh renovation works at Country Club Gledswood Hills bar, TAB, reception and foyer areas

• The official commencement of construction at The Greens, set to become a major entertainment destination

• Planning toward a new children’s play area at The Sherwood for families around our community to enjoy

We are also able to achieve great things because of our great people. The passion and professionalism of our team define who we are as an organisation, and their daily efforts ensure our members and guests always feel welcomed, supported, and valued.

To our loyal members, thank you. Your continued patronage allows us to contribute meaningfully to the community we are proud to serve. Wests Group Macarthur exists to serve you, and we look forward to building an even stronger future together.

We extend our best wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2026, and we look forward to welcoming you across our venues throughout the year ahead.

Alan Buxton Chairperson

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN Numbers

$5,131,664 IN COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS

• 178 grants delivered

• 167 organisations, sporting clubs or community associations supported

CLUBGRANTS OVERVIEW

• ClubGRANTS Liability: $2,450,967

• ClubGRANTS Commitment: $3,719,788

• Total Community Investment: $5,131,664

• Proudly contributing: $2,680,697 above required obligations to strengthen and uplift our region

SUPPORTING LOCAL SPORT

• More than $2.49 million invested in local sporting programs, clubs, and associations

COMMUNITY PRESENCE

• 109 community events attended

• 9 fundraising initiatives supported

• 6 community appeals delivered

• 13 new apiaries welcomed

• 34 community committee meetings attended

• Plus, countless more community events supported

FOCUS ON LOCAL ISSUES & SUPPORT

Wests is actively involved in several local committees that address important community issues, including:

• Camden/Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee

• Campbelltown Domestic Violence Committee

• Camden Youth Network Committee

• Campbelltown Youth Network Committee

• Clubs for Community DV Committee

• Involvement with Macarthur Homelessness Steering Committee

In addition, WGM is proud to sit on the ClubGRANTS committees alongside Camden and Campbelltown Councils respectively, the Department of Communities & Justice (DCJ), other local clubs as well as Convenor Sector Connect, a leading community organisation within Macarthur region to direct funding toward the (DCJ) identified region priorities. This ensures investment is distributed where, how and in a timely manner.

CLUBSNSW COMMUNITY AWARDS WINNER

WGM was thrilled to be recognised as a WINNER at the ClubsNSW Community Awards in the category of ‘Social Inclusion’ for our work with The Formal Project. This year more than 10,000 kids from Campbelltown and beyond will not only get to head to their formals with dignity, pride and a lovely frock or suit - they will also know someone has their back and that is priceless.

WESTSCares

WGM is incredibly proud of our support for the local community. Our focus on community connections and impact makes up a core pillar within our strategic plan, and is at the heart of everything we do.

ClubGRANTS is a long-standing initiative that helps NSW clubs invest directly back into the communities they serve. Through this program we support charities, sporting associations or community groups by providing support where it matters most.

For Wests Group Macarthur, this commitment goes far beyond ClubGRANTS. From Campbelltown to Camden and Wollondilly, our focus remains on addressing key community needs, including disadvantage, mental health, domestic violence support, food security and of course, fostering local sporting talent.

In the following pages, you will discover some of the collaborations and initiatives that have taken shape this year each one a testament to what can be achieved when community comes first.

MATTERS THAT Matter

HUMANITY MATTERS

Wests League Club is proud to support GRIT, a horticulture and hospitality training program for young people at risk of limited employment and training pathways. The program builds skills in both industries while fostering resilience in participants.

ClubGRANT- $10,000 Wests League Club

SHER FOUNDATION

The Sher foundation project was created to support 20 disengaged young CALD men (aged 20–24) in Campbelltown and Camden through five culturally safe employability workshops. By building job-seeking skills and digital literacy, the program fosters early engagement, boosts confidence, and promotes long-term mental health and wellbeing. Funding will also enable bilingual facilitation, outreach, and digital delivery

ClubGRANT- $7,400 Wests League Club & $7,400 Country Club Gledswood Hills

THINK OF THE FIVE

Think of the Five are specially designed workshops in Wollondilly and Camden to prepare parents and carers of young learner drivers with up-to-date knowledge of driving laws, the science behind the five leading causes of road trauma, and current road statistics. The workshops, established in honour of five young adults who lost their life in a car accident in Picton in 2023 intend to build participants’ confidence and skills to discuss safe driving strategies with young drivers. Content will be evidence-based and co-designed with the community.

