CR Mag Jun to Sept 25 by ClubRivers

JUN 25 - SEP 25

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

MT KOSCIUSZKO CHALLENGE

Together we climb for Autism, we see you, we hear you!

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Michael Free

Welcome to the latest edition of Club Rivers News.

Winter has arrived! So why not come in and shake off the cold and warm upwith our seasonalwintermenusfrom the Rivergum café and Mike’s Grill, both menus offering a range of hearty and comforting dishes perfect toshake off the chill.

The Jade Swan restaurant is now open and serving its traditional Cantonese menu and yum cha 7 days a week. It has been an exciting addition to the local dining scene and is already a big hit with the locals. There’s nothing better than a midday yum cha feast, so do yourself a favour and visit The Jade Swan to enjoy all your classic yum cha favourites.

On 27th June we will again be hosting the Sleeping Rough fundraising event in conjunction with Georges River Life Care. Sleeping Roughis a powerful community experience that offers a small glimpse into the challenges faced by those living with significant hardship — includingdomestic violence, homelessness, and financial insecurity. Now in its 12th year, this flagship fundraising event invites participants tospend one night sleeping roughin our Club car park to raiseawareness, empathy, and vital fundsfor vulnerable families in our local community.Further details can be found on page 4 of this issue.

The recent ANZAC Day ceremonies were again a huge success and extremely well attended events. It was great to see the large gatherings at our dawn and main services showing their respect for the fallen and those that currently serve our great country. It is of paramount importance that our heritage and association with Ex-Services does not diminish. To everyone that assisted, well done and thank you for your efforts.

Throughout the year, the club has, through ClubGRANTS has been able to support a diverse group of local community and sporting organisations as well as charities. 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 2024. I would like to congratulate the whole CR team as these nominations are a result of combined contributions of both dedicated sta� and managers as well as vision from the Board of Directors.

I also wish to congratulate the great work our CRCommuniTEAM continue to do, not only our local but the broader community. The volunteer efforts of our staff, who continually want to give back is really quite inspiring. It is also the very essence of why our clubs began all those years ago.

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 8, this edition also highlights numerous other events and promotions with something on offer for all members.

For our sports fans, all the action of the NRL including all the State of Origin series will be available to watch here at Club Rivers. You can catch all the action on the giant screen, showing all live sporting action in high definition.

In closing, to all our loyal members and guests, thanks for your continued patronage. We are very proud to be able to continue to provide you all a safe and family friendly social environment to enjoy.

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

CEO’S REPORT

Paul Millar

It’s hard to believe we’re already heading into the second half of 2025, what an eventful and productive year it’s been!

The team at Club Rivers hit the ground running, with a number of exciting initiatives and events already achieved. We proudly opened Jade Swan, our fantastic new Asian Yum Cha restaurant, rolled out a brand new courtesy bus for our members, and hosted another memorable ANZAC Day service honouring the Club's heritage and long-standing traditions. We even reached new heights by climbing Australia’s tallest mountain, all in the name of a great cause.

On page 5, you’ll read about 15 committed representatives from Club Rivers who partnered with ACN (Autism Community Network) to take on Mount Kosciuszko in support of Autism Awareness Month. Battling strong winds and low visibility, it was a true test of endurance—but one that raised an incredible $17,000 for an important cause. We’re incredibly proud of our team’s effort, just as we are of the outstanding work ACN continues to do within the community.

Another highlight was supporting the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge. Club Rivers was privileged to support Riley Farrell, who completed the trek and returned just in time to share his moving reflections at our ANZAC Day ceremony. His experience clearly left a lasting impact and I am sure it will be an experience he will never forget. Riley has now commenced training with the Australian Defence Force as an Electronic Weapon Operator. We wish him all the best on this journey.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to begin refurbishments to our function rooms and staff amenities this winter. These upgrades will benefit the many community and sporting groups who regularly use these spaces and will ensure a more comfortable and contemporary setting for both meetings and celebrations. We can’t wait to share the improved facilities later this year, they’ll offer a more inviting option for our members gathering for any milestone.

Thank you for your continued loyalty and support as we work toward another successful year for our Club. I extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff, management team, and Board for their unwavering effortsin enhancing the Club experience for our members and the wider community.

There’s plenty more to come in the second half of the year, and I look forward to sharing in the continued success of our Club with you all.

I hope to see you around the Club.

SLEEPING

27 JUNE 2025

The Sleeping Rough fundraising event will be held on Friday June 27 at Club Rivers, in support of vulnerable families in our community, including those impacted by DV. Funds raised will go towards Community Relief, Legal Support, Artslife and Community Connect.This year’s program will include a new family friendly element.

