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PRESIDENT’S UPDATE

FAMILY FUN DAY WRAP

DINING UPDATE

SPORTIES COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

2023 CLUB GRANTS

SPORTING CODES UPDATE

STAFF MILESTONES

WHAT’S ON AT SPORTIES

MELBOURNE CUP

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

CHRISTMAS RAFFLES

NEW YEARS EVE

OK2PLAY

CONTACTS

Sporties is dedicated to enriching the community

Exceeding expectations by creating a destination of good times and great memories through our people, product and presentation

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

To our valued members, Welcome to the first edition of the Sporties E-Mag. We’ve launched this quarterly publication to keep you up to date with all the latest club information, special events, community updates, and exciting news from our sporting codes. One of the highlights from the past few months was our ClubGRANTS Presentation Evening. We invited six community partners and all five of our affiliated sporting codes to join us at the Club to formally receive their funding cheques for the upcoming year. Several Sporties Directors were on hand to present the cheques which totalled $104,870 for our chosen community organisations, and $182,787 for our affiliated sporting codes. In total, Sporties contributed a combined $287,657 through ClubGRANTS. In addition to this, Sporties has also provided support through in-kind donations and sponsorships totalling a further $130,000 meaning that this year through direct contributions, Sporties has injected over $400,000 into fantastic initiatives which enrich our community and make life better for people young and old. Several months ago, we launched a new blog on the Sporties website to showcase some of the work we’re doing in the community, highlight the outstanding performances of our sporting codes, and share with you some of the exciting projects we’re rolling out at the club. These articles are an extension of some of the posts you may have seen on our Facebook and Instagram and provide you with a better insight into what’s happening around the club. Stories you can read about include how Sporties supports the Miracle Babies Foundation, Moorebank Royals player Blake Gooding’s scholarship to play baseball in the US, and how we celebrated the first anniversary of On Point Catering at Indulge and the Half Time Diner. Our Family Fun Days at the end of each month have been a huge success. The Club has been near capacity with kids enjoying the petting farm, a jumping castle, face painting, and a candy bar, while mum and dad were able to listen to live music and have some lunch from the BBQ Smoker.

These events have been held from 12pm-3pm on the last Sunday of every month and as the summer and warmer weather approaches, stay tuned for what we have planned. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate several members of our team who recently celebrated milestones with our Club. Raylee Parker has been with us for 10 years, starting her career as our regular bingo caller in 2013 before moving into customer service roles on the floor and in reception. She was recently promoted to Team Trainer for bingo to ensure the game always runs smoothly. Mary Wilkinson is also celebrating her 10-year milestone, having held the position of Safe Operator since 2013. Congratulations to these wonderful employees and we look forward to many more years to come. And Rhyce Franghiscatos celebrated 10 years at Sporties in September. He began his career with us as a casual floor attendant and has since worked behind the bar, as the cellarman, and in gaming, before moving into leadership roles. I’ll finish with some exciting news… I’m thrilled to confirm plans are underway for some major renovations within the Club to freshen up the interior and modernise the design, and we will bring you more information very soon. As the weather warms up, I encourage you to come into the Club for a visit, see what’s new on the menu at Indulge and Half Time Diner, and enjoy some quality time with family and friends in our outdoor beer garden and verandah. It’s a beautiful time of year to enjoy the simple things! Thanks for supporting us as we strive to make sure we are the best hospitality venue in our community.