ClubGRANT- $7,500 Country Club Gledswood Hills

THE SHEPHERD CENTRE

Wests is proud to support Kidscape, a play, art, and music therapy program in Campbelltown and Camden that fosters emotional wellbeing, self-expression, and the development of listening, speaking, and social skills for deaf children through creative group activities. Parents also build meaningful connections and gain tools to better support their child’s development.

ClubGRANT- $7,025 Wests League Club & $5,620 Country Club Gledswood Hills

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

This Ronald Mcdonald House funding supports a new Hospitality Cart at Campbelltown hospital, which provides essential items, refreshments, and comfort to children receiving treatment for lifethreatening illnesses or injuries and their families, helping ease the emotional and financial stress of vulnerable families.

ClubGRANT- $7,000 Wests League Club

SAFER ROADS, ENHANCED YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES

Funding will support 10 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Camden to obtain their Learner Licence and develop safe driving habits through free access to the Driver Knowledge Test, licence reimbursement, mentoring, and seven professional driving lessons. The project will promote safer, more independent mobility while expanding access to education, employment, community services, healthcare, and social participation, benefiting both participants and the wider community.

ClubGRANT- $7,160 Country Club Gledswood Hills

FOOD Security

BIG YELLOW UMBRELLA

Many of us take for granted the ability we have to purchase pantry staples and provide for our families. In times of economic distress, food relief is an area of major need. The funds provided to Big Yellow Umbrella help to provide pantry relief for families in need across Macarthur, including food items for meal preparation, emergency food hampers, and outreach programs that supports those in need and families in crisis.

ClubGRANT- $35,000 Country Club

BREAKFAST CLUBS

WGM is pleased to support a number of local Breakfast club initiatives around the region. “Breakfast Club” initiatives are established within local schools to support families in need by providing nutritious breakfast and lunches for students, along with food hampers for families at Curran Public School, Leumeah Public School and The Grange Public School.

ClubGRANT- $3,500 Wests League Club: The Grange Public School

ClubGRANT- $7,000 Wests League Club: Leumeah Public School

ClubGRANT- $8,000 Wests League Club: Curran Public School

COMMUNITY HUB

The Macarthur Community Hub supports the community, especially those who are disadvantaged, by creating a centralised hub that connects individuals with essential support services and practical assistance.

ClubGRANT- $10,000 Wests League Club

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

This contribution will support the Material Assistance and Crisis Support Program at Camden Oran Park Conference, which provides emergency relief including food, household essentials, and rent and utility assistance to families experiencing financial hardship in Camden.

ClubGRANT- $10,000 Wests League Club & $10,000 Country Club

C3 COMMUNITY SERVICES

C3 Community Services has been assisting those in need throughout the Macarthur region since 2002. The addition of cold storage facilities via this grant helps to expand the capacity to meet growing community demand and assist more people experiencing food insecurity across the Macarthur region.

ClubGRANT- $7,129 Wests League Club

ROTARY CLUB INGLEBURN

Wests’ funding enabled Ingleburn Rotary to expand its support for the Hidden Homeless, ensuring no one was turned away. This assistance provided practical, direct help for people transitioning from homelessness to permanent accommodation. Essentials such as food, clothing and daily necessities were supplied through Ingleburn Rotary’s funds and donations, while individuals moving into stable housing received donated furniture, white goods and household items to help them establish a home.

With this support and growing community involvement, Ingleburn Rotary was also able to extend assistance to Vinnies Refuges and the new 55+ Women’s Refuge at Glenfield.

ClubGRANT- $15,925 The Sherwood

THE NEXT Generation

YOUTH SOLUTIONS

Youth Solutions’ Sports AWARE project connects with local sporting clubs to build skills, knowledge, and connections to prevent drug and alcohol harm and promote safe behaviours among young sportspeople.