“This year's Sleeping Rough event will surely show the solidarity of our community and our shared commitment to making change happen. With the addition of a new family inspired component, families and children of all ages will have the opportunity to be involved in the conversation surrounding financial hardship, homelessness and domestic violence. With each passing year, the Sleeping Rough event goes from strength to strength, growing in impact and community support”, says Life Care CEO Karen Power.

Life Care is excited to partner with Club Rivers again in 2025 as well as some new corporate partners and long time supporters.

Now in its 12th year, Sleeping Roughinvites the community to experience what it truly means to “sleep rough” by spending the night in a local car park in Riverwood, Southwest Sydney. The event kicks off with a fundraising dinner open to corporate partners and supporters, hearing impactful stories from speakers, live auctions and includes some light entertainment.

Directly across the road from the Club in the car park “Sleeping Rough” will continue at the Family Fun Zone – an immersive family friendly experience that will include activities, games, food and fun.

Last but not least, anyone can join us to “Sleep Rough” by conducting their own crowdfunding campaign to raise money that will go towards the services Georges River Life Care provide to support vulnerable families in our local community.

Registrations open soon: Sleeping Rough 2025

Or contact Sabrina to secure your table at our corporate dinner. Sabrina.legras@grlc.org.au

Autism Community Network & Club Rivers Conquer Mt Kosciuszko for Autism Awareness

During Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month in April 2025 Autism Community Network (ACN) once again climbed Mt Kosciuszko —this time with the incredible support of the Club Rivers Team!

The inaugural climb in 2023 was a powerful initiative to raise awareness of autism and vital funds to support ACN’s life-changing programs. This year, with even more climbers, ACN is set to make an even bigger impact.

The climb symbolizes the daily challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families.

"We are climbing Australia’s highest mountain because, when you have a child (of any age) with autism or any disability, some days it truly feels like you are climbing a mountain," said Vanessa Gauci, CEO of ACN. "Some days are tough and challenging, while others are smooth. But when things are great—just like the view from the mountain—it’s spectacular. This climb also represents the great heights autistic individuals can soar when provided with the right support."

At ACN everyone is welcome, including those who are self-diagnosed or awaiting formal diagnosis, with or without NDIS funding. ACN fills the gaps ensuring support is available for everyone. Programs include:

- Autistic Adults Social Clubs

- Peer-to-Peer Carer Support Groups

- Carer Activities & Wellbeing Programs

- ACN Family Days and More!

ACN’s longest-standing supporter, Club Rivers, has played a pivotal role in funding programs like the Bullyproof Program for Autistic Teens, Carers Bootcamp & Wellbeing Program, and many more. The very first Autistic Adults Social Club started in Club Rivers and continues to be an ongoing success. Their commitment to inclusion and community support makes them the perfect partner for this climb.

ACN is extremely thankful for the ongoing support of Club Rivers who again sponsored the event by funding accommodation, catering and sending a team of passionate supporters on what was an amazing weekend.

High Tea

THE CANOPY | CLUB RIVERS

Enjoy a Classic High Tea in the Canopy

$35 per person Or $40 per person including bubbly Perfect for any event or special occasion

*Terms & conditions apply

The Canopy available for private bookings *Terms & conditions apply For all bookings call 02 9533 3144

Thursday 11 September

Today is a reminder to all that we don’t need to be an expert to reach out and ask someone if they ar OK.

If you’re thinking about whether you should check in with someone, the answer is yes. Don’t wait.

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

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 and the odd Christmas carol. Bookings essential! tickets $40 tues 22 july from 11am IN JULY

$3000 inprizes IN JULY RAFFLE HAMS, ROASTS, TURKEYS, PREMIUM MEAT TRAYS

Tickets on sale all day Drawn from 7pm fri 25july

Lunchtime YUM CHA

7 Days

Mon to Fri - 11am to 3pm Sat + Sun – 10.30am to 3pm FOR ALL BOOKINGS CALL 02 8525 6123

Red Lobster $88 / half kg A+ mud crab $38/ half kg

3 PRIVATE DINING ROOMS AVAILABLE UP TO 16PPL PER TABLE KARAOKE AVAILABLE BOOK NOW! FOR YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION OR EVENT homemade dimsim and over 60 yum cha items

Dinner A LA CARTE

7 Days Mon to Fri 5.30pm - 9.30pm Sat & Sun 5.30pm -10pm

LIVE & LOUD on the big screen!

*Free popcorn *beer of the month $6 * ALL craft pints@ SCHooner prices

Autism Community Network 2025 Annual Gala

A heartfelt evening of celebration, connection, and community at the Autism Community Network Annual Gala. Club Rivers were proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of this special event bringing together families, advocates, professionals, and supporters to honour the resilience, achievements, and shared journeys of those living with autism.

