PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Michael Free
Hi again fellow members and guests and welcome to the latest edition of the Club Rivers Magazine.
Where has the year gone! As the festive season fast approaches, this edition highlights all the Christmas & New Year events and celebrations that we know many of our members and guests look forward to at Club Rivers. In addition, there are new promotions, community stories and great events coming up this spring with further details throughout this issue of the magazine.
The ClubGRANTS year ended on the 31st August 2024 and it is with great pleasure that I announce your club, Club Rivers contributed almost $500,000.00 into supporting local community groups, charitable organisations and sporting clubs in this ClubGRANTS year. We were honoured this year to host the 2024 ClubGrants Presentation Ceremony on the 12th September. The ceremony was attended by,local clubs in the Georges River LGA, Directors, and community representatives.
(Full details of all contributions detailed on page 18 and 19).
I’d like to remind all members, young and older, that we need your support at our community events. We have many di�erent volunteering opportunities throughout the year, and I urge you to help if you can, to ensure we can continue to support and provide a high level of service to the community.
As we have in past Christmas’ we will again be hosting the Christmas Giving Tree. Our Christmas Tree will be positioned at Thurlow Street reception area with the simple aim of calling on the support of our wonderful members to place a small gift for a child who may not be so fortunate to receive a gift this Christmas. Let’s put some big smiles back on the faces of children in our Community this Christmas; see page 14 for further details.
If you’re looking for a place to meet family and friends or celebrate in the lead up to and over Christmas, don’t look past our great places to dine in Mikes Grill, and our Rivergum Café. At any of these outlets you will definitely be spoilt for choice with delicious meals on o�er, fantastic customer service and of course beverage specials to match.
Keeping in mind our Clubs heritage, please see further details below on the Remembrance Day Services. November 11th is one of the most important dates on our Clubs calendar and we encourage you all to join us to commemorate Remembrance Day.
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of our Board, Leadership team and sta�, to sincerely thank all our loyal members for your continued support and patronage in 2024, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas filled with prosperity and joy.
MON 11 NOV 10.30AM SERVICE AT THE LITTLETON STREET CENOTAPH RIVERWOOD FOLLOWED BY MORNING TEA IN THE CANOPY
CEO’S REPORT Paul Millar
Well, we’re back from what might be the most gloriously ridiculous adventure ever: the Mysterybox Rally. The Falcon made it, just, across 2,600 kms of Australia’s finest roads—or lack thereof—all for a great charity.
There is a story that will remain on top of the Great Dividing Range where we almost re�red the car for good, but thankfully it pulled through and returned. We kicked off from the amazing Airlie Beach and headed to the Oasis Roadhouse (a short 603kms on day 1).
“Home of the smallest bar in the world”. They weren’t lying.
Next, we hit Karumba, where we swapped dust for fresh local seafood and sunsets so stunning they made us temporarily forget the miles we had covered, or the miles we now had to return.
From there, we embarked on a journey through the rugged terrain, stopping at the gem of Chillagoe, where we had the experience of se�ng up camp in a Rodeo ground. One of my favourite authen�c experiences with an amazing outdoor �n bar.
The final stretch took us to Rollingstone, well was meant to, before we had zero visibility over a mountain range and road closures meant we were finding a makeshi� place to setup camp for the night. We were literally in the clouds as the locals told us.
We limped in to Rollingstone the following morning, victorious and exhausted, to a warm community welcome and praised for braving the elements the night before. We had been from the outback, through the mountain ranges and back to the coast, what a ride.
The final sec�on to drive was mainly highway down the coast with Airlie beach in our sights for a welcome party and post Rally celebra�on which didn’t disappoint.
Now, home and unpacked, we’re le� with a dusty car that’s seen be�er days, a few new friends, and the undeniable sa�sfac�on of having survived one of the wildest road trips ever. There is the relief of a clean bed and a good shower but we will reminisce that wild trip for a long �me to come.
