PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
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2023 - THE YEAR THAT WAS
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CLUB RENOVATIONS
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NOMINATE A NEIGHBOUR
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HAMMONDVILLE PARK PRECINCT
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THANKING BOB FLEETON
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SPORTIES COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
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STAFF MILESTONES
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AUSTRALIA DAY
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EASTER RAFFLE
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WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY
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WHAT’S ON IN FEBRUARY
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WHAT’S ON IN MARCH
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CONTACTS
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Sporties is dedicated to enriching the community
Exceeding expectations by creating a destination of good times and great memories through our people, product and presentation
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
To our valued members, Firstly, let me wish all of you a very happy new year! I hope you enjoyed Christmas with your loved ones, and you feel refreshed for the year ahead. I would like to begin by welcoming Allan Facey to the Moorebank Sports Board of Directors. Allan is a registered company auditor, tax agent, and Justice of the Peace, and boasts 15-years’ experience in both audit and business services. He is also the current Treasurer and Ladies Co-ordinator for Moorebank Soccer Club. Allan’s knowledge of the finance sector and corporate governance, and his involvement with our sporting codes makes him a fantastic addition to our team.
available. She then took on some marketing administration work which led to a fulltime role in our senior management team as our Marketing and Design Manager. Kim Melbourne has also been employed with us for a decade, taking on a receptionist role before moving into administration roles. She is now the People and Culture Coordinator, working closely with our team on staff relations and compliance. I’m looking forward to a bumper year for our sporting codes as well. You may have noticed the main soccer field at Hammondville Park is in the process of being resurfaced with state-of-the-art turf, while the other fields have also received some extra care in the off-season.
I am very excited about the progress we’ve made with Liverpool City Council to redevelop the Hammondville Park precinct and bring in some additional, much-needed services to our local community.
And finally, I am extremely proud of the partnerships we’ve fostered with local community organisations and I’m looking forward to seeing them grow and develop over the next 12 months.
We’re looking at an aquatic centre, new childcare and library facilities, and other much-needed amenities that will benefit the local community, and those visiting our area. As I’ve said previously, our dream is to provide our members and guests, local businesses, and the wider community, with access to a specialised community hub right on their doorstep.
Thank you to all members for your ongoing support of our Club. By the next edition of this e-magazine we should be close to finishing the renovations and I look forward to having a drink with you in our new-look lounge!
I am also thrilled to confirm the renovations at Sporties will be getting underway in January. $6M will be put towards a complete refurbishment of the venue, including new finishes and new lighting throughout, a more inclusive seating area in the main bar, a new big screen TV, and an update of the bar and TAB areas.
ALBY TAYLOR PRESIDENT MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
The purpose of these works is to improve the flow of the Club from indoor to outdoor, so members and guests can enjoy the view of our surrounding sports fields from more vantage points. We really want to focus on our military connections and providing our patrons with a Club they feel proud to be a part of. All things going to plan, the renovations will be completed before Anzac Day 2024. I would like to congratulate some of our staff who have recently achieved 10-year milestones at Sporties. Breanna Natta joined us at the age of 19 as a floor attendant and has since progressed through almost every front-of-house role
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
2023 IS A WRAP! It’s been another successful year for Sporties with some major milestones reached, and fantastic celebrations had. We launched the new Half Time Diner and celebrated the 1yr anniversary of On Point Catering at Indulge Brasserie, we launched our Nominate A Neighbour morning teas and recognised some incredible members of our community, and we celebrated 90 years of Hammondville Public School. Sporties farewelled its longest serving President – Bob Fleeton, while Roger Crowfoot retired from the Moorebank Royals Baseball Club after 32 years. And former Director Dennis Errington was awarded a Lifetime Membership of our Club. Our club contributed $104,870 to local community organisations through ClubGRANTS, and an additional $182,787 to our sporting codes. Sporties also provided support through in-kind donations and sponsorships totalling $130,000. Total contribution: $417,657 We welcomed over 5,000 new members to our Club, and we welcomed more then 200,000 members and guests through our doors in 2023. And in late November, we were given approval to enter negotiations about purchasing land within the Hammondville Park precinct. We poured 219,775 beers, served 26,836 cocktails and cooked up 21,977 schnittys! (Figures from 1 Dec 2022 – 1 Dec 2023). We hope to see you back at the Club in 2024!