Through FREE group workshops, activations and outreach, the health promotion project supports youth safety and wellbeing, increases awareness of drug and alcohol harms, and promotes help-seeking and connection to positive role models.

The project also focuses on equipping sporting coaches, club personnel, parents/carers with information and resources to better support their young people around these important issues. As a result of our earlier program, 97% of young Sports AWARE program participants learned how to keep themselves and others safe around drugs and alcohol, while 98% increased their knowledge of help and support services.

ClubGRANT- $20,000 Wests League Club & $20,000 Country Club Gledswood Hills

THE SILVER COIN PROJECT INCORPORATED

Wests has been proud to support the Silver Coin Project for many years and their work towards disadvantaged public primary students across Campbelltown and Camden. The funds help to support the provision of essential school supplies including uniforms, shoes, bags and assistance for excursions, all items many would otherwise have gone without. The program also delivered emergency relief in circumstances such as floods or house fires, and placed strong emphasis on helping children affected by domestic and family violence, removal from their home, and those living in out-of-home care

ClubGRANT- $15,000 Wests League Club & $15,000 Country Club Gledswood Hills

GOTCHA4LIFE

Gotcha4Life’s Mentally Fit Schools is a science-backed, evidencebased, whole-of-school program that builds mental fitness across entire primary school communities’ children, teachers, parents and carers. The program, supported via a ClubGRANT in 2025 is delivered by Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness Educators through teacher workshops, ongoing coaching, parent workshops, webinars, resources, and student-led projects and assemblies. Led by Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness Educator Shelley Dixon, Ambarvale Public School begun their Mentally Fit Schools journey in December with a Discovery Session. This session identifies gaps and opportunities to ensure the program is tailored to the school’s local needs and context and sets the foundation for a strong and confident start in Term 1 of the new school year.

ClubGRANT- $20,000 Wests League Club & $20,000 Country Club Gledswood Hills

POLICE CITIZENS YOUTH CLUB

Funding will support PCYC Fit for Life, an intervention program for disengaged and vulnerable youth. Participants are collected from home to take part in a fitness session, enjoy a nutritious breakfast, and attend life skills workshops before school. Training alongside PCYC staff, NSW Police, volunteers, and community mentors, young people build resilience, improve wellbeing, and develop positive connections.

ClubGRANT- $10,000 Wests League Club

YOUTH OFF THE STREETS

Youth Off The Streets is a youth services organisation for 12-25s who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or disadvantage. Funding will provide YOTS students with vocational training, excursions, leadership opportunities, uniforms, specialised equipment, and health and wellbeing initiatives. This support equips them with vital life skills, enriches their education, and opens pathways to employment, ensuring they have access to the same opportunities as students in mainstream schools.

ClubGRANT- $20,000 Wests League Club

YOUTH AMPLIFIED

Wests was proud to support the creation of a youth-focused podcast designed to connect young people with the topics that matter most to them on a platform they already engage with. Youth Amplified gives local youth the chance to share their perspectives, sit down with politicians, business leaders and community voices, and spark meaningful conversations that can inspire real change. This initiative is for all young people to join the discussion and be part of a platform that amplifies their voice.

ClubGRANT- $15,000 Wests League Club

OUR CLUB SAYS NO TO DOMESTIC AND Family

Violence

WGM stands firmly against domestic violence, recognising it as a critical issue in our region. As an organisation, we are committed to prioritising support for domestic violence initiatives and actively encourage our team and community to Speak Out and Speak Up Against Violence.

Wests proudly supports both the Campbelltown and the Camden Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committees through active participation, the provision of resources and funding. Wests believes we have a social responsibility to step up, stand behind these vital initiatives, and strengthen the frontline services that are making a real difference in our community.

NO2DV COMMUNITY BBQ

In November, during the 16 Days of Activism campaign, Wests hosted a free Community BBQ to raise awareness and show support in the fight against domestic violence, calling out these behaviours as unacceptable.

