I hope this message finds you, your families and your volunteers refreshed after the Christmas and New Year period. I trust you were able to enjoy some well-earned downtime, even if – like many in our sector – the doors never fully closed.

As we step into 2026, it is clear that this year will be an important and exciting one for South Australian clubs. Across metropolitan and regional communities, clubs continue to adapt, innovate and strengthen their position as vital community hubs. The dedication of volunteers, committees and staff remains one of the greatest assets of our sector and continues to drive strong, connected and resilient clubs across the state.

Over the past year, Clubs SA has continued to focus on practical support that makes a real difference on the ground. This includes expanding our Club Development Program, strengthening advocacy on compliance and red tape reduction, modernising our systems to better support members, and working directly with government, councils and industry partners to represent the realities clubs face every day – we look forward to continuing this important work.

A key focus for me in 2026 is strengthening our direct connection with members, particularly across regional South Australia. This year, the Clubs SA membership team and I will be travelling to a number of regional and outer metropolitan locations where we look forward to meeting  face-to-face with club representatives.

These sessions are designed to provide a practical opportunity for clubs to connect with one another, share experiences and challenges, receive updates on compliance requirements, discuss operational best practice, and hear about emerging issues affecting the club sector.

Importantly, 2026 is also a South Australian State Election year.

On behalf of our members, Clubs SA has developed a clear set of election priorities that reflect the issues we consistently hear from clubs across the state – whether sporting, community, ethnic, social or RSL. These priorities focus on sustainability, fairness and common-sense reform, including reducing red tape, easing the cost of doing business, improving council leasing consistency, supporting volunteers, addressing skills shortages and investing in community infrastructure.

Our role is to ensure your voice is heard – clearly, credibly and constructively – by all political parties and candidates. Over the coming months, we will be sharing more detail on these priorities, the responses we receive, and how they align with the needs of clubs now and into the future.

Thank you, as always, for the work you do in your communities and for the trust you place in Clubs SA to advocate on your behalf. We look forward to working alongside you throughout 2026.

Peter Apostolopolous, Chief Executive Officer, Clubs SA