The Macksville Ex-Services Club has done it again!
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Maxy local has been shortlisted for the second time as a finalist in ClubsNSW’s ‘Clubs & Communities Awards’; in 2016 it went on to win the ‘Disability, Welfare and Social Inclusion’ category.
This time ‘round, the club was selected on its merits as a major contributor to local amateur sporting groups, and is the only club on the Mid North Coast vying for the win, out of almost 90 registered clubs from across NSW named as finalists in the industry’s prestigious awards.
Last financial year, the local club donated $26,200 to 18 different local sporting groups from all over the Valley with a combined membership of 2220 players – an incredible figure for a Valley of our size.
These contributions assisted our sports teams to purchase new equipment, supply uniforms, maintain grounds and gear, and implement training and coaching programs.
Maxy Ex-Services admin supervisor Lyndel Sutton is heavily involved in both the Macksville Marlins and Rivers Netball Club and said the government’s Active Kids Voucher initiative has been invaluable in encouraging more young ones into sports; several sporting codes, like the Macksville Stingers, have been revived through new youthful membership as a result of the vouchers.
“So it’s great we’re getting the kids into sports, but then often you don’t have the money for uniforms, ground and light fees, equipment, and helpers that this new level of membership requires,” she said.
Local businesses around here are just amazingly generous, and without them and our local club, we just couldn’t do it – we wouldn’t survive.
“We [at the club] believe sport is a great opportunity for members of our community to become connected and involved which is not only beneficial physically, but socially as well.”
On top of providing funds for the general running of sports clubs, Macksville Ex-Services’ donations have made it possible for a number of young rising stars to participate at a regional, state, or national representative level of sports.
We wish our local club all the very best in October when this year’s winners are announced.
More on the awards
The awards recognise the outstanding social contributions made by clubs in their local area and throughout the state.
The finalists are split into nine categories: Arts & Culture, Clubs in Collaboration, Disability, Welfare & Social Inclusion, Education, Emergency Services, Health & Wellbeing, Heart of the Community, Support of Amateur Sport, and Youth Leadership.
ClubsNSW CEO Anthony Ball said that awards organisers faced a tough judging process, with a large number of high calibre entries received.
“Whether it’s supporting junior sport, contributing to charitable organisations or finding innovative solutions to areas of need, clubs across NSW make an enormous social contribution to the areas in which they serve,” Mr Ball said.
“The ‘Clubs & Community Awards’ are all about recognising that spirit which underpins the ethos of the entire club industry.”
A record number of entries were received for this year’s Awards, with winners to be announced at the Clubs & Community Awards gala dinner to be held at the International Convention Centre, Sydney, on 13 October.