ALBY TAYLOR PRESIDENT MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

During the winter months, Sporties hosted Family Fun Days on the last Sunday of every month, inviting families to visit the club for an afternoon of outdoor fun and entertainment. There was a petting farm, jumping castle, face-painting, candy bar, live music, and a BBQ smoker dishing up delicious smoked meats. They were a huge success! The club was packed for each event and a great time was had by all.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

In July 2023, we celebrated the first anniversary of the On Point Catering team taking over operations at Indulge Brasserie. Over the past 12 months, Mitch and Elianna have been tasked with two goals: refresh the restaurant offering and reimagine the food concept so it caters for everyone. “We knew taking over the food offerings at Sporties was going to be an adventure and it’s been really fun! Having the creative freedom that we hadn’t necessarily had in the past was probably the best part. Introducing food items that we knew members and guests would enjoy, but also trying new things to see what worked and what didn’t”. Enhancing the connection with the community and our sporting clubs is another thing Mitch and Eli have focused on. “We wanted to show the kids playing local sport that this is their club too, and that a kid’s meal isn’t their only option for lunch or dinner. The American-style burgers and hot dogs at Half Time Diner are great for kids wanting to refuel after a game. We even tried to make the names a bit of fun. “It’s been an exciting 12 months and such an incredible journey. A huge thank you to Club management who have given us so much support. And to the members, we wouldn’t be here without you, so thank you”.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

In June, we launched a dining and community blog on the Sporties website to keep our members and the wider community, up to date with the latest offerings and events at our club.

MIRACLE BABIES The Miracle Babies Foundation is an organisation Sporties has supported for many years, particularly through ClubGRANTS. The club has provided funding for NurtureTime at Liverpool Hospital, which is a program run for parents of premature babies.

To see how many families your club has helped, CLICK HERE

Better, healthier outcomes for newborns and their families challenged by prematurity and sickness. People, Culture & Community Manager Alison Hester and Community Coordinator Paula Savage with Miracle Babies

NOMINATE A NEIGHBOUR Nominate A Neighbour is an initiative developed by Sporties to celebrate the quiet achievers in our community. It encourages people to share stories about their neighbours who make a real difference in the lives of others. Submissions are open every few months with the winner of each round awarded $1,000.

To read about the unsung heroes from our most recent nominations, CLICK HERE

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD THAT DESERVES RECOGNITION? CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

Customer Service Manager Cassie Loader with Nominate A Neighbour winner Daniel Jeffcoat

MOOREBANK BASEBALLER – BLAKE GOODING – OFF TO FLORIDA We all know we have some incredible sportsmen and women playing for our associated sporting clubs and in June, we celebrated Moorebank Baseballer Blake Gooding, who was offered a full scholarship to study and play baseball in the US.

For more about his early days Hammondville Park, CLICK HERE

with

the

Royals

WANT TO READ ABOUT MORE SPORTING UPDATES? HEAD TO PAGE 12 Former Moorebank Royals player Blake Gooding off to play baseball at Hillsborough College in Florida!

HAMMONDVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL FAIR Moorebank Sports was honoured to be the major sponsor for Hammondville Public School’s 90th birthday celebrations. Hundreds of people turned out to celebrate and show their support for this local institution, enjoying market stalls, entertainment, food trucks, and more.

To read more about the special event, CLICK HERE

CEO Jeff Gibbs celebrating with Hammondville Public School students and staff

SPORTIES GOES SOLAR! We recently had the team from Smart Commercial Solar come out to install a 100kw solar system across several sections of our roof. Not only will this save the club money on energy bills, but solar is much better for the environment and helps us work towards our sustainability goals.

To read more about Sporties solar endeavour, CLICK HERE

For access to all of the Sporties blog posts, visit https://moorebanksports.com.au/moorebank-sporties-blog/

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

2023

CLUBGRANTS CLUBGRANTS PRESENTATION NIGHT

OUR 2023 RECIPIENTS

On Monday, 14 August, Sporties hosted its ﬁrst ClubGRANTS Presentation Evening.

· MiniFit

Six community partners and our ﬁve sporting codes were invited to attend the event where they were formally presented with their funding cheques for the 2023 ClubGRANTS year.

· Liverpool Neighbourhood Connections

In total, Sporties contributed $104,870 to local community organisations and an additional $182,787 to our sporting codes.

· Learning Links

In addition to this funding, Sporties also provided support through in-kind donations and sponsorships totalling $130,000.

