Winter Talk of the Town 2022

Hello Members,

We are now half way through the year when I bring you my latest journal report.

Unfortunately Covid has had a huge impact on our Staff, Members and Community over the last few years. Don’t be dismayed as we will all continue to work together to provide the amenities, entertainment, dining and sporting facilities for our Members to enjoy.

As your President I am very proud of the Board of Directors, Members, Staff and of course our Management Team who have put their heart into supporting our Clubs during this difficult time. I thank you all for this support as we strive ahead to keep going strong and continue to deliver the plans for the future development for our Clubs financial security and longevity.

I was hoping to give you an update on our Independent Living Development but that will not be in this report unfortunately. We have been working on this for 5 years and I am hanging in eager anticipation on some good news regarding our DA application approval.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

When we receive further information on this I will pass it onto you. Many of us were upset about the passing of long time member Ronnie Costello. Ronnie had been a member for over 60 years and during this time was part of many of our Sporting Bodies. He excelled in many sports during his time and was still an Indoor and Outdoor Bowler. Ron worked at the Club in earlier years and had the record of carrying 18 drinks on a tray. He was a VIP Member and popular amongst our Members and staff and I was proud to call him a friend and will miss him and his cheeky smile. RIP Ron. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management, Staff and Members our condolences go to his family and friends and any other members who have lost loved ones recently.

Thank you again to Harold Becker. He is always there to support our members when they need someone to talk to. He is such a kind, compassionate person. We are so lucky to have him as our Welfare Officer.

We are adding entertainment and bands to our venues where possible including some Sunday concerts. Champagne Wednesday each month is still proving to be very popular, why not meet up with your friends and enjoy a nice day out. Keep your eyes open for information on coming events and promotions so you have the opportunity to visit our Clubs with family and friends to enjoy some social outings.

Don’t forget the new dining areas with Eucalyptus and Mango Tango (Thai) on the first floor or spend some time with mates at “The Shed”.

Some shows are slowly creeping back to Qudos Arena so watch out for promotions which give our Members the opportunity to attend. Delta Goodrem performed her show on 9th April and I received “rave reviews” from our Members who attended.

Our Group AGM was held Sunday 10th April. I am very pleased to report that all “Resolutions for Consideration” were approved. Thank you members for the support and confidence you showed in your Directors and Management in the running of the Club and future planning.

CEO Morgan Stewart outlined what had happened over last 12 months and touched on some of the exciting plans and ideas we are exploring for the future looking ahead over the next 5-20 years. The “Workers Group” will be the envy of many.

Take care and be kind to each other.

Kay Kelly Club President Blacktown Workers Club Group

Hello Members,

Welcome to this Winter edition of Talk of the Town.

I hope you are all staying safe and well as we continue to work our way back to “normality” in a Covid-adjusted world.

It’s great to be able to welcome more of our Members back to enjoy your Club to dine, enjoy shows and attend events and other activities.

Our ongoing program to improve our facilities continues - we’ve now completed works at Campbell Street to create a new Members Services desk next to reception for general customer service including membership, ticket sales and general customer enquiries. The walkway across from the carpark into the Club or ‘Parklane’ as we know it has been refurbished and re-opened from Wednesday to Sunday which has provided ease of access to and from the Level One food and entertainment outlets.

We are about to commence the refit of the Impressions Café area and Bar encompassing new furniture and fittings to modernise these areas and give them a new contemporary look

GROUP CEO’S REPORT

and feel that our Members and Guests expect.

The ongoing impact of COVID-19 has continued to present us with some operational challenges with staffing and supply which we have worked hard to overcome to maintain consistent delivery of products and service.

Our dedicated team members continue to demonstrate their commitment and resilience during what have been challenging times. I am very proud of and thank them all for their ongoing efforts – it speaks to us being a strong, community-based organisation which places high value on its people.