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
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YOUR CLUB IS GETTING COMING SOON IN APRIL 2024
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
Sporties facelift to commence this month! You’ll be seeing a lot of changes at your club over the coming months as we undertake a $6M renovation of the venue. The floor plan for the venue will remain the same with a slight change in configuration in the main bar and Belvedere Lounge, with the overall look and feel of these refurbishments focusing on community, and our military connections. There will be new finishes, new lighting, and better flow in the main foyer area, a new large screen and more inclusive seating configuration in the main bar area, and an update of the bar in the TAB area. The Belvedere Lounge will be opened up to provide a better flow from indoor to the outdoor space with views of the surrounding sports fields, and there will be new carpets and new finishes throughout. There will be cosmetic upgrades to the Indulge Brasserie with an enhanced wine bar, and a better connection between the indoor and outdoor areas, and the bathrooms throughout the venue will also be given a facelift. The renovations are due to be completed by late April.
To view design concepts for the refurbishment project, click HERE
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
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a e at n i om N ur o b h g i Ne Celebrating the people within our neighbourhood that help to make our community a welcoming, kind and supportive place to live. On 13 December 2023, we held a special morning tea to celebrate the Winner and Community Champions in the fourth round of the Moorebank Sports ‘Nominate A Neighbour’ initiative. The ‘Nominate A Neighbour Award’ encourages people to share stories about the quiet achievers in their neighbourhood, those who make a real difference in the lives of others but rarely get the recognition they deserve. As a small token of our appreciation for their contribution to our community, winners receive $1,000 cash, and our Community Champions get $200 Sporties Dollars.
Do you know someone in your community who goes above and beyond? Nominate them HERE
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
Round 4 Winner Belinda Howell Nominated by Megan Chipperfield
Belinda is the vital force behind the Wattle Grove Scout Group, managing everything seamlessly and keeping the group thriving since 2019, even through the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Her selfless dedication, contributing nearly four days a week alongside her job and family, is the linchpin holding the scout community together. “It feels a bit strange to be recognised like this because I just do the work. I don’t think about the why or how. If it needs to be done and somebody’s there, let’s do it”.
Round 4 Community Champion Geoff Robinson Nominated by Marco Quintao
Geoff, a former Australian rugby league player from the 1970s and 1980s, now dedicates his time to volunteering at Heroes with Ability. Despite battling throat and mouth cancer, he brings joy each week, offering special gifts to clients. HWA Founder Marco Quintao appreciates Geoff's inspiring presence, describing him as a source of kindness and generosity. For Geoff, the connection with the kids at HWA is a source of pride, turning any bad day into a good one.
Round 4 Community Champion Fiona Heath Nominated by Kellie Lamont
Fiona and her family are community fixtures, with a strong passion for Baseball. As President of Moorebank Sports Royals, Fiona, along with her family, has dedicated years to coaching and committee roles, fostering a love for Baseball in local kids. Known for her selfless leadership, Fiona steps down as President in 2024 but remains committed to the club in a different capacity, driven by her love for the community and the game.
Round 4 Community Champion Donna Macmillan Nominated by Kayla Sipou
Donna, the lollipop lady at Holsworthy Public School for 23 years, greets kids with a smile, rain or shine. She knows parents, partners, and kids by name, always taking time to connect. Donna loves her job passionately, finding joy in watching the kids grow.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
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Liverpool City Council and Moorebank Sports Club a step closer to Hammondville Sports and Community precinct.
A Step Closer To A New Hammondville Park Precinct On Sunday 26 November 2023, Sporties held its Annual General Meeting which was attended by members of Liverpool Council, representatives from our sporting codes, and members of the local community. At this meeting, Liverpool Councillor Fiona MacNaught confirmed the council had entered negotiations with Moorebank Sports Club about the disposal of operational land around Hammondville Park, and the future redevelopment of the precinct. Early conceptual ideas for the project have included the development of a new community hub featuring an upgrade of the current sporting fields, the addition of a state-of-the-art aquatic centre, new childcare and library facilities, and other much needed amenities. Moorebank Sports and Liverpool Council will now work towards an outcome that will best suit the needs of the local community.