· Moorebank Netball Club

TOTAL CONTRIBUTION: $417,657

· Moorebank Rugby League

· Georges River Life Care · Heroes With Ability Sports Activities · Miracle Babies · Moorebank Soccer Club · Moorebank Baseball & Softball Club · Moorebank Cricket Club

Wa n t t o k n ow m o re ?

For more information on our grant funding, CLICK HERE

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB B

MINI FIT

MIRACLE BABIES

A program run by former NRL star Anthony Minicello which provides school holiday clinics for boys and girls, teaching them about movement, exercise, and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

This funding will allow Miracle Babies to deliver 15 sessions of NurtureTime at Liverpool Hospital each week, offering inhospital peer support for families with babies born premature or sick. It is delivered by parents who have been through a similar journey and aims to reduce the risk of parental mental illness.

GEORGES RIVER LIFE CARE

LEARNING LINKS

The Community Connect program supports individuals and families experiencing social issues like family violence, ﬁnancial hardship, and isolation - offering emergency food aid and a fortnightly free lunch with children’s activities, to help them feel part of the community.

The Speech Therapy In Schools program sees speech pathologists work with Nuwarra Public School to support children with speech, language, and communication challenges. It also offers support to teachers to better assist their students.

LIVERPOOL NEIGHBOURHOOD CONNECTIONS This organisation supports local women from non-English speaking backgrounds who are looking to get into the workforce. They offer a six-week workshop on personal development and job readiness where they work on interview skills, resume writing, and communication skills – with child minding provided.

HEROES WITH ABILITY This organisation provides a specialised weekly sport program for students with a disability. It is delivered through their school and promotes fun, teamwork, inclusion, and ﬁtness, through physical learning.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

Giving is not just about making a donation. It’s about making a difference.

MOOREBANK NETBALL CLUB It’s been another successful season for Moorebank Sports Netball with the largest representation of teams in the Liverpool Association. We had four non-competitive teams for ages 9 and under, as well as 13 junior teams and two senior teams. 11 teams made the semi-finals and five progressed to their Grand Finals, with our Junior Cadets and Senior Cadets winning the premiership! A big congratulations to Jayla Sullivan, Stephanie Fraeitta, Leearna Harris, and Hazel Kruger, who all obtained their National C Umpiring Badge this year. We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2024.

MOOREBANK RAMS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB Moorebank Rams JRLFC continues to go from strength to strength with another successful season in 2023. We fielded 31 teams in the Canterbury Junior Rugby League, Central West, Metro Combined Open Men’s Gold, and Sydney Shield competitions. Five teams made grand finals: 10 Div 1 took home back-to-back premierships as did our Open Women’s League side, 10 Div 2 won their trophy, and the 16-Girls League Tag won their competition. Unfortunately, the 20s Gold side lost their decider. Our club continues to grow with more than 450 players registered this year. We have also been fortunate to have several players make development squads, Harold Matts, and SG Ball summer squads. Well done to everyone involved this season.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

MOOREBANK SOCCER CLUB What a fantastic year it’s been for Moorebank Soccer Club! Four teams won the Minor Premiership in their age division. Eight teams made Grand Finals. And our All-Age Men’s 9s won the 2023 Premiership with a 2-1 victory over the Liverpool Warriors! We had a record number of female participants this season and we were able to field a team in the Women’s M-League for the first time. Moorebank Soccer Club hosted the Southern Districts Soccer Football Association Grand Final weekend at Hammondville Park, and a fantastic time was had by all. Special mention to our Secretary, Holly Draper, who received an SDSFA Outstanding Service Award for 2023. We can’t wait for next season!