If you’re ever itching for a challenge, grab a BoxRally Car, sign up, and get ready for an adventure that’s equal parts crazy and unforge�able.
Our Team CRCommuniteam raised $15k alone and the rally as whole raised over $1.3mil with 157 cars entering. Thanks to the CR Community for all those that contributed or supported us on this amazing experience. With your support the Cancer Council has received another huge dona�on from the BoxRally organisa�on.
HOSTED&SUPPORTEDBY
HELP US PUT AN END TO FAMILY & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The scourge of domestic violence is potentially one of the biggest issues we face as a nation as we go forward into the 21st century. We need to come together to overcome this problem. We all have a part to play in making things right. Andrew Scipione AO, Chairman, Georges River Life Care
Sleeping Rough is Georges River Life Care's annual fundraiser supporting victims of Domestic Violence in our local community. Club Rivers again hosted Life Care’s flagship annual fundraising event, Sleeping Rough which bought together 90 rough sleepers and 80+ guests on Friday 28 June 2024.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, dinner guests, sponsors, partners, rough sleepers, volunteers and sta� a total of approximately $74,000 was raised which exceeded the target for the event. These funds will directly support Life Care’s domestic and family violence recovery services.
The event kicked o� with a fundraising dinner open to corporate partners and donors, to hear from speakers, participate in live auctions, and enjoy some light entertainment. This year for the first time, dinner guests and rough sleepers came together during the evening through a series of “live crosses” to the Club Rivers carpark by our host Carol Ferrone, doing interviews and segments showcasing our wonderful sleepers and the festive atmosphere of the Sleeping Rough experience – it was particularly inspiring hearing from our children and youth rough sleepers.
Life Care has been going for over seventeen years as a local community, not-for-profit charity. It aims to meet the needs of the local community in three main areas, family violence support, emergency relief and Artslife (a positive creative arts program aimed at vulnerable/disadvantaged children, families, and adults with disabilities).
“Club Rivers is extremely proud of the contributions we have made over the years in support of the valuable work conducted by Life Care in the local community,”said Paul Millar CEO of Club Rivers. “We are committed to deepening our partnership and collaboration with Life Care in 2025 to help reduce the unacceptable burden of domestic violence within our community.”
TUESDAY
Melbourne Cup
Full bistro menu available
Bookingsessential!
Contactreception95333144or enquiries@clubrivers.com.au
*Termsandconditionsapply
*NoSeniorsmealsavailable
lamb souvlaki skewer (1), bbq pork ribs (1/2 rack), pork & fennel sausage (1) 4 bbq chicken wings with your choice of side
SPECIAL beef lasagne with a regular coffee
SPECIAL slice of quiche with a regular coffee
SPECIAL carrot cake with a regular coffee
SPECIAL trifle with a regular coffee
SPECIAL lamington layer cake with a regular coffee
*Prices subject to change
5th ROD JAMES
12th BLAKE WIGGINS
19th SEAN GRIFFITHS
26th DAVID KEENAN
GEORGeS RIVER LIFE CARE & CLUB RIVErS HELPING DISADvANTAGED TO RECONNECt With LIFE
Club Rivers is supporting a local social enterprise run through Georges River Life Care which is helping disadvantaged members of the community to gain skills to prepare them for the workforce.
The program provides participants with barista training and customer service skills. This is achieved through the delivery of a targeted barista training program run out of the Club Rivers Steam Espresso bar, focusing on building the practical skills and experience people need to gain employment.
Iwona (pictured right) is one of the first graduates of the Basic Barista Training Course.
Students cover lots of practical hands-on training from the first session. Training includesHow to extract the perfect espresso Customer service, money handling, P.O.S operation.
Developing skills, confidence and self-esteem supports people to break cycles of unemployment and disadvantage.
Club Rivers is proud to have the opportunity to provide the tailored training and support people in need to break through the barriers of unemployment.
