Club Rivers Magazine June - September 2024

Michael Free

A warm welcome to the winter 2024 issue of our Club Rivers magazine.

As the weather starts to cool down why not come in and enjoy our warm and friendly service and prepare your tastebuds for a new range of winter warming delights that have been added to the Rivergum café, Mike’s Grill and Red River House menus for you to enjoy.

A lot has been happening at the club over the past few months and I’d like to update members on a number of current activities.

The recent ANZAC Day ceremonies were again memorable, highly successful and extremely well attended events. It was very encouraging to see so many children in attendance at the ceremonies, knowing that younger generations will continue to honour the traditions of the ANZAC. Well done to our Management and team who orchestrated all the memorable events of the day, the feedback has been overwhelming. To everyone that assisted, well done and thank you for your efforts.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Riley Farrell who has been chosen to represent Club Rivers at this year’s upcoming Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge. The Scholarship program overseen by the RSL & Services Clubs Association takes young community leaders on a 10day trek across the 155km Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea encouraging young people to make an even greater contribution to society — just as the Australian soldiers did.

With the final reporting and audits completed for the year it is pleasing to report that the Club has again achieved good results with a healthy net profit of $5,442,716 (before tax) posted for the twelve months to Dec 31 2023.

This year’s AGM was held in April. Elections were held for the 6 director positions, and I would like to congratulate the current Board of Directors who were re-elected in full for 2024 – 2026.

Your club has continued support of local sporting and community groups over the last year, with the level of support once again being considerably more than required through the club grants scheme. As a result, I am thrilled to announce that Club Rivers are again finalists in the Clubs NSW ‘Clubs and the Community Awards’ for the help and support provided to our local community during 2023. I would like to congratulate the whole CR team as these nominations are a result of combined contributions of both dedicated staff and managers as well as vision from the Board of Directors.

There are some exciting upcoming promotions and events, the highly successful Christmas in July lunch will be on again soon with further information on page 5. This edition also highlights numerous other events and promotions with something on offer for all members.

We are very proud to be able to continue to provide a safe and family friendly social environment for all our members and guests, and that’s what community clubs are all about!

Looking forward to catching-up with you at the Club very soon.

CEO’S REPORT

Paul Millar

Hi there members and guests,

Winter is upon us and I hope your transi�on to the colder weather hasn’t been too brutal. But hold onto your beanies, because I've got some exci�ng news to share about an adventure the club is backing this season.

This August Michael Free and I embark on an epic journey up north for the Mystery Box Rally from Airlie Beach to raise funds and awareness for the Cancer Council.

A 6-day trip in a 25+ year old Falcon cruising along a mystery route with no clue about our daily des�na�ons. All we know is, we'll be back in Airlie by the end, covering a whopping 5,000 kms of rugged terrain.

I am sure this will be a memorable trip but most importantly, it’s to raise much needed money for the Cancer Council.

Cancer has touched so many of us in some way or

We're not just in this for the road trip experience, we're here to shine a spotlight on cancer research, the unsung heroes behind it, and the incredible work of Cancer Council. Together we want to help fund, highlight, and spread the word about Australia's best cancer researchers.

Cancer Council believe in and strive for a cancer free future. Their purpose is uni�ng the community, providing support, inves�ng in research and saving lives. And we're honoured to stand alongside them in their mission.

If you are interested in suppor�ng our team and be a part of something incredible, your tax-deduc�ble dona�on will go a long way in driving us toward our fundraising goals.

Simply head to the link below. We appreciate the support of all our members, so stay tuned for updates as we hit the road this August.

Let's rally together for a brighter, cancer-free future! h�ps://2024.mysteryboxrally.com.au/cr-communiteam/ donate

ROUGH FRI28JUNE2024 SLEEPING

HELPUSPUTANDENDTO FAMILY&DOMESTICVIOLENCE

Georges River Life Care is ac�vely trying to create awareness and provide solu�ons in our local area; playing a vital role in providing prac�cal support services that will assist vic�ms and help ease the destruc�on that Domes�c Violence causes to families in our community. But our efforts alone won’t reach their maximum effec�veness unless we have the backing of the local community.

We need your help!

Proudly supported by Club Rivers Sleeping Rough invites the community to experience what it truly means to “sleep rough” by spending the night in the Club Rivers car park. The event kicks off with a fundraising dinner open to corporate partners and donors, to hear from speakers, par�cipate in live auc�ons and will include some light entertainment.