More information about the Hammondville Park project can be found HERE
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
Bob Fleeton has dedicated most of his adult life to supporting junior sport in the Moorebank, Wattle Grove, Holsworthy, and Hammondville areas. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Moorebank Sports Club and his efforts over the past five decades are the reason we have the fantastic facilities and a licensed venue at Hammondville Park today. Bob’s association with our club ‘Sporties’ began in 1975 when he volunteered to become the President of the Moorebank Rams junior rugby league football club. He was instrumental in the creation of the licensed club spending countless hours with the Local Council, lawyers, banks, architects, and builders, to negotiate the development of a venue that could be enjoyed by the whole community. He helped to raise money for the new building and even contributed his personal funds to seed fund the project. In June 1994, Moorebank Sports Club Limited was officially opened and Bob was elected the inaugural President, a role he then served in for 25 years. Bob was involved in every aspect of the club’s operations and even contributed his own coins to float the tills on the first day of trade. Over the years under Bob’s leadership, Moorebank Sports Club has contributed millions of dollars in funding to support local sporting codes and community groups. What started as a venue to build a social club and support rugby league, has expanded enormously to include the support of not only rugby league, but now also netball, soccer, cricket, and baseball. Today, some 1,638 players from under-6 to open age engage in sport under the “Sporties” banner, largely funded by the legacy Bob created. The Club has provided $1,491,783 in sponsorship across the above listed sporting codes, over the past 12 years. In addition, last year alone, the Club provided funding and financial support to charities and not-for-profit organisations to the tune of $104,870. In 2023, after 25 years at the helm, Bob resigned from his post as Moorebank Sports Club initially as President and then as a director, due to ailing health. Nonetheless, his dedication to grassroots sport and his efforts to make our local community a better place to live will benefit many generations to come. We wish Bob all the best and thank him for the contribution he’s made to our community.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
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OUR SPORTIES KNITTING LADIES Thursday mornings at the Club were a hive of activity through 2023 as our resident Knitting Ladies gathered for their weekly catchup. The group, which includes members who have been knitting together for 30 years, makes beautiful blankets, booties, beanies, dolls and teddy bears for Sydney charities, and local hospitals in Liverpool and Fairfield.
To read more about our Knitting Ladies, CLICK HERE Our Thursday Knitting Ladies
SPORTIES SUPPORTS HEROES WITH ABILITY! One of the highlights of the year for Sporties staff was the Heroes With Abilites Gala Day, held at the Michael Clarke Recreation Centre in Carnes Hill in November. This organisation gives people living with disability the opportunity to play sport, and the Gala Day event was an opportunity for students to showcase their skills in a competition-style environment.
To read more about Sporties’ support of Heroes With Ability, CLICK HERE People & Culture Manager Alison Hester and Chief Financial Officer Troy Crisp at Heroes With Ability Gala Day.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
SUPPORTING ADF NETBALL Sporties was proud to support the NSW Australian Defence Force Netball team when they took part in the Combined Services National Championships in Darwin in late 2023. We provided funds for training shirts for each member of the women’s, men’s, and mixed teams. Several members were also selected in ADF Representative sides for 2024.
To read more about our NSW Defence Force Netball Team, CLICK HERE
NSW Defence Force 2023 Squad
GEORGES RIVER LIFE CARE Sporties has had a long association with Georges River Life Care, most recently supporting its school backpack initiative and Christmas food hampers. Over the past 12 months, this organisation has assisted over 50 households with regular food aid, and dozens more have received support at their fortnightly Community Connect events held Moorebank High School.
To read more about Georges River Life Care & Sporties partnership, CLICK HERE Sporties staff and management with Georges River Life Care getting Christmas hampers ready to be delivered
For access to all of the Sporties blog posts, visit https://moorebanksports.com.au/moorebank-sporties-blog/
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
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10 YEARS AT SPORTIES Congratulations to Breanna Natta and Kim Melbourne who recently celebrated 10 years at Sporties! Brea began her career with us at the age of 19 as a floor attendant picking up glasses, before progressing through almost every front-of-house role available. She says working in the café and at reception were her favourites as she got to catch up with the bingo crew and other regular patrons! She was also studying graphic design at the time and when she was asked to take on some marketing administration work each week, she jumped at the chance. This then led to a fulltime position as Marketing Coordinator, and a recent promotion to Sporties’ Marketing and Design Manager. While Kim began her career at the Club as a receptionist, in what she thought would be a temporary position, as she navigated through some challenging times in her personal life. But she says she loved the staff, members, and the job so much, she decided to stay. Over her 10 years with us, Kim has worked at the front desk, and in rostering and HR, before becoming the People and Culture Coordinator with a focus on recruitment, staff relations and compliance.