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

10 YEARS AT SPORTIES Congratulations to team members Mary Wilkinson, Raylee Parker and Rhys Franghiscatos, who recently celebrated 10 years at Sporties! Mary began her career with us in 2013 as a Safe Operator, a position she still holds today, and says the people and the flexible work environment are two things she loves most about the club. “The team is family-oriented with a genuine enthusiasm for a healthy work-life balance for their staff. I don’t live locally, and I have kids, so having an understanding and compassionate workplace over the past 10 years has been amazing”. Raylee joined the club on 25 July 2013 as a bingo caller after being a regular player at our club for many years. She then moved into customer service roles on the floor and in reception, and even helps with maintenance around the club. Raylee says it’s the customers that make her day. And Rhys began his career with us at the age of 21 as a casual floor attendant, picking up glasses and wiping down tables, before working behind the bar, as our cellarman, and in gaming. He then took on leadership roles within the club and has also stepped into the role of Marketing Coordinator, when required. He says the social aspect of the job is what he loves the most. “I've always enjoyed getting to know my fellow workmates and patrons during my shifts. I've made some good friends and acquaintances over the years.

COURTNEY TAKES CENTRE STAGE Congratulations to Sporties employee Courtney Emmas who was involved in the stage production of the musical, Les Miserables, at the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta. The 20 year old played 17th century working-class woman, Fantine, in the two-week long Packemin Productions show. “It was the coolest thing I’ve ever done. I felt so privileged to be sharing the stage with the other cast members. Everyone was so talented, the creative team were so professional, and the whole crew were incredibly kind and supportive”. Courtney has been working behind the bar at Sporties for 8 months and says she loves the atmosphere and the social element the club provides.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

O C TOB E R CANELO V CHARLO Sunday 1st October 12pm

Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez defends his undisputed super middleweight titles against hard-hitting junior middleweight champ Jermell Charlo. Watch it live on the big screens!

NRL GRAND FINAL

Sunday 1st October 7.30pm Watch Panthers vs Broncos - live & loud on the big screens Footy Meal Deal available all night

JELLYBEAN JAM

Friday 13th October 9.30pm Since 1993, Jellybean Jam has been rocking Sydney's party scene with a mix of classic and current hits

TSZYU V MENDOZA Sunday 15th October 12pm

Catch WBO World Champion Tim Tszyu vs. WBC interim champ Brian Mendoza

COMEDY CLUB

Thursday 19th October 7.30pm Get ready for a night full of belly laughs. Get your mates together and enjoy a night out!

UFC 294

Sunday 22nd October 12pm Current champ Islam Makhachev squares off against former titleholder Charles Oliveira

HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN DAY Sunday 29th October 12pm-3pm

Enjoy a spooky day out for the whole family. Enjoy a jumping castle, trick or treating, face painting and a visit from some of your favourite characters

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

N OV E MBE R MELBOURNE CUP Tuesday 7th November

Secure your spot at Sporties' Melbourne Cup bash. Bar specials, fashions on the field and more. There is no better place to watch the race that stops the nation

THE BIRDCAGE LUNCHEON Tuesday 7th November

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style this year at our Birdcage Luncheon. Enjoy live music, bubbly on arrival and choose between a 2 course or 3 course menu

KICK - INXS SHOW

Friday 10th November 9.30pm The Kick INXS Tribute Show celebrates INXS's legacy, delivering their songs to both modern and nostalgic audiences

UFC 295

Sunday 12th November 12pm Jon Jones defending his UFC heavyweight title against former champ Stipe Miocic

TAYLOR SWIFT TRIVIA Monday 13th November 7pm

Calling all Swifties! We are in our Taylor era, it’s time to find out who is the ultimate know-it-all Swiftie

80’S FLASHBACK

Friday 24th November 9.30pm The 80's Flashback perform a decade of classic 80's, rock to retro hits with songs you remember and songs you wish you didn't

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

D E CE MBE R HAM RAFFLES

Throughout December It’s the most wonderful time of the year....for ham! Stock up for this Christmas with our ham raffles every Wednesday & Friday with our FREE MEMBERS RAFFLE on Sundays

THE ULTIMATE TOY RAFFLE Sunday 3rd December

The raffle Sporties is famous for! Bring the kids and score the hottest toys of 2023 at our Toy Raffle. PLUS a special visit from Santa and face painting!