Guests enjoyed an inspiring program featuring, guest speakers, a silent auction, and the opportunity to support the vital work of the Autism Community Network. Over $50 000 was raised on the evening to provide community-driven, inclusive support services that empower individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

‘Together, we are creating a future of understanding, inclusion, and opportunity.’

Autism Awareness Month

Annual Mt Kosciuszko Climb

We were so thrilled to be able to share our KOZI experience with our Members at our Friday raffle. We are also so proud to donate nearly $30K to Autism Community Network through fundraising and club grants. Thank you to all of our Members, Family and Friends who donated to this great cause in Autism Awareness Month.

Spotlight In the

Employee of the Month

JANUARY

KATELYN BRENNAN

MARCH MITCHELL

APRIL TAJ

Joe Passi Meet

our

Team

What would you choose if you had to choose one meal from Mike’s grill to eat for the rest of your life?

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs

What fashion trend do you regret?

70’s Bell Bottom Jeans

Who would you invite on to your talk show? Ben Fordham from 2GB

What is the weirdest fact you know? Queen Elizabeth was trained as a Mechanic

Years of service awards

25 YEARS PAUL MILLAR

5 YEARS BIJAY ADHIKARI

What is your favourite midnight snack? Chocolate Sponge Cake with Ice Cream

What is the greatest TV show of all time? Yellowstone 1983, 1923 & the current series

What is something people don’t know about you?

Ex Military Soldier from New Zealand Army Corps

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I always wanted to join the Army

ANZAC DAY 2025

In 2025, we commemorated the 110-year anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops at Gallipoli, Turkey.

Anzac Day is a time to reflect on the contribution made by past and present service personnel, from across the country and the world,and to express our gratitude on the sacrifices that all veterans have made for us. Our community came together to pause, reflect and honour those who have selflessly served our nation.

This year, in addition to commemorating the day we were very proud to support Legacy on ANZAC day. Our members donated over $1300 to Legacy an organisation that plays a vital role in supporting the families of Australian veterans, providing essential social,financial and developmental support.

ANZAC Day is the most important day on the Club Rivers calendar and we cannot orchestrate such an amazing event without our fabulous team. The CR team is truly extraordinary, volunteering their time for wreath making, baking, attending the services and together with the team from Mike's Grill, serving over 400 people breakfast, like a well-oiled machine. The spirit of ANZAC continues to play a role in our community, with its qualities of mateship, courage and sacrifice.

SUNDAYS ARE GETTING SUPERSIZED WITH A BRAND NEW MEMBERS PROMO AND A RAMPED UP RAFFLE

INCREASES $100 WITH EACH DRAW UNTIL THE RED 8 IS FOUND AND THE JACKPOT IS CLAIMED

(MAXIMUM POTENTIAL CASH PRIZE IS $6,100)

6 WINNERS DRAWN EACH SUNDAY ENTRY TICKETS EARNED WITH EVERY PURCHASE OF $5 OR MORE FROM MIKES, JADE SWAN or ANY BAR or CAFÉ

FIRST AND LAST RAFFLE PRIZES INCLUDE A PICK OF THE GAME BOARD WITH YOUR MEAT TRAY! FIRST RAFFLE DRAW 7PM

A NEW SPREAD OF SUNDAY MEAT TRAYS TO BE WON AT THE RAFFLES NEW START TIME OF 7PM

DOUBLE ENTRY TICKETS EARNED FOR ANY RAFFLE TICKETS PURCHASED

ANZAC DAY 2025 K�ping the spirit alive

Many students and teachers from local schools attended the Club Rivers ANZAC Commemoration service. On ANZAC Day we come away with a better understanding of the reality of warand of those who made the ultimate sacrifice all those years ago to give us the peace and freedom we all now enjoy.

During the service students participated in the program and were also invited to lay a wreath or floral tribute at the base of the Cenotaph.

It’s so important that the students of today learn of the bravery of all those who served in wars and conflicts to defend our freedom. Thank you to the teachers, students and parents that attended to honour and remember those who served and sacrificed for our country. Lest we forget.

25 Club Rivers team members represented the club on ANZAC day attending the Dawn and Main Services, wreath making, helping to serve breakfast and pack up post event. From the bottom of our hearts, we would also like to thank the 45 team members who baked or contributed to our ANZAC Morning Tea, which was the best one ever.