The recent Blacktown Workers Club Group AGM was a tremendous opportunity to outline plans for the future of the Clubs and property holdings. I thank members for their attendance and for their support of the Special Resolutions – including the move to Triennial Rule for the election of the Board of Directors. This will enable us to offer increased security and stability for the future plans the Club is making to improve the offerings we have for Members and the local community.

At the AGM I provided an update on the large-scale project to develop the Seniors Living Precinct Independent Living Units at Reservoir Road. We have spent much time and effort on this and are now close to a development approval. We will continue to keep Members updated how this progresses at State Government level.

We have a strong promotional calendar with much activity taking place over the Winter Season. Exciting new Member spend promotions will include a

membership drive with a three car give-away, a strong variety of shows and entertainment, food promotions and more. Please keep an eye out for our upcoming Blacktown Workers Club #worldfamousinBlacktown advertising. Let’s celebrate all that we are and do.

Our focus on community engagement remains at the forefront of our thinking with more than 50 local organisations being supported in the past year. We continue to place a focus on helping to reduce Domestic and Family Violence in our community with our commitment of $500,000 over 5 years to local organisations providing help to those affected. More information is included in this Journal.

Our community engagement efforts have been recognised with four finalist nominations at the Clubs NSW Clubs & Community Awards.

I am looking forward to what the future may hold for us all - we are an agile and resilient group of people and we will do what we think is right for the long term future of our Clubs and community.

As always, my condolences go to those Members who have lost loved ones. Please take care of yourselves and of each other.

Morgan Stewart

Group Chief Executive Officer Blacktown Workers Club Group

Win

YOUR

SHARE OF MORE THAN

Good things come in threes, Neapolitan ice cream, the Three Sisters, Tricycles, Olympic Medal Winners, Three Little Piggies, we could keep going but there would be three pages worth of examples!

The next great thing that comes in threes is our $100,000 Triple Dip Draws! Yes you read that correctly, in-fact there is over $100,000 worth of prizes up for grabs including a Hyundai Venue, Kona, Tucson & loads of cash. Entering the draws is simple:

HOW TO ENTER

1. Be a member – Don’t worry if you aren’t. You can become one today and get 30 x bonus entries!

THROUGHOUT THE BWC GROUP*

2. With every swipe of your membership card, spend $10 or more or Redeem $10 of your points (accumulatively) across all 3 venues.

We know what you are thinking… “Can I win all three cars?” –THE ANSWER IS YES! Yes you can!

Will you be our World Famous Ultimate Triple Dip Champion of Blacktown?

AND CONDITIONS APPLY | BLACKTOWN WORKERS CLUB GROUP PRACTICES RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL

Workers CONNECT

Blacktown Workers Club supports more than 50 local community organisations. We proudly help out via our ClubGRANTS, donations, sponsorships and other fundraising initiatives - and the provision of sporting and recreation facilities including the large outdoor sports complex at Blacktown Workers Sports Club.

The H.E. Laybutt reserve is a renowned sporting complex which features two soccer fields, two rugby league fields/cricket ovals, three bowling greens, five all weather tennis courts and a baseball diamond. The sporting complex is home to many of our affiliated sporting teams and sub-clubs, boasting some 7,000 sportsmen and women, seniors and juniors.

A Major Role in Recovery

Blacktown Stroke Recovery Club is part of Stroke Recovery Association NSW which started up 45 years ago and have called Blacktown Workers Club Group home. Made up of 50 stroke members and carers who attend weekly to enjoy the company of each other and for respite.

The Stroke Club plays a major role in the recovery and support through games, activities, bus trips and cruises. Members confidence and speech impairment have improved through encouragment of sharing their knowledge and experiences of stroke.

Blacktown Workers is proud to support the Stroke Club as they are an excellent source of companionship for all those affected by stroke, who can often feel isolated and very emotional.

The Blacktown Stroke Recovery Club meet every Monday from 10am to 12pm in the Marana Room. New members are welcome to join the comradery of the group.

Pictured to the right are John and Lyn Lawrence with Easter raffle prizes donated by the members.

A Society free of Violence

DV West’s vision is for a society free of violence against women and children.

This local organisation provides specialist domestic violence services through four refuges, transitional housing, outreach support, a centralised intake and assessment service, an after hours service, group programs for women and children and in-house counselling.

Blacktown Workers Club Group provided $10,000 in ClubGRANTS last year to DV West as part of the $500,000 commitment over five years to enable local Domestic and Family Violence organisations to assist women and families trying to escape further violence.

The funding provided will assist those in need to have access to family relocation support services and a dedicated framework of support systems to help them safely remove themselves from harm.

• Crisis accommodation

• Transitional housing

• Legal Assistance

• Advocacy and referral to agencies, Centrelink, Child protection health services.

“Blacktown Workers Club is proud to be able to support the important work DV West do to help women, children in our local community.” Morgan Stewart, Group CEO

DOMESTIC & FAMILY HELP STOP

Blacktown Workers Club Group commits to donating $500,000 over five years to not-for-profit organisations dealing with Domestic and Family Violence in our local community

BLACKTOWN WOMEN’S & GIRL’S HEALTH CENTRE

DV WEST

WOMEN’S ACTIVITIES & SELF HELP (WASH) HOUSE

THE

Stroke Club Members

A Sense of Belonging

The Inner Wheel Club of Blacktown City began its journey of service in the community in 1982 with the club charter being held at the “Blacktown Workers Club Group” in June of that year.

The journey began holding meetings at member’s homes and in 2003 it was decided to move to an outside meeting place and the “Blacktown Workers” was approached. Without hesitation, “Blacktown Workers” offered Inner Wheel a permanent room where they have now been holding their monthly meetings for over 18 years. The Inner Wheel Club of Blacktown City has also benefitted in its fundraising efforts with their applications through ClubGRANTS of approx. $5,000 per year.

The funding has supported the Inner Wheel to be able to purchase specialised equipment over many years for the Palliative Care unit at Mt Druitt, the newborn care unit and antenatal clin-

ic at Blacktown hospital and aids for the visually impaired. TNC were seating has been provided outside The Sargent’s Centre in Blacktown, the purchase of a horse for the Riding for the Disabled and hygiene and food packs for the Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre . Additional funds were also raised through running stalls etc, a truly dedicated organisation who have a passion for helping the community

“Inner Wheel are not only about meetings and raising funds through stalls, but people also join organisations such as ours to serve the community and as a sense of belonging to assist with the development of individuals, all whilst having fun!” Robyn White, Secretary.

If you wish to join the Inner Wheel Club of Blacktown City, please contact Robyn White iiw.au.blacktowncity@gmail.com

Connected To Oour Community

‘Thank you to the wonderful Blacktown Workers Club Group for the ClubGRANTS funding of $25,000 we received to deliver our Community Arts Program with emphasis on engaging with the local Aboriginal Community’ – Danielle RG.

‘We are extremely grateful for the funding as this allows us to keep connected to our community at all levels, including welfare checks on our Elders’.

The funding assisted with the collective artwork by Creative Groundz Studio and the Wolkara Elders group which was printed and is being used to make table runners, tote bags and cushion covers. Although the studio was locked down during Covid, the program development continued.

The ClubGRANTS has allowed reconnection with the Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation (DTAC) to assist with developing a new logo for the organisation and further develop a partnership with the Darug Community leaders.

Creative Groundz Studio is located at Lalor Park Community Centre and meet Monday to Wednesday mornings.

Inner Wheel Club Members

Seating provided outside The Sargent’s Centre in Blacktown.

Common Grounz Crew

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW AT WORKERSCLUB.COM.AU OR FROM THE WELCOME DESK AT WORKERS BLACKTOWN

the beatnix

SATURDAY 11 JUNE | DOORS 7PM

$15 MEMBERS | $20 VISITORS

The Beatles always makes life feel that little bit better...Join the Beatnix for a magical night as they eerily recreate the beautiful music of the fab four. You will believe you are transported back to the 1960s and it’s Beatle mania all over again.