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON Wednesday 6th December

Join us for a scrumptious two-course festive lunch and enjoy live entertainment by Sing Little Sister. Limited spots available, so reserve yours today!

BEER & CHEER RAFFLE Wednesday 20th December

Stock up on your beer for Christmas with our Beer & Cheer Raffle. They don’t call it the silly season for no reason!

FAMILY FUN DAY

Sunday 17th December 12pm-3pm Get into the Christmas spirit and join us for our biggest yet family fun day. Get the family together and enjoy our end of year blowout party!

NEW YEARS EVE Sunday 31st December

Bring in the new year at Sporties, with crowd favourite WANTED -DEAD OR ALIVE - BON JOVI SHOW playing, food and drink specials and a prime spot for the fireworks

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

IN AN INDUSTRY LEADING FIRST, SPORTIES PLAYER PROTECTION PLATFORM IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST BOTH MEMBERS AND STAFF BY ASKING A PATRON.... ARE YOU OK2PLAY? In September, we celebrated 1yr of OK2PLAY? at Sporties. Our Club was the first venue to introduce the innovative digital platform as a way of protecting our members and guests. Designed to ensure players are in the right state of mind to utilise gaming facilities, OK2PLAY? has enabled Sporties to actively assist members where needed. In the first 12 months, our venue has asked 11,976 members if they are OK2PLAY? 185 patrons responded they were not, and were connected with the relevant support services. Sporties CEO Jeff Gibbs says our members appreciate the innovative approach we have taken to ensuring their welfare. “Here at Sporties our intention is to provide an entertaining and social experience, but we realise for a small number of our members, there can be issues arising both directly in terms of gaming, and wider life issues. We wanted to be proactive in this area, identifying members who require additional support as early as possible, therefore we implemented the OK2PLAY? platform. We have found the technology to be simple for both staff and patrons, and non-disruptive to the member experience”.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB Phone: 02 9825 3300 Email:

MOOREBANK RAMS RUGBY LEAGUE

info@sportiesgroup.com.au

MONDAY

10:00am - 1.00am

TUESDAY

10:00am - 1.00am

WEDNESDAY

10:00am - 2.00am

THURSDAY

10:00am - 3.00am

FRIDAY

10:00am - 3.00am

SATURDAY

10:00am - 3.00am

SUNDAY

10:00am - 1.00am

UPDATE

YOUR

MEMBERSHIP

DETAILS? Email:

Email:

moorebankrams@yahoo.com.au

Website: https://moorebankrams.wixsite.com/mysite

TRADING HOURS

NEED

SPORTING CODES

reception@sportiesgroup.com.au

Moorebank Rams Rugby League Football Club

MOOREBANK SOCCER CLUB Email:

secretary@moorebanksoccer.org.au

Website: www.moorebanksoccer.org.au Moorebank Soccer Club

MOOREBANK NETBALL CLUB Email:

ann.richards@live.com.au

Website: www.moorebanknc.nsw.netball.com.au Moorebank Sports Netball Club

WANT TO SEND US FEEDBACK? Phone:

02 9825 3300

Email:

MOOREBANK CRICKET CLUB

info@sportiesgroup.com.au

Email:

secretary@moorebankcricket.com

Website: www.moorebankcricket.com WANT A CAREER A SPORTIES? Apply here via our website

Moorebank Cricket Club

INDULGE BRASSERIE & FUNCTIONS

MOOREBANK BASEBALL CLUB

Phone:

02 9825 3300

Email:

indulge@sportiesgroup.com.au

fiona@moorebankbaseball.com

Website: www.moorebank.baseball.com.au Moorebank Baseball Softball Club

MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB

@MOOREBANKSPORTS

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • 2023 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB