Building More, Giving More, Being More
From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, we proudly expanded our community footprint investing in sport, sustainability, social programs, and future pathways. This report captures the essence of our values: to build, give, and be more, for our members, our neighbours, and the generations still to come.
Staff & Careers
Building futures, not just filling shifts
STAFF & APPRENTICE DEVELOPMENT
We invested $40,000 into developing our people through focused leadership training, extensive wellbeing initiatives and sponsorships for accredited chef training, Our crew have also benefited from a diverse range of newly developed internal programs that support our next generation of apprentices and hospitality leaders.
STRATEGIC WORKFORCE TRANSITION
This year, we more than doubled our permanent team, shifting from a casual-heavy model to create greater job stability and stronger service consistency. Casual staff were offered career-building roles as part of this strategic shift.
Neung went from Apprentice to Culinary Star!
Where curiosity meets opportunity
CAREER TOURS & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
This year we hosted five career and education tours, including twice-yearly OzHarvest Cert II tours , Hunter Sports High, and a full RIEP partnership offering students chef training, Club tours, and future work opportunities. We also continued partnerships with Belmont High School.
CURRENT POSITIONS
STAFF COMMITTEES &
From the Care Crew to the Legacy Committee and WHS Crew, our staff-led groups help create a safer, more connected workplace.
INCLUSIVE HIRING PRACTICES
Our workforce reflects our values evenly balanced by gender, with 60% of key leadership roles held by women. We support visa holders (with 5 active sponsorships), mature-aged team members, and young workers, creating a truly intergenerational and inclusive culture.
Many hands, one incredible team!
ClubGRANTS Community Funding
Through ClubGRANTS, we delivered over $230,000 across more than 17 vital community initiatives, directly supporting health, wellbeing, and social services across the region.
Community Initiatives we have supported include
SAILABILITY BELMONT
Inclusive sailing access.
OZHARVEST
Food relief and rescue.
HUNTER BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION
Transport assistance and home maintenance for cancer patients.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Empowers women to achieve economic independence.
VALENTINE HYDROTHERAPY POOLS
Affordable wellbeing support and rehabilitation for locals.
BUGALUGS PLAYGROUP
Youth development and community for young families.
PROSTATE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
Health and counselling services for men and their families through their cancer journey.
WINDALE PCYC
Supporting local youth through sport and community.
HUNTER HEART SAFE
A community initiative offering
Bystander CPR training to help save lives.
BELMONT NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
Supporting local families through the cost of living crisis.
WESTPAC RESCUE HELICOPTER
Fast, lifesaving rescue across Northern NSW.
SWANSEA BELMONT LIFESAVING
Protecting our beaches and swimmers.
WARM BLANKETS FOR EVERYONE
Support for unhoused individuals and families.
GOT YOUR BACK SISTA
Domestic violence support.
RUN DIPG
Medical research into childhood cancers.
SURVIVOR’S R US
Providing dignity to women in crisis.
BELMONT HOSPITAL AUXILIARY
Volunteers caring for patients and staff.
SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS & CLEAN ENERGY
We’ve deepened our sustainability efforts by expanding clean energy and embedding ecoconscious practices across the Club. With 276 solar panels now installed across both venues, we’re preventing over 153 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, which is equivalent to planting nearly 7,043 trees.
Internally, we’ve rolled out green food waste bins, diverting 8,446 litres of waste from landfill to compost in just one month with this new initiative. We’ve introduced a staff KeepCup-only policy to reduce single-use plastics and implemented closedloop supply systems using returnable packaging.
We’ve also introduced a sustainable food rescue process, where meals from late large-scale event cancellations are donated to OzHarvest, ensuring quality food reaches those in need instead of going to waste.
CORPORATE EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
We proudly helped bring community and major regional events to life through corporate sponsorship of; Lake Macquarie’s annual Float Your Boat Parade, Valentine Sounds of Sustainability Fair, Croudace Bay Community Christmas Carols, the Surf Life Saving Ocean Series and Nipper Worlds at Blacksmiths Beach. These events drew crowds, supported local tourism and celebrated sport, culture and community across Lake Macquarie.
SAILING SPORT INVESTMENT
Sailing is our legacy and our future. This year, we invested over $980,000 into its growth, supporting Learn to Sail programs, instructor training, equipment upgrades, rescue boat maintenance, and inclusive pathways.
We helped young sailors with travel allowances and covered essential volunteer training, including boat licences and first aid.
With a dedicated team and well-maintained fleet, the sport continues to run safely and smoothly. Now in its second year, our Sailing Foundation Drive is securing support to keep sailing accessible for generations to come.
MORE INFORMATION
Grassroots Sport
We know local sport is at the heart of connected, thriving communities. That’s why this year we’ve invested $120,000 in non-sailing sports, helping local clubs grow their programs, compete with confidence, and keep members active and engaged. Below are the sports we’re proud to support.
VALENTINE FC
Backing grassroots to senior football and growing the game locally.
LAKES UNITED SEAGULLS
Backing regional rugby league pathways by supporting players, community engagement, and strong grassroots participation.
BELMONT SPORTIES NETBALL CLUB
Championing youth and women’s sport through strong community spirit, and a love of the game.
BELMONT BASEBALL CLUB
Helping keep this classic community sport thriving through local comps, junior development, and strong club spirit.
AFL HUNTER CENTRAL COAST LEAGUE
Promoting inclusive, community-focused footy across the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
EASTLAKES ATHLETICS GROUP
Helping athletes of all levels improve their skills, fitness, and reach their full potential.
SO, WHERE DOES THE FUNDING GO?
From uniforms and training programs to essential gear, facility upgrades, coaching support, and recognition events, our funding plays a vital role in helping these clubs thrive. It ensures they can continue to inspire participation, nurture talent, and strengthen community connections through sport across Lake Macquarie.
LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT
In the 2024–2025 financial year, we injected over $7 million into the local business economy through goods, services, and infrastructure contractors.
From suppliers to trades, we actively prioritise engaging Lake Macquarie and Hunter-based businesses wherever possible. This includes seeking local suppliers during large tender processes, ensuring our operations not only support our Club but also contribute meaningfully and deliberately to the economic health and resilience of our region.
MORE INFORMATION
MEMBER ENGAGEMENT & PRIORITIES
The 2025 Member Feedback Survey will be open from 1-31 July. It’s your oppotunity to share what matters most to you and your vision for the future of the Club. Your voice helps shape what comes next.
HAVE YOUR SAY HERE
Click to view the following documents
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT 2025