As community members, teammates, coaches and leaders, we recognise the important role we play both on and off the field. Domestic violence has no place in our homes, our clubs or our community.

We were honoured to welcome Tanya Whitehouse OAM, Manager of the Macarthur Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, who shared valuable insights on how community leaders and friends can support those who may be affected by domestic violence.

CAMDEN WOLLONDILLY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMMITTEE - WOMEN’S WELLNESS

The Camden Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee hosted two Women’s Wellness Days, offering self-care activities, lunch, networking opportunities and resource bags containing information on domestic and family violence. The events provided a safe and welcoming entry point for women to access support and information.

ClubGRANT- $ 6,650 Country Club Gledswood Hills

CAMPBELLTOWN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMMITTEECOMMUNITY ACTIVATIONS

The Campbelltown Domestic Violence Committee hosted a series of events during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, offering activities, information, handouts and support resources. These events were held across three Macarthur shopping centres to raise awareness of domestic and family violence, provide education, and create a safe opportunity for those experiencing violence to seek help.

ClubGRANT- $10,000 Wests League Club

EARLY INTERVENTION DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM

Funding will support CDVC to address the needs of children traumatised by domestic violence, reducing their risk of becoming future victims or offenders. To meet the clear need for skilled support, CDVC will host two workshops to upskill local agency workers and help break the cycle of generational violence.

ClubGRANT- $5,000 Country Club Gledswood Hills

Did you know?

DIGNITY

We proudly provide funds toward the purchase of blankets and pillows to provide warmth and comfort for community members experiencing housing insecurity across the Macarthur region

ClubGRANT- $4,700 Wests League Club

We are a proud member of the Clubs for Community committee. Made up of Registered clubs across NSW are standing united against domestic violence.

MACARTHUR WOMENS HEALTH CENTRE

Wests is proud to support the Macarthur Women’s Health Centre by providing funding to help strengthen connections with existing clients, reach new community members, and continue delivering vital services. This support enables the development of a new online platform, the commissioning of Aboriginal artwork for staff uniforms, and the creation of marketing materials to enhance outreach and community eventshelping share resources and connect more women with the support they need.

ClubGRANT- $7,000 Wests League Club

WOMEN’S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT ADVOCACY SERVICE

WGM provides vital financial support to the Macarthur Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, enabling the purchase of gift cards for domestic violence victim-survivors and their children to offer immediate, practical assistance with essential needs during a time of crisis.

ClubGRANT- $10,000 Wests League Club

WOMEN’S JUSTICE NETWORK

This contribution will provide a Youth Worker to facilitate 20 group sessions for girls at Reiby Youth Detention Centre, focused on Creativity, Culture, and Connection. Led by women with lived experience of custody, addiction, and trauma who have successfully rebuilt their lives, the sessions will provide inspiring examples that change is possible and a happy, healthy future can be achieved.

ClubGRANT- $5,000 Wests League Club

MOTHER HUBBARD’S CUPBOARD

This contribution will support individuals escaping domestic violence and homelessness by providing essential household items and furniture. This project aims to streamline the process, ensuring individuals have the necessary provisions to assist their transition into stable housing.

ClubGRANT- $25,000 Country Club Gledswood Hills

ESCABAGS

WGM has proudly stocked Escabags since 2021, with Escape bags available over the counter at all our venues—no questions asked. Clubs are often at the heart of both metropolitan and regional communities with extended operating hours; they serve as accessible and discreet Escabags collection points for those in need in our community.

BLUE WREN HOUSE

WGM has been a ‘porchlight’ partner of Blue Wren house for almost four years. We continue to contribute to the operation of Blue Wren House, a women’s shelter in Camden that provides safe, supported accommodation for up to 6 women and their children who are escaping domestic and family violence or who are homeless as well as outreach services to woman who are escaping domestic violence or who are homeless.

ClubGRANT- $35,000 Country Club Gledswood Hills

SPOTLIGHT ON THE BROKEN PATH

The Broken Path is a registered charity established to support frontline workers and their families who have walked a difficult path. The organisation also extends support to those who have experienced tragic or life-altering circumstances. Whether you’re a frontline worker, a mental health professional, a partner organisation or someone who cares deeply about this cause, there’s a place for you at The Broken Path.