From the early rock n roll days of the cavern right through to psychedelia and the music that changed the world. Scream and cry as you experience songs such as I saw Her standing There, Twist and Shout, Here Comes the Sun, Hey Jude, Help, Get Back and much much more. Feel free to request a song. You might even get lucky!

CRAZY RICH ETHNICS

SATURDAY 18 JUNE | DOORS 7PM

TICKETS $49.90 EACH

Here come the Crazy Rich Ethnics with their brand new all hilarious stand-up comedy show.

There will be characters, music, audience fun and of course, world-class stand-up comedy delivered by award-winning internationally renowned comedians George Kapiniaris, Tahir and James Liotta.

DUSTY IN CONCERT

SATURDAY 2 JULY | DOORS 7PM

TICKETS $40 EACH

After 4 sold out tours around the country DUSTY THE CONCERT is back after a five-year break.

This is a concert celebrating Dusty Springfields’ musical achievements, hit songs, life stories and impact she had around the world during the era of Black & White Soul. Featuring songs such as “All I See Is You”, “Son Of A Preacher Man”, “I Only Want To Be With You”, “24 Hours From Tulsa”, “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me” and any more.

MARK VINCENT

SATURDAY 25 JUNE | DOORS 7PM

TICKETS $49.90 EACH

Singing from the age of 15, Mark Vincent has gone on to become one of Australia’s most beloved tenors.

Mark is really looking forward to performing his brand-new Concert

The Impossible Dream.

Hits include Memory, This Is the Moment, Nessun Dorma, You’ll Never Walk Alone, My Way and many many more.This will be a concert not to be missed! Dreams do come true !

ROD STEWART & BEST OF BRITAIN SHOW

SATURDAY 9 JULY | DOORS 7PM

$20 MEMBERS | $25 VISITORS

In modern music, few voices are as recognisable as that of Rod Stewart!

Dave Patten, aka “The Voice of Rod Stewart” has astounded audiences around the globe with his incredible likeness to Rod live in concert! This world class double feature concert production tells the complete Rod Stewart story, celebrating Rod’s incredible 50-year career and string of classics from his first #1 smash “Maggie May” in 1971 through decades of his greatest hits loved by generations!

THE BEE GEES ONE NIGHT ONLY

SATURDAY 16 JULY | DOORS 7PM

$20 MEMBERS | $25 VISITORS

One Night Only – The Bee Gees Show is a celebration of the timeless music of the Bee Gees honouring their musical and vocal brilliance.

One Night Only includes some of the greatest disco hits and beautiful ballads penned by the brothers Gibb including Staying Alive, You Should Be Dancing,Tragedy, Night Fever, To Love Somebody, Lonely Days, More Than A Woman,How Deep Is Your Love and many more.

*Ticketed entertainemnt is correct at time of printing but subject to change

MEAT LOAF THE

AUSTRALIAN TRIBUTE

SATURDAY 23 JULY | DOORS 7PM

$20 MEMBERS | $25 VISITORS

Meat Loaf: Bat Out Of Hell - The Australian Tribute is Australia’s number one show paying homage to Meat Loaf, performing all the hits: You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, Paradise by the Dashboard Light, Bat Out of Hell, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through, The Rocky Horror Picture Show Classic Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul and I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) that remains his biggest hit, reaching number-one in 28 countries around the world.

DONT CHANGE

ULTIMATE INXS

SATURDAY 30 JULY | DOORS 7PM

TICKETS $35 EACH

Don’t Change captures all the passion and energy that is INXS as they recreate a concert style tribute to one of the greatest live stadium acts the world has ever seen.

This fully authentic production takes audiences on an engaging musical journey through all the biggest INXS hits with tracks such as Never Tear us Apart, Original Sin, Don’t Change, Listen Like Thieves, Burn for You, Need you Tonight, Devil Inside and many more...