STAFF END OF YEAR AWARDS
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR - TREETIDA NONTASAEN For the employee who is consistently great to work with, who is a fantastic team player, who is a role model for younger employees and models club values.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE - CHRIS RASERA Award chosen by staff and managers for the employee who is admired by all, loves their job, and is a good team player.
SPORTIES AMBASSADOR - GIORGIO CHRISTOFI For the employee who is always positive, models club values, and proudly represents the club.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
RELIEF MANAGER OF THE YEAR - MICHAEL RASERA For the relief manager who leads by example and provides great support and leadership to the permanent management team.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - BLAKE HORSNELL For a high performing employee who commenced working with Sporties between December 2022 and September 2023.
CUSTOMER SERVICE CHAMPION - SHARON HOLLIDAY For the employee who truly values our customers, is recognised by customers and peers, and provides ‘magical moments’.
ABOVE & BEYOND CHAMPION - BREEANNA DOYLE For the employee who comes in early, stays late, does things others may not want to, steps outside their comfort zone, and exceeds expectations.
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY - TYLER ROWLES For the employee who suggests improvements to benefit the organisation, providing creativity and flare in their work.
QUIET ACHIEVER - ALEX TIMMS For the employee who is honest and reliable, stays calm, performs their work with minimal fuss, and who models the club’s values.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
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J A NUA RY AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Kicking off Sunday January 14 Don’t miss a single set of the 2024 Australian Open! Live & loud on the big screens paired with drink specials!
UFC 297
Sunday 21st January Watch World Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland defend his title against Dricus Du Plessis in an explosive head-to-head battle in the main event of UFC 297.
AUSTRALIA DAY Friday 26th January
Join us to celebrate Australia Day! With live music from 1pm and some Aussie bar and food specials available throughout the day!
TRIPLE J HOTTEST 100 PARTY Saturday 27th January
Countdown with us to the number 1 spot! Enjoy drink specials and tunes in the Backyard.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
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F E BRUA RY SUPERBOWL
Monday 12th February Get ready for an epic Super Bowl LVIII Live & Loud! Chuck on your jersey and get into the American spirit as your cheer your team to victory with a beer in hand.
VALENTINES DAY Tuesday 14th February
Join us for a day of romance and indulgence as we celebrate the season of love with specials at Indulge & bar.
CHARITY SHIELD
Saturday 17th February Join us as the South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the St George Illawarra Dragons in this time honoured rivalry Charity Shield clash.
UFC 298
Sunday 18th February Headlined by a bout between featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who will look to defend his title for the fifth time, and No.5-ranked featherweight Ilia Topuria.
MARGARITA WEEK
Thursday 22nd - Sunday 25th February Whether you like them shaken, stirred or frozen, the mighty margarita is the perfect sip for any occasion!
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
M A RCH NRL SEASON LAUNCH Sunday 3rd March
Get ready for another season of action with the season kicking off in Vegas for 2024!
UFC 299
Sunday 10th March Catch all the action when O’Malley takes on Vera and Poirier enters the cage to take on Saint-Denis. All live and loud on the big screen.
ST PATRICK’S DAY Sunday 17th March
Eat & drink like the Irish this St Patricks Day at Sporties with our Irish inspired food and bar specials.
EASTER RAFFLE Sunday 24th March
Chocolatemania! Stock up on all the chocolate just in time for Easter at our ultimate Easter Raffle.
GOOD FRIDAY RAFFLE Friday 29th March
Stock up on your seafood and meat for the Easter long weekend!
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB
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MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB Phone: 02 9825 3300 Email:
MOOREBANK RAMS RUGBY LEAGUE
info@sportiesgroup.com.au
MONDAY
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SATURDAY
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SUNDAY
10:00am - 1.00am
TO
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secretary@moorebanksoccer.org.au
Website: www.moorebanksoccer.org.au Moorebank Soccer Club
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ann.richards@live.com.au
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Website: www.moorebankcricket.com WANT A CAREER A SPORTIES? Apply here via our website
Moorebank Cricket Club
INDULGE BRASSERIE & FUNCTIONS
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fiona@moorebankbaseball.com
Website: www.moorebank.baseball.com.au Moorebank Baseball Softball Club
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH • 2024 • MOOREBANK SPORTS CLUB