Anyone can join us to “Sleep Rough” by conduc�ng their own crowdfunding campaign to raise money that will go towards the services Georges River Life Care provide to support vic�ms of family violence in our local community.

C��tm� INJULY

Members and Friends get your groups together and let’s deck the halls for a warm wintery Christmas in July. Rug up and enjoy a cold Christmas experience with great food, good company

Includes 2 course Christmas menu, a complimentary beverage & entertainment Bookings available at reception.

tickets $35 Wed 24 july from 11am

OVER $31,000 Donated IN SUPPORT over the last 12 years

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is Cancer Council Australia's most popular fundraising event and the largest, most successful event of its kind in Australia. On Thursday 23 May Club Rivers was pleased to again be a host of this event.

On behalf of Club Rivers, we would like to thank all our supporters and morning tea champions for making this year’s event a resounding success.

THUR 12 SEPT 2024

Every Sat 6-9pm

June July

1st Sean Griffiths

8th Justin Woodford

15th David Kirschner

22nd blake wiggins

29th michael banning

6th benj axwel

13th aaron gun

20th michael giglio

27th rod james

3rd 1 trick pony

10th gene gibson

August

24th sean griffiths

31st justin woodford entertainment

17th michael banning

WED

WED

WED

$15

AUG Spaghetti seafood marinara

$32 JUN Curry of the week with steamed vegetables and jasmine rice

JUl Soup of the day with warm bread roll and butter

$16

DRAW NIGHTS: DRAW TIMES FOR EACH WEDNESDAY NIGHT 8PM

3rd JULY

10th JULY

17th JULY

24th JULY

31st JULY 6PM 6.30PM 7PM 7.30PM & 8PM

SIMPLY SWIPE YOUR CARD AT ANY MEMBERS REWARDS TERMINAL EVERY HALF AN HOUR FROM 5PM (POSSIBLE 6 ENTRIES)

EVERY $5 SPENT AT ANY BAR, THE RIVERGUM CAFÉ OR AT MIKE’S GRILL EVERY WEDNESDAY IN JULY

WED 10 July 10am - 12pm

5-12 years old

Contact jenny, jenny@clubrivers.com.au to register. Limited places available

5-12 years old

Contact: jenny@clubrivers.com.au to register

$1fromeverytraywillbedontatedtoSoldier On,anotforprofitorganisationsupporting currentandformerAustralianDefenceForce Personnel,andtheirfamilies.

JumbuckMeatsaGoldPledgeMemberof SoldierOnwillberecruitingreturnedVeterans foranyfuturerolesastheygrow. MEAT RAFFLE over $2000 FRIDAY NIGHT DRAWNAT7PM ALLDAY FROM10AM TICKETSON SALE

Markthedateinyourcalendar,LugarnoLionsCommunityFairwill returntoRiverwoodParkonSunday15September2024.

Nowinits43rd yeartheeventoriginallyknownastheLugarnoLionsSpringFes�val,has transformedfromasmalleduca�onweekeventintoagrandcommunityspectacle playinghosttoover120stalls.

Featuringmanycommunity-baseddisplays,twostagescompletewithalldayfree entertainment,amusementridesforadultsandchildren,kidstrainridesandanimalfarm thefaira�ractsupto30000visitorsmakingitoneofthebiggestinsouthernSydney.

ThefundsraisedfromthiseventallowstheLionsClubofLugarnoInctoprovidemuch neededsupportforlocal,na�onalandinterna�onalcommunityorganisa�onsinneed. Theirworkandthegenerosityofthecommunityhasresultedindona�onsexceedingtwo millionovertheyears.

ClubRiversisagainembracingitssupportofthelocalcommunityasamajorsponsorof theLugarnoLionsSpringFairdona�ng$20000throughtheClubGrantScheme. JoinusatRiverwoodParkfortheLionsCommunityFair,adayfulloffunrides,foodand entertainment!

OUR Billy PISANI Not thE retiring tYPE

How long have you worked at Club Rivers?

Billy is feeling the birthday love!

Celebra�ng his 80th birthday on the 19th June 2024, Billy is one of the most loved and respected members of the Club Rivers family.

While most people his age have long been enjoying their well-earned re�rement, Billy plans on celebra�ng his 80th birthday s�ll as an ac�ve employee of Club Rivers.

Having spent 24 years at Club Rivers, and over 50 years in the RSL Cub industry, Billy con�nues to be one of the few people who hasn’t really changed over the years.

Billy is so well known by customers and colleagues for always being happy, helpful and an inspiring role model to many of the Clubs younger team members.