ELVIS IF I CAN DREAM

SATURDAY 20 AUGUST | DOORS 7PM

TICKETS $49 EACH

QUEEN

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

SATURDAY 6 AUGUST | DOORS 7PM

TICKETS $39 EACH

The Sensational Thomas Crane and Bohemian Rhapsody bring back to life the visual excitement and energy of a Queen live experience.

“Everything is here, right down to the trademark cheeky banter and singing contests between Freddie and his audience,” Crane said.

“Bohemian Rhapsody manage to take everything that made a Queen show unique, and bring it back to life before your very eyes and ears.”

The Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody show will work its way through the decades, showcasing Queen’s hits from the 70s through to the 90s.

*Ticketed entertainemnt is correct at time of printing but subject to change

MEN XCLUSIVE

FRIDAY 26 AUGUST | DOORS 7PM

$35 MEMBERS | $40 VISITORS

Come and Celebrate the magical hits of The King Of Rock n Roll in a sensational Concert Spectacular.

All of Elvis’ No 1 hits will be performed in the original style that made Elvis the greatest performer that ever lived.

Internationally Acclaimed sensation Mark Anthony, one of the most dynamic Elvis tribute artists in the world today, brings this unique period to life – the songs, the costumes, the emotion, the energy, the raw power – all brought together in a two hour concert spectacular.

GEORGE MICHAEL RELIVED

SATURDAY 27 AUGUST | DOORS 7PM

$20 MEMBERS | $25 VISITORS

An all-Male Cabaret will surely let your inner goddess out to play. Find out for yourself – come and see all male Burlesque so tantalising and teasing, that it leaves you breathless for the night.

“MenXclusive Australia” the sexiest, most fulfilled act in the southern hemisphere!

Live Cabaret-Theatre style Performance, Interactive and Classy, MenXclusive is the Ultimate night filled with FANTASY. Celebrate, Dance, Feel, Drink.

George Michael Relived performs the songs we all know and love such as: Faith, Careless Whisper, Fast Love, Outside, Last Christmas, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, I’m Your Man, Freedom and Everything She Wants.

A fantastic musical experience performing the best of singer songwriter George Michael featuring tight harmonies by some of Sydney’s best singers and backed by an amazing band.

SPORTING CLUBS

BASEBALL - JUNIOR

BASEBALL - WOMENS

BASEBALL - SENIOR

BILLARDS AND SNOOKER

BOWLS - INDOOR

BOWLS - OVER 60’S SOCIAL

BOWLS - MENS OUTDOOR

BOWLS - WOMENS OUTDOOR

CRICKET - JUNIOR

CRICKET - SENIOR

FISHING

GOLF - MENS

GOLF

Hello Members,

I hope that you are all well and have had the flu shot ready for the cold weather.

To our members who are in hospital we wish you a speedy recovery.

If you or a family member or know of a member who is in hospital or a nursing home and would like me to visit them and cheer them up, please let me know.

I would like to thank the Board of Directors, Management, Staff and members for their get well wishes during my 2 weeks of isolation, especially our CEO Morgan Stewart.

I would also like to mention that the Club is looking for a volunteer to work for Meals On Wheels. The vacancy is for a driver who can help deliver the meals on Monday of each week. If you are interested please email bwc@bwcl.com.au or contact Tina Maamari, Community Relations Manager on 9830 0613.

On behalf of the Club President, Board of Directors, Management and Staff I wish to extend our sincere sympathy to the families of the following members who have passed away since our last journal.

Yours faithfully, Harold Becker

Welfare Officer.