*Terms & conditions apply
Private bookings in the Canopy available by special request. (terms & condi�ons apply).
Christmas Menu $40 pp
2 course main & dessert
MAIN Roast Turkey & Pork
topped with cranberry sauce & gravy served with roast potato, pumpkin & seasonal vegetables
Bread & Butter DESSERT
Christmas pudding with brandy custard Tea & Coffee
Thanks Gifting
Spend your points before they expire & DOUBLE YOUR NUMBERS
SPEND IN CASH IN POINTS
$5 100 TICKETS 200 TICKETS
$10 200 TICKETS 400 TICKETS
$20 400 TICKETS 1600 TICKETS
$5,000 in Premium Meat & Seafood Trays
Remembertouseallyourmembershippoints beforetheendoftheyear!
Pointscanbeusedatallfood&beverageoutlets.Further discountsmayapplywhenusingpoints.
Membershippointswillresetforallmembers
*Wednesday1st January2025.
Platinum&DiamondmembersrefertoRiversRewards terms&conditions
PLEASE ASK OUR FRIENDLY STAFF FOR DETAILS
$500CASH!* HAPPY
$50 3,000 TICKETS 6,000 TICKETS UpdateyourdetailsinSeptemberforyourchanceto
Draws will take place @ 10am every Monday in September. Details must be updated by 8pm on the Sunday before each draw 5 draws total $2,500 total prize pool
*Must opt in to receive SMS notifications to be eligible
CLUB RIVERS CRICKET CLINIC
5-12 yr BOYS & Girls
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Contact Jenny@clubrivers.com.au
CLUB RIVERS LITTLE ATHLETICS CLINIC
5-12 yr BOYS & Girls
10am - 12pm OLDS PARK, PEAKHURST
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Contact Jenny@clubrivers.com.au
CLUB RIVERS SOCCER CLINIC
10am - 12pm HURSTVILLE OVAL, DORA ST HURSTVILLE WED OCT 2 WED OCT 9 WED JAN 22
5-12 yr BOYS & Girls
10am - 12pm PEAKHURST PARK, PEAKHURST
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Contact Jenny@clubrivers.com.au
FILLET MIGNON $49
Eye fillet wrapped in bacon & drizzled with bearnaise sauce with your choice of side
PROSCIUTTO & ROCKET PARMESAN PIZZA
$24
SEP
Melted burrata in a rich napolitan sauce topped with proscuitto, rocket & parmesan
GREEK BBQ BABY OCTOPUS $30
with greek salad & chips
CHRISTMAS ROAST PLATE $25
Pork,turkeybreastservedwithcranberry,applesauce&seasonalvegetables
LAMB KOFTA SKEWERS $30
NOV
DEC
with pita bread, chips, salata & garlic sauce
JAN
Receive 7500 Bonus Points, your name and time on the leaderboard + an exclusive @Mikes Grill Hat
2KIDS
Raffles
SAT 23 NOV & SAT 30 NOV
$5K IN PRIZES AT EACH DRAW Draws from 2PM
Once again, Club Rivers will be collec�ng gi�s to donate to Georges River Life Care as part of a gi� appeal for disadvantaged families in the Riverwood area.
We will be collec�ng toys for children of all ages.
Simply label your gi� with the age and gender of the intended recipient and place it under the Gi�mas tree in our Club Lounge.
ALL DONATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY 13DECEMBER 2024
CHRISTMAS RAFFLES
MON 9th DEC
WED 11th DEC
MON 16th DEC
WED 18th DEC
TICKETS ON SALE All DAY ALL DRAWS 7.00PM over $37 000 In prizes To be won
SUN 22ND DEC $1.5K Meat Raffle + 10 Hams
MOn 23rd DEC $1.5K Seafood
100 Hams to be won each night
Diverse Dining Options 7 Days
Savour every bite at Club Rivers, where culinary delights and local favorites come together. Perfect for any occasion.