Stephen, Audrey and Monique are the visionaries behind this journey. Each has found purpose through their own frontline experiences, and together they are creating a space for people who have faced similar traumatic events to connect, share and heal.

Stephen has served as a firefighter for more than 20 years. Throughout his career, he and his crew have responded to countless traumatic incidents, many of which have left lasting impacts. Living with PTSD himself, Stephen brings deep empathy to the cause and is committed to sharing his story to support others along their path.

Monique has felt the weight of mental health challenges firsthand. After navigating a difficult period, she completed her Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety and Mental Health First Aid training. She now works closely with people facing similar struggles, offering understanding, guidance and genuine lived-experience support.

Audrey for the past 15 years has been an essential worker, supporting thousands of individuals and families through some of the toughest times including major bushfires, floods and the challenges of COVID and various community crises. She continues to play a vital role in connecting vulnerable communities with the resources, care and support they need.

Funding from the Country Club Gledswood Hills will go onto support community gatherings featuring BBQs, refreshments, and guest speakers with lived experience of PTSD. These events foster social inclusion, raise awareness of mental health challenges, and strengthen community connections by uniting frontline workers and the broader community together to share experiences.

By bringing families together, The Broken Path creates a safe space where people can relate to each other, offer support and guidance from those who have walked a similar journey. Their mission is to bring compassion, visibility and support to frontline workers and their families navigating PTSD, anxiety and other mental health challenges.

Visit The Broken Path on Facebook to find their upcoming gathering.

ClubGRANT- $7,400 Country Club Gledswood Hills

EXTRA LOVE & CARE

REFLECTIONS ON

BACK TO SCHOOL APPEAL

Many children in Australia faced significant challenges accessing the basic essentials needed for a successful classroom learning experience.

Wests Group Macarthur, in partnership with The Silver Coin Project, was proud to support their annual Back to School Stationery Appeal.

Special Initiatives

The Silver Coin Project, a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation, remained dedicated to providing essential school supplies and support to children in need within the Macarthur region.

WINTER FOOD APPEAL

Wests Group Macarthur partnered with Big Yellow Umbrella for the Winter Food Appeal to warm hearts and fill the plates of those in need, supporting families in crisis.

Food donation boxes were available in the reception areas of Wests League Club, Country Club Gledswood Hills, Lakeside Golf Club and Big Yellow Umbrella Head Office in Narellan.

All donated pantry items were used to create hampers for the Big Yellow Umbrella Hamper House Food Security Program, which were then gifted to individuals and families in need across the Macarthur region.

BIG WALK - 24 HOUR FIGHT AGAINST CANCER MACARTHUR

In October, a group of Team Wests legends and their families came together to walk and raise vital funds for cancer services in Macarthur through the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer event. This much-loved community initiative had long been a key part of our calendar, and WGM was proud to continue its ongoing support.

The annual fundraiser helped provide essential services and equipment for the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, the Oncology Ward and the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit at Campbelltown Hospital, as well as the Palliative Care Unit and its outreach service at Camden Hospital.

I’M EVERY WOMAN –CARE PACKING DAY

HOMELESS SLEEPOUT

Every night, up to 300 young people in Macarthur aged 14 to 18 go without a safe and permanent place to sleep. To mark Youth Homelessness Day on 16 April, Team Wests took part in the Big Campbelltown Sleepout at the Billabong Parklands, spending the night in cold, dewy conditions with only cardboard boxes for shelter.

The event was also attended by several Campbelltown community organisations, members of the community, Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound and other local leaders. Held during Youth Week, the Sleepout was delivered in partnership with Campbelltown City Youth Interagency and the Macarthur Youth Homelessness Steering Committee with the experience serving as a powerful reminder of how essential safe, stable housing is for young people in our community.

THE FORMAL PROJECT CLOTHING DRIVE

The Formal Project, a local charity, provided free formal wear, interview clothing, business attire and trade clothing to individuals in need. Their work played a vital role in supporting students and community members experiencing financial hardship, domestic issues and mental health challenges. They also operated a 7 day a week Op Shop Fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly back into their programs and services.

Throughout August, WGM donation bins and bags were available in the Wests and Country Club staff rooms as part of our Clothing Drive, which sought donations of dresses, suits, shoes and workwear.

I’m Every Woman Care Bags are provided free of charge to help reduce stress and pressure for families staying long term in Campbelltown Hospital’s Special Care Nursery.

Hosted by Maureen and her husband, A special group of Wests volunteers lent a hand a volunteer care bag packing day helping to pack 50 additional care bags featuring items such as premature nappies, baby beanies, and bath and body essentials for both babies and mums, supporting families through challenging times in NICU across our local hospitals.

SPORT IN THE Spotlight

Wests Group Macarthur is proud to champion a vibrant, inclusive sporting culture across the Macarthur region - breaking down barriers, building connections, and helping our community experience the physical, social, and mental rewards of sport.

OUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS

$2.49 MILLION+ Invested in local sport and development initiatives

42,317 Local sporting participants supported

114+ Clubs, associations & athletes backed

91 AWARDS Presented through our volunteer and talent recognition programs

CELEBRATING SPORTING EXCELLENCE 25TH ANNUAL WESTS SPORTS COUNCIL AWARDS

WINNER JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR (U12)

Adam Jones | Eschol Park Little Athletics Club

RUNNER UP: JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR (U12)

Luka Tuaoi | Oran Park Rovers Football Club

WINNER SENIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

Glassie Glassie | Campbelltown Harlequin Rugby Club

RUNNER UP: SENIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR Charlie Gray | Macquarie Fields Swimming Club

WINNER SPIRIT OF SPORT

Greg Dewick | Campbelltown Ghosts Baseball Club

RUNNER UP: SPIRIT OF SPORT

Charly Wellock | Appin United Football Club, Macarthur Football Association

WINNER YOUTH SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR (12 – 16YRS)

Cooper Hoomans | Campbelltown Ghosts Baseball Club

RUNNER UP: YOUTH SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR (12 – 16YRS)

Riley Breckon | Eschol Park Little Athletics Club

WINNER SPORTS TEAM CLUB OF THE YEAR

M-League First Grade | Narellan Rangers Soccer Club, Macarthur Football Association

RUNNER UP: SPORTS CLUB TEAM OF THE YEAR

Under 13 Gold | Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers JRLFC

WINNER MATCH OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

Rob Pinney | Camden District Cricket Umpires Association

RUNNER UP: SPIRIT OF SPORT

Callum Rigby | Group 6 Rugby League Referees Association

HEROES OF COMMUNITY SPORT CELEBRATED

WGM proudly recognises the dedication of our sporting volunteers, who are the heart and backbone of local sport. During National Volunteer Week, we hosted our Volunteer of the Year Dinner at Wests League Club to celebrate the passion and selflessness that drive our region’s sporting success. This year, we were honoured to acknowledge more than 100 Service Award recipients, representing 140 decades of combined service to the Macarthur sporting community. Our adult winner Geoff Golden of Macarthur Magic went on to win the regional volunteer of the year award through the NSW centre for volunteering.

YOUTH WINNER Kiera Dewhurst, Macarthur BMX

ADULT WINNER

Geoff Golden, Macarthur Magic Football Club, Macarthur Football Association

WESTS SPORTS COUNCIL

Members

We are proud to support the following

Camden Cats Senior AFL Club

Camden Athletic Club

Camden District Cricket Association

Camden District Cricket Umpires Association

Camden & District Netball Association

Camden Tigers Football Club

Camden Valley Basketball Association

Campbelltown City Kangaroos RLFC

Campbelltown Camden District Cricket Club

Campbelltown District Netball Association

Campbelltown Ghosts Baseball Club

Campbelltown Harlequin Rugby Club

Eschol Park Little Athletics

Group 6 Rugby League Referees Association

Macarthur BMX Club

Macarthur District Football Referees Association

Macarthur Football Association

Macarthur Rams Football Club

New South Wales Rugby League (Macarthur RL)

Macarthur Baseball League

Macarthur Triathlon Club

Macquarie Fields Swimming Club

Magpies Cricket Club

Metropolitan South West Hockey Association

Mount Annan Swimming Club

Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers JRLFC

Oran Park Rovers Football Club

South West Sydney Academy of Sport

Softball Campbelltown Tennis Macarthur

Western Suburbs Hockey Club

Western Suburbs Referees Association

BUZZING FOR BEES

Wests Group Macarthur were buzzing with excitement as they officially welcomed the Macarthur Beekeepers Association to Lakeside Golf Club Camden.

In 2024, the association found itself without a home for its hives after its arrangement with the Mt Annan Botanical Gardens came to an end. Wests Group Macarthur was proud to step in and offer a new base for the Association and more than150 members at Lakeside, recognising the initiative as an important contribution to both our sustainability efforts and community engagement strategy.

The new purpose-built facility, located within the Lakeside Golf Course maintenance precinct on Ballandean Boulevard, now includes 13 hives in the apiary, an education and workshop shed and a food grade honey extracting shed. With club meeting nights held at Wests League Club and streamed via Google Meet, along with monthly field days at the Lakeside complex, the community is warmly invited to learn more about the art of beekeeping and the essential role bees play in pollination, food production and environmental health.

The opening of the complex was celebrated across two special events, one for Association members and one for Wests staff. The most recent celebration featured a ribbon cutting ceremony attended

by Camden Council Deputy Mayor Ashley Cagney, Macarthur Beekeepers Association committee members and representatives from the Wests greenkeeping, administration and Board teams.

To mark the beginning of this partnership, a “bee approved” flowering gum was planted beside the sheds as a lasting symbol of growth and collaboration.

Beautiful, locally produced Macarthur honey, crafted with care by dedicated volunteer beekeepers and our wonderful local bees, is also available for purchase at Lakeside Golf Club for just $12 and we have honey inspired menu items across WGM menus.

Ed Napierkowski, President of the Macarthur Beekeepers Association, expressed his enthusiasm for the new site, explaining that the group was thrilled to finally have “a place to call home”. He shared that having a dedicated space to grow, store equipment such as sheds and bee boxes, and continue educating the community about the vital role of bees was a significant milestone for the Association.

WGM Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Perkiss shares “From an environmental perspective, helping to establish the Beekeepers at Lakeside Golf Club is a wonderful asset to our Group. It also brings the added bonus of supporting pollination across the golf course, providing a valuable resource for our community, and contributing to how we continue to live well into the future”.

PROUD OF OUR People

There is no doubt our people are our greatest asset. Our staff bring passion, dedication, and care to every interaction - not only supporting our customers, but consistently going above and beyond for the local community.

SERVICE AWARDS

Congratulations to the following service winners for their commitment and longevity at Wests!

5 YEARS’ SERVICE

Aaron Rego

Jayne Bahamondez

Chloe Landrebe

Ethan Pereira

Jackson Ruiters

Gabrielle Potts

Benjamin Dzevlan

Chloe Pereira

Julie Weatherstone

10 YEARS’ SERVICE

Brandon Travers

Callum Whitley

Michael English

Darren Hore

Christian Maulguet

20 YEARS’ SERVICE

Vlad Kasun

25 YEARS’ SERVICE

Roy Warby

Diana Lawrence

35 YEARS’ SERVICE

Mark Dymitriw

IN RECOGNITION OF OUR LIFE MEMBERS

Wests Group Macarthur is proud to recognise our 11 life members who have contributed significantly to the growth of the Group over the past 50 years. Being awarded Life Membership is based on services provided well beyond the length of service and through outstanding involvement and support of the Club. The Board reviews Life Membership recommendations on an annual basis.

Our surviving life members play an active role in club operations and various committees today and we are very grateful for their ongoing commitment to our group.