0410 602 418

Late Lesley Hamilton

Late Christine Burgess

Late Norman Trinder

Late Terence Antaw

Late Roslyn Hayes

Late Grace Gardner

Late Brian Platt

Late Paul Kryvosej

Late Ivan Opalniuk

Late Noel Roberts

Late Lois Bull

Late Gino Bacac

Late Jeanette Watters

Late Frances Shannon

Late Gwen Williams

Late Aubrey Syphers

Late Ronald Huntley

Late John Tearle

Late Clifford Hobbs

Late Dell Maloney

Late Barry McDowell

Late Lucille Smith

Late Steve Reparszky

Late John Seehaber

Late Stephen Kordiak

Late Noel Broadhurst

Late Socorro Guillarte

With Heartfelt Sympathy

Late Charlie Blackman

Late Laurence Nicholson

Late John Szokolai

Late Lou Daris

Late Alan Vost

Late Brian Lawton

Late Herbert Lueker

Late Colin Doust

Late Patricia Crockett

Late Mavis Logan

Late Ronald Matthews

Late Shirley Foster

Late Gloria Short

Late Shirley Lane

Late Gregory MacIntyre

Late Gladys Barnes

Late Joyce Ingram

Late Ron Costello

Late Graham Guthrie

Late Louis Ferre

Late Maralyn Graham

Late Brian Strong

Late Helen Moutafis

Late Fathima Misso

Late Esther Toth

Late Harry Phillips

Late Mark Rich

Late Robert Miles

Late Austin Dunsord

Late Joan Peachey

Late Elizabeth Donegan

Late Paul Abela

Late Elias (Louie) Chiha

Late Robert Williamson

Late David Clegg

Late Roy Riley

Late Rhonda Pearce

Late Bruce Palmer

Late Christine Gillard

Late Barry Shaw

Late John Doyle

Late Barbara Dubois

Late Ellen Rigby

Late Peter Doyle

Late Leslie Helme

Late Mary Watson

Late Ronald Kennewell

Late Gizella Adam

Late Edward Zorzut

Late James Priestley

Late Leonard Kerr

Late Grace Alexander

Late Stanley Anderson

Late Bruce Ward

Late Marjorie Askew

Late Peter Lane

Late Wayne Hogan

Late Christopher Higgins

Late Jean Carroll

Late Harold Gorman

Late Patricia Gear

Late Maria Hudson

Late Joseph Mercia

Late Gordon Forsyth

Late Carol Lyons

Late Joan Goldsmith

Late Allen Wilson

Late Leslie Fischer

Late Jacqueline Pollikett

Late Keith Norris

Late Michele Smith

Late Sandra Brooks

Late Allen Rumble

Late Spencer Chayto

Late Clotilde Grech

Late Joan Wicks

Hello Members,

Year to date (Jan to March 2022), I am pleased to advise that we have already contributed more than $160,662 to local community groups and people in need.

Our Group profit before tax as at 31 March 2022 is $237,223 which is higher than budgeted expectations and lower than the same financial period last year (2021).

Treasurer

Kay Kelly PRESIDENT

Gary Callaghan TREASURER

Murray Searle DIRECTOR

Jack Miller SNR VICE PRESIDENT

George Vella DIRECTOR

Brett Fielding DIRECTOR

Terry O’Loughlin JNR VICE PRESIDENT

Ange Humphries DIRECTOR

Paul Hayes DIRECTOR

Gary Callaghan Club

BLACKTOWN WORKERS CLUB GROUP

PROUDLY SUPPORTING OVER 50 LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS

AND CO

WINTER SLEEP OUT 2022

This year marks our second CEO and Co Winter Sleep Out and we are supporting the Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre.

BWGHC is a community-based centre which provides accessible health and wellbeing services for women and girls in Blacktown LGA. They provide emergency crisis intervention and support for women and children, including domestic violence counselling/case management, emergency backpacks, food, overnight accommodation and transport. Women and children experiencing Domestic and Family Violence are at risk of homelessness which is a huge factor that may impact their wellbeing.

Please help reach our fundraising goal of $40,000.

ALL FUNDS RAISED WILL GO TO BLACKTOWN WOMEN'S AND GIRLS HEALTH CENTRE

SCAN THE QR CODE TO DONATE