Your Guide to Entertainment
Discover a vibrant lineup of events and activities. There’s something for everyone at Club Rivers, every single week.
Exciting news! Club Rivers is happy to announce to you the launch of our new logo, as part of the ongoing evolution of our club’s brand promise.
We continue to emphasize our brand values: being community-focused, authentic, inclusive, and maintaining integrity and excellence in everything we do
SEE WHAT’S ON
SEE MENUS
In the life of every organisation there comes a moment when you need to look closer at who you are or better who you’ve become and make that visible to others. That moment has come and we have been busy updating our visual identity to reflect who we are now and how our club is approaching many things today.
Our new logo and brand are a reflection of the ambition we see across our community landscape.
We assure you that your experience will remain unchanged. We are still the same club, o�ering the same unique service and community focus. However, we need to modernise our visual presence to stay relevant.
Along with announcing our new brand identity, we have revamped our website. The new site delivers rich new content in a modern, clean, and organized layout to provide our members and guests with easy access to our dining and event information, as well as highlighting our community focus.
MIKE’S GRILL
Classic flavours with a modern
We are thankful for all the continuous support that our members and guests have a�orded us ever since the Club opened its doors back in 1961 and we look forward to taking you with us on our journey into the future.
www.clubrivers.com.au
Delight in our selection of succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty favorites, all prepared with locally-sourced ingredients and a dash of creativity. Perfect for family dinners or a feast with friends, Mikes Grill warm, inviting atmosphere that’s as appealing as our cuisine.
$1fromeverytraywillbedontatedtoSoldier On,anotforprofitorganisationsupporting currentandformerAustralianDefence ForcePersonnel,andtheirfamilies.
JumbuckMeatsaGoldPledgeMemberof SoldierOnwillberecruitingreturned Veterans foranyfuturerolesastheygrow.
COMMUNITY FUNDING CATEGORY 2
Lugarno Progress Association
LPA Young Leaders of Lugarno Trek for Kidz/Starlight Foundation
Pasifika Rugby League NSW
St George Community Housing
St George Little Athletics
Georges River Council
Georges River Life Care
Lions Club of Oatley
Lions Club of Lugarno
Peakhurst United Soccer Club
St Josephs Riverwood Sports Club
Riverwood Community Centre
Trek for Kidz/Starlight Foundation
NSW Harmony Nines
Riverwood Halloween Fair
St George LAC - Athlete Engagement 2023/24
Local Committee Admin Fee 2023
School Backpack Program
Annual Charity Golf Day 2024
Christmas Ra�le
2024 Sponsorship/ Pink Ribbon Gala
2024 Sponsorship
Christmas Carols in the Park
St George Community Housing Riverwood Community Christmas Celebration
St George Basketball 2024 Sponsorship
Hellenic Orthodox Community of Kingsgrove, Bexley North, Beverly Hills & Districts Limited
The Rotary Club of Hurstville
St George Netball
Padstow Community Care
Oatley Rugby
Koori Kids
Community Language School Fundraiser
The World Festival of Magic
2024 Sponsorship
Community Christmas Lunch
2024 Sponsorship
ANZAC School Initiative / Road Safety School Initiatives
St George Sutherland Medical Research Foundation Annual Fundraising Dinner
Riverwood Public School
St George District Rugby Football League Referees Assn Inc
Beverly Hills Cricket & Sports Club Inc
Life Gate Community Church
Breakfast Club / Easter Fundraiser
2024 Sponsorship
St George District Cricket Season 2023/2024
Community Christmas Dinner
St George District Cricket Club Inc 2023/2024 Season
St George District Cricket Club
Cancer Council Box Rally
Club Rivers Ladies Social Golf
Riverwood Hornets
St George Junior Rugby League
Annual Charity walk for Medical Research
Mystery Box Rally
2024 Sponsorship
2024 D Day Invitational Memorial Parade Normandy, France
2024 Sponsorship
Hannans Road Public School Easter Fundraiser
MonSTar Foundation
Danny Bergan Memorial Golf Day
Lugarno Lions Community Fair 2024
Peakhurst Amateur Swimming Club Inc
St George Sutherland Womens’ Cricket Club
Autism Community Network
Riverwood Junior Rugby League
Narwee Public School
South West Unicycle Club
St George District Cricket Association
The Salvation Army
Calvary Health Care
St Josephs Catholic Primary School
St Vincent De Paul Society
Learning Links
Annual Open Sprint Meet Swimming Carnival
2024 Sponsorship
Mt Kosciuszko Climb
2024 Sponsorship
Breakfast Club
2024 Sponsorship
2025 Sponsorship
The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal
Calvary Race Day
Community Movie Night
CEO Sleepout
Housie
Donated to your Community in 2024!
Club Rivers takes great pride in being able to continue its ongoing support of our local community. During the 2024 ClubGrant year we have provided almost $500 000 in funding to community and sporting groups in support of projects to help build a stronger community. Through cash donations or in-kind support, we have been able to support the fantastic work these groups are doing for our local area.
COMMUNITY FUNDING CATEGORY 1
Legacy Club Services
Connecting Southern Sydney Widows
Fair Fight Foundation Supertee project
Riverwood Punchbowl Anglican Church
Riverwood Mental Health Support Program (Riverwood Lunch & Leisure Program)
RSL & Services Clubs Assoc Veterans Benevolent Fund
Georges River Life Care
Learning Links
Sir Roden & Lady Cutler Foundation Inc
St George Community Housing
Kokoda Youth Leadership Trek
Sailability NSW Inc - Kogarah Bay Branch
The Shepherd Centre - For Deaf Children
Shopfront Arts Co-op
Artslife Kids/ Student Welfare Program / Community Care Case Management
Psychology in Schools – in-school Mental Health and Wellbeing Program
Free Patient Transport
Riverwood Public School -School Camp
RSL & Services Clubs Association
Assistance with rent payable on clubhouse.
Kidscape: A life-changing program developing the communication and social skills of children with hearing loss in Georges River.
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: 24 Full Term Scholarships for Young People
Soldier on Limited
Soldier On Veteran Connection
OUT &AB UT
With the help of some of our wonderful members and sta� we had a Super fun packing event last week.
We packed 300 Supertee garments, including the new Space Commander design, and delivered them to Canterbury Hospital, where 300 young patients will get to experience the“superhero e�ect”for themselves .
The Supertee is a new and improved hospital gown designed for kids and provides parents and hospital sta� with an easier way to change garments while accessing and bypassing medical lines.
Club Rivers is a proud supporter of the Fair Fight’s goal to gift a Supertee to every child in Australia who is facing a long term hospital stay.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported our biggest ever Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea for the 13th year.
We all know someone who has been a�ected by cancer, that’s why it is so important to come together and raise as much money as we can for the Cancer Council.
This year we raised over $3,000 with the help of our sta�, members, community and community groups, which will bring our total to over $34,000 over the 13 year period.
OUT &AB UT
Our CR team are so awesome. On Sunday 4 August they braved the freezing cold and windy conditions to make our community a better place.
They joined Planet Ark in a tree planting day locally in Peakhurst. Well done team, literally saving our planet.
Our NAIDOCKidsArtWorkshop in July was a huge hit with the kids. Thank you Uncle John for your expertise and guidance. Such beautiful boomerangs were created.
NAIDOC Week occurs annually in July, and celebrates the history, culture and achievementsof Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
HEATHER GRIMSON – GOLDEN GIRL
On a freezing cold Monday morning our CR kids loved our Kids Games Day on level 2 of the CR Car park. The parents got to enjoy the warmth of the Club while the kids ran around like crazy.
With the cost of living on the rise our parents are really appreciative and thankful of the Free School Holiday events that CR provide for the community.
Heather Grimson is celebrating 50 years, as a member of the Riverwood Legion Club / Club Rivers Ladies Social Golf Club.
Heather joined the Ladies Golf in 1974, and has served as Club Captain for 21 years (non-consecutively.) At present she is the CR Vice Captain. She has won various trophies over the years, including the Club Championship and the President’s Trophy.
Heather is happy to encourage and share her years of experience to help members, who are new to golf. When asked why she enjoys playing with CR, she replied, that it was because of the friendships she made, both on and o� the course, with members past and present.
She is also quite fond of eating a meat pie between the Front and Back Nines. Congratulations, Heather on your Golden Anniversary! We wish you many more happy years of golfing.
Christine Harrison.
OUT &AB UT
Christmas in July at Club Rivers was a huge hit. Held on Wednesday 24th July this much- anticpated event, is always a lot of fun, with guests enjoying a traditional Christmas meal and entertainment provided by the talented Tony Mazell.
The christmas in July event beautifully encapsulated the spirit of community and belonging that is the heart of Club Rivers. It was a day full of celebration, connection and great memories, reinforcing the ties between the Club & our community.
The community spirit at Club Rivers is ever present. Here the girls have got their jeans on for Jeans for Genes day and will be donating to the Children’s Medical Research Institute that helps to find cures for children’s genetic diseases.
A team of sta� we be taking part in the most brutal obstacle course in the southern hemisphereThe Tough Mudder 2024.
A 5km trek including 12 obstacles including freezing cold lakes, over 20 foot high walls, up vertigo inducing rope climbs and much worse.
We will be raising money for Waterfall Rural Fire Service in the lead up to Summer.
DONATE via the link below or scan QR code during September & October 2024
https://www.gofundme.com/f/club-rivers-communiteam-tough-mudder-2024?utm_campaign=man_ sharesheet_dash_ai&utm_content=amp1v3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
Spotlight In the Sharon Lowder
Meet our
Years of Service awardS
25 years Meagan
MAY VALenTINO AUGUST ANGEL tRKALJANOV
EMPLOYEE OF the MONth
JULY ALEX FARR
1.What would you choose if you had to choose one meal from Mike’s Grill to eat for the rest of your life?
Cutlets – crumbed or bbq
2.What fashion trend do you regret?
Shoulder pads
3.Who would you invite onto your talk show?
Mark Harmon
4.What is the weirdest fact you know?
Giraffes don’t make any sound at all
5.What is your favourite midnight snack?
Smith’s chips
6.What is the greatest tv show of all �me?
Charmed
7.What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a cop show junkie
8.What did you want to be when you were younger?
Air hostess
$6
Members price
LIMONCELLO SPRITZ
limoncello,prosecco & soda
MELON TROPICANA
vodka,midori,orange, lemon & lemonade Nov
LIFE’S A PEACH
tequila,peach schnapps lime & ginger ale Dec
FROZEN MARGARITAS
CALYPSO COCKTAIL
vodka, orange & blue curaco
Lunar New Year Celebration
Traditonal Chinese Dancers from 6pm
LION DANCERS from 7PM
We are very spoiled with quality from our raffle suppliers at Club Rivers. Congratula�ons to Ray from Jumbuck Meats Gourmet Butchery and Andrew from Fish Club both winners at the Georges River Local Business Awards. Well done to both of you and your teams, very well deserved. Sun 2 Feb
CafeSpecial
CocktailSpecial BeEr special available all w�kend ! Live entertainment 3-6pm featuring JUSTIN WOODFORD
$4.5K Meat & Seafood Draw 7pm Tickets available all day Rural FireService SausageSizzle 12-2pm
Lamingtonlayercake withregularcoffee $10 $6 $13 CALYPSO COCKTAIL vodka, orange & blue curaco
Sunday Raffle
$3K Meat & Seafood Draw 7pm Tickets available all day
Friday Raffle