PEAKHURST SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL LUGARNO PUBLIC SCHOOL

GEORGES RIVER CAMPUS-PEAKHURST ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

Kids NAIDOC Art Workshop

Boomerang Event

THUR 10 JULY 10AM - 2PM

Washington Room

Washington Park Riverwood

Bookings essential contact Jenny@clubrivers.com.au

NINJA Warrior Gymnastics

THUR 17 JULY

10AM - 2PM

Peakhurst South Public School

Bookings essential contact Jenny@clubrivers.com.au

Playground open 7 days

with parmesan

SHEPHERD’S PIE

topped with creamy mash, melted mozzarella served with steamed vegetables and gravy

Cooked in red wine jus with steamed vegetables & chat potatoes

CASH HOUSIE

DOORS OPEN 9AM EYES DOWN 10AM

*Members only Every Mon & FRI

MON 9 JUN

Kings birthday Mega Housie Monday 9 June All $100 games

DOORS OPEN 9AM

EYES DOWN 10AM *Members only all $100 games

$1fromeverytraywillbedonatedtoSoldierOnanot-for-profitorganisationsupportingcurrentandformer

$1fromeverytraywillbedonatedtoSoldierOnanot-for-profitorganisa�onsuppor�ng currentandformerAustralianDefenceForcepersonnel,andtheirfamilies.

OUT &AB UT

Peakhurst United Football Club always get such a great turn out for their Women in Football Pink Ribbon Gala Day and Club Rivers are so proud to show our continued support for this event.

The event promotes the success of women in sport and increase awareness of women's cancers.It is a major fundraiser with all money going to the Cancer Council for vital support services, prevention, and research into women's cancers.

Peakhurst United FC held their inaugural Women in Football Pink Gala Day back in 2018 with 12 teams participating. The fundraising event has grown to around 30 teams and with the support of the community, Football St George and major sponsor Club Rivers, the club has raised over $50,000.

70YEARS STRONG: A CELEBRATION OF LOVE

We were thrilled and honoured to host the 70th Wedding Anniversary celebration for Dick and Mavis Matthews.

Dick and Mavis received congratulatory messages from the Prime Minister, Governor General as well as from King Charles & Queen Camilla

It was a wonderful celebration of this very special milestone. Their tip for a long and successful marriage, share everything and do everything together.

Our amazing team have been helping out at Georges River Life Care every second Wednesday, at their Community Connect events, serving up over 100 coffees each day. Well done team CR, we love how much our team contributes to the community.

LifeCareisaregisteredcharitythathasbeenactivelyprovidingsolutions inourlocalcommunitytomakeatangibledi�erencetothelivesofthe mostvulnerableandatrisksince2007.

Theirgoalistoprovidepathwaysthatleadtopersonalsafetyand financial securitywithafocusonpromotingstabilityand independence.

OUT &AB UT

A huge thank you to everyone that joined us for our Australia's Biggest Morning Tea event in May 2025. This year marks the 14th year that Club Rivers have supported the Cancer Council in their continuous work into cancer research, prevention, and support services. Your incredible support over the years has helped us exceed $49,000 in donations to the Cancer Council. This event brings together communities to raise funds and awareness, making a significant difference in the fight against cancer.

OUT &AB UT

In April 2025, Riley Farrell laced up his boots, hoisted a 15-kilogram pack onto his back, and began a journey that would challenge him physically, test him mentally, and change his outlook on life forever.

As the recipient of the 2024 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge, whichClub Rivers were proud to support, Riley took part in a 10-day trek along Papua New Guinea’s Kokoda Trail. A place deeply etched into Australia’s national identity. It was there, in 1942, that young Australian soldiers, some barely older than Riley, fought through jungle, mud, and despair to defend our country. Supported by the nowlegendary Papuan “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels,” their story became a defining chapter in the ANZAC legacy.

Riley admits that before the trek, he had doubts. “I was nervous, but I was ready.”

The physical challenge was immense, but it was the quiet moments, surrounded by his team and local villagers, that left the biggest impact.

Riley also speaks with admiration about the communities along the track. The villages they visited were so welcoming and full of joy despite having so little. It reminded me that happiness isn’t about material possessions. It’s about connection, gratitude, and perspective.

Now back home, Riley says the lessons of Kokoda have stayed with him. This was confirmed by comments from his father that he seems more humble and grounded since returning home.

He finishes with a heartfelt message: “I’m so thankful to Club Rivers for giving me this opportunity. It’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Since returning home Riley has been accepted into the Australian Defence Force as an Electronic Weapon Officer and has a dream of progressing into the Special forces.

We wish Riley all the best in the future and hope that Club Rivers can be involved in supporting the Youth Leadership Program in the future.

OUT &AB UT

Lugarno Lions Community Fair, formerly Lugarno Lions Spring Festival, is an exciting revamp of an event that was unleashed in 1979 as a small event held at Gannons Park, Peakhurst, to coincide with Education Week.

The event grew from that small event to the community event of today with over 100 stalls, two stages of free entertainment, a carnival second only in southern Sydney to the Royal Easter Show and many community-based displays.

This exciting new event has a new name and new venue. This event is, primarily, a community event but it also allows Lions to raise funds for the needy of the local community, national communities and world communities.