Club Rivers has been privileged to celebrate with Billy on his 60th, 70th and now 80th birthday.

Billy plans to mark this milestone anniversary with a trip planned to celebrate later this year.

All the team here at Club Rivers would like to wish Billy a massive happy 80th birthday and hope he has a fantas�c day.

In August it will be 24 years, along with Meagan from the office and Paul Millar our CEO. These kids don’t know how hard we worked back then

What is the best thing about working at Club Rivers?

Definitely the Management team, especially Paul and Jamie. I have a lot of respect for them and I feel they do for me as well.

How many members of your family have worked at Club Rivers ? 5 – including myself. My daughter Michelle, my granddaughters Monique and Jasmine have worked here in the past and now my grandson Conor, who get to work with regularly.

You have had some exci�ng news recently?

Yes, my granddaughter Monique has blessed us with our first great grandson, Max. My wife and I are overjoyed.

How do you keep so fit and youthful looking?

Well I walk every morning and every lunch break, without fail. Even if it’s raining, I take an umbrella or do laps in the CR car park.

I also enjoy a few alcoholic beverages in the evening.

✓ Dedicated CareManagers to help plan, navigate, coordinate and manage all of your care needs,

✓ Easilytransfer your Home Care Packageservicesfrom one approved provider to another

✓ Consistent CAREGiverstrained to deliver high-quality care, 24 hours a day 7 days a week

✓ Immediate help & support available.

No matter what your enquiry, we are here to

The community of Riverwood have access to free medical transport for their doctors and medical appointments made possible through Club Rivers ClubGrant funding. The funding has provided support to the Sir Roden & Lady Cutler Foundation free medical patient transport service program, allowing them to purchase a vehicle to be used in the Riverwood Community.

Since 1999, Sir Roden & Lady Cutler Foundation have been providing emergency transport for the young, the elderly and people with disabilities needing to get to and from vital medical appointments. The transport service program is a free service for the community and is powered by the generous time of community volunteer drivers who donate their time during the week.

“There is a need for this service; there are people living in the community who are living alone and may struggle to get to medical appointments by themselves, many of our clients are also elderly and may live alone, so this service also allows clients to reconnect with society by getting to know our volunteer drivers – it just makes their day!” said Lindsay Smith, Volunteer Driver.”

If you want to learn more about this service or book the service for yourself, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver, please visit Sir Roden & Lady Cutler Foundation www.sirroden.org.au

MEET LINDSAY SMITH -VOLUNTEER DRIVER

1. How long have you been a volunteer driver for the Foundation? Hello, I’m Lindsay Smith and I’ve been a Volunteer Driver for the Foundation now for just over 3 years, my role is to help people in the community in need of transport to GP appointments, Hospitals, and medical facilities. It’s quite an active role and I really enjoy it.

2. What made you decide to become a volunteer driver for the Foundation? I decided to become a Volunteer Driver when I retired and decided I wanted to give back to the community and help others that need assistance. I realised that there was a need in the community for medical transport, I enjoy driving and I like helping people, so this was a good fit for me.

3. What would be a typical day for you? can you walk me through a day as a volunteer driver. I can start as early as 8.00:am and finish by 4:00:pm some days. You get to know the clients that you are picking up to take to medical appointments well and everyone has a different story. Some clients live alone and may have no one else to transport them so it also helps them gain some independence. The nice thing is that I get to know the clients and they value the relationship that we have.

4. What clients do you drive?

I have some great clients, some are elderly, and some may be physically and mentally challenged who may live alone and have no one else to turn to, so this community transport which is a FREE service helps them to be mobile and improve and enhance their overall quality of life. In addition to the medical transport, it also allows clients to reconnect with society which can just make their day.

5.Can you share any highlights of your time as a volunteer. Every day is different and a great day as you’re helping someone. I suppose there is no one highlight! As all my clients are just lovely and are so appreciative of this service.

ANZAC Day is the most important day on the CR calendar and we cannot orchestrate such an amazing event without our fabulous team. The CR team is truly extraordinary, volunteering their �me for wreath making, baking, a�ending the services and together with the team from Mike's Grill, serving over 400 people breakfast, like a well oiled machine. CR team give yourselves a pat on the back and thank you for everything you do for our club and our members.

personal discipline, mutual respect, trust, mateship, courage and self-sacrifice.

The leadership program aims to create a greater awareness of the sacrifices of the diggers on the Kokoda campaign among our young people to ensure the tradi�ons live on. At the same �me, it ins�ls in par�cipants a commitment to community service, enhance their personal development by providing an opportunity for them to experience the same condi�ons under which our diggers fought and hopefully transform them for future leadership roles back in their community.

We wish Riley all the best on his trek later in the year.

The cadets of the Australian Cadet Corps Riverwood Hornets have been invited to represent Australia in June 2024 in Normandy, France for the Commemora�on Service for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The invita�on follows the par�cipa�on of the Australian Cadet Corps Riverwood Hornets Marching Band in the 78thAnniversary Pearl Harbour Memorial Parade on December 7, 2019.

The Riverwood Hornets were the first Australian band to ever have performed in the annual parade in Hawaii which commemorates the bombing of Pearl Harbour by Japanese forces. They are well-known for their par�cipa�on at Club Rivers Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services.

To support their fundraising efforts Club Rivers hosted a an event for the Riverwood Hornets on Saturday 4 May 2024 here in the Canopy where they had close to 100 people in a�endance. The trivia night raised $6,400 through entry fees, raffles and auc�ons. In addi�on to this the Clubs fundraising contribu�ons from ANZAC Day were $3,500 from patrons dona�ons at breakfast and ac�vi�es during the day. The total funds raised in support of their upcoming trip to Normandy was close to $10,000. The Hornets were very apprecia�ve of the boards support and the Clubs assistance.

At our last Bunnings fundraiser we managed to raise $2,200 for the Cancer Council for the Mystery Box Rally, that is a lot of sausages. Our team contributed many volunteer hours in support of Paul and Michael par�cipa�ng in the Mystery Box Rally, raising very much needed funds for the Cancer Council.

Au�sm Community Network finished off Au�sm Awareness Month on a high, literally, by climbing Mt Kosciuszko. A huge congratula�ons to the Au�sm Community Network team for conquering Mt Kosciuszko, and for raising nearly $30K for your organiza�on. You must be so proud. Club Rivers were delighted to be able to assist them by lending Vanessa and her team our bus and helping out with their accommoda�on. Thank you for flying our flag along with yours. We can’t wait to do this with you next year.

During the April School holidays Club Rivers hosted free Community Netball & Basketball Clinics. Over 50 kids that a�ended each session at Peakhurst South Public School facilitated by both St George District Netball Associa�on and St George Basketball Associa�on. The amazing coaches were volunteers from each associa�on and the kids were given the opportunity to experience a professional coaching clinic including engaging drills and games, the opportunity to meet new friends and most importantly have fun during the school holidays! We cant wait to do this again next year. If you would like to find out more details or enrol your child/children in Netball, please contact - vicepresident@stgeorgenetball.com.au If you would like to find out more details or enrol your child/children in Basketball, please contact - admin@sgba.com.au

Spotlight In the

Employee of the month

January Paul Mitchell

of

15 years Kevin Walsh

FebruaryChris Kalantzis March ChrisThomas

5 years Liam McLeod

CommuniTEAM Meet

1. What would you choose if you had to choose one meal from Mike’s Grill to eat for the rest of your life? Classic parmi, chips and veg

2.What fashion trend to you regret? High waisted, pleated culo�es

3.Who would you invite onto your talk show? The very knowledgeable, Billy Pisani

4.What is the weirdest fact you know? It’s illegal to own only one Guinea pig in Switzerland

5.What is your favourite midnight snack? Ice Cream, straight out of the tub

Employee of the month April Paige Ridley

6.What is the greatest TV show of all �me? Brooklyn 99

7.What is something most people don’t know about you? I’ve never seen snow

8.What did you want to be when you were younger? A vet, I wanted to save all the animals!!

JUN

JUL

AUG

Vodka, Lime Juice, Ginger Ale, Fresh lime

DEVILS MARGARITA

Tequila, lime Juice, sugar syrup, Red wine , Fresh Lime

Tequila, Blue Curacao, Vanilla Syrup, Lemonade, Orange wedge

Sun 1 Sep

Mike’s full menu available Lunch & Dinner. Bookings essential.

*Seniors meals will not be available on Father’s Day

Mike’sFather’sDay

Rump & Ribs Combo $53

Crispy Skin Porchetta $28

Fresh bowl of king prawns to share $30

Oysters Natural

1 doz $40 1/2 doz $25

Oysters Kilpatrick

1 doz $42 1/2 doz $27

kids entertainment

6-8pm Sat 31 Aug 12-2pm Sun 1 Sep