John Marsden*

William (Bill) Hoad*

Barry Upsall*

Roy Ronald Worrell*

Edward (Ted) Foley*

William (Bill) Vardy*

Reuben (Poppa) Evans*

Ray Corkery*

Mike Semchyshyn*

Thomas (Tony) Norton

Roy Warby

Warren Thomson

SIMON THE BIG MAC ‘MCNAMARA’ TAKES ON CORPORATE CLASH!

A huge congratulations to our very own Simon ‘The Big Mac’ McNamara, for taking on Corporate Clash 2025 and emerging as a true champion in our eyes.

Simon committed himself fully to his preparation and stepped into the ring last Saturday night, supported by a packed room of spectators and those cheering him on via the live stream in their homes and at The Sherwood.

In Fight 10 of the night, Simon ended up in a a face off against Masters boxing champion Paul Covi, after his original opponent was unfortunately withdrawn. What followed was a thrilling exhibition match, with Simon and Paul battling it out for three exciting and exhausting rounds of two minutes each. Thanks to the efforts of the 2025 contestants, event sponsors, and supporters, an outstanding $309,870 was raised.

So excited to see our very own Sherwood Venue Manager Julia ‘KILLAJULES’ Maulguet take on the clash in August 2026.

CHALLENGE WALK

Wests was proud to be a presenting partner of Campbelltown City Council Challenge Walk 2025 and loves supporting initiatives that get the community out and about.

A bunch of TEAMWESTS legends attended on the beautiful, crisp, and sunny morning to tackle 6km and 11km around Mt Annan Gardens.

BBQ KING!

Wests is proud to support Turning Point Camden Inc., an incredible not-for-profit community welfare and drop-in centre offering a wide range of services, including emergency food relief, mental health support, domestic and family violence assistance, and dedicated men’s and women’s support groups. Along with providing ongoing pantry support through ClubGRANTS, the Wests team is honoured to host a series of Men’s Breakfasts each Friday at the centre - made even more special thanks to Roy Warby the BBQ King, who brings his signature sizzle and warm spirit to every meal.

WOW DAY

The Wests team proudly got behind SES Wear It Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), throwing on the hi-vis and turning our venues orange in support of our incredible SES volunteers.

WOW Day, held on Wednesday 21 May during National Volunteer Week, recognises the volunteers who give their time to help communities through storms and floods. We’re proud to have Wests members serving with our local SES, and honoured to be the region’s chosen venue for frontline meal support during emergencies.

ALL WRAPPED UP!

The Christmas spirit was shining bright at our Volunteer Gift Wrapping event, following the success of our Big Yellow Umbrella Xmas Giving Tree Appeal.

A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers and community partners including NAB Narellan and Transport NSW for helping wrap hundreds of gifts for local families in need across our community.

Our volunteers were treated to a beautiful performance by the Sweet Tonic Singers and a surprise visit from Santa.

All of the beautifully wrapped presents were gifted on to brighten Christmas for those who need it most!

CARING IN ACTION

The team is always ready to get involved and show they care for our community. Over the last year we had 93 events including, initiatives and volunteer opportunities for our staff to get behind across a wide range of important causes and community initiatives, including:

• Mother’s Day Gift wrapping to raise funds for Kids of Macarthur

• Push up Challenge to support Mental Health

• Jeans for Genes to support Children’s Medical research

• R U OK? Day to encourage conversations around mental health

• Liptember towards Women’s mental health

• Fishers Ghost Fun Run for supporting healthy lifestyles

• Movember to raise awareness for men’s mental health including suicide, prostate and testicular cancer.

• RSPCA cupcake day for animal medical care, rehabilitation, and support finding new homes

VEGAS BABY!

Congratulations to our Staff Star Las Vegas Crew 2025! This is Wests most prestigious staff award for those that have shown exceptional performance and commitment to Wests.

Jacob Shortland

Trent Mayer

Jessica Hogg

Megan Price

Lien Coles

Cecilia Howell

Samir Boutros

Darren Hore

Joshua Leong

Brock Cooper

Muscara

Kayla Flegg

Julia Maulguet