Start Strong in 2026
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
Clubs SA 2026 South Australian State Election Submission
Clublink Newsletter February 2026: Table of Contents
Responsible Service of Alcohol Training
Clubs SA Membership Update
With over 450 Member Clubs, Clubs SA is proud to continue welcoming our existing member clubs and celebrating new additions to the community: Port Hughes Bowling Club (The Sharks) and Mount Gambier German Club.
Volunteer Week 2026
National Volunteer Week 2026 – Save the Date: 18–24 May 2026 National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, and in 2026 the celebrations will run from 18–24 May. While the week is still ahead of us, now is the perfect time for clubs, community groups and volunteers
Henley Surf Life Saving Club Sponsorship Opportunities
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Grants and Funding Opportunities in the New Year
With the new year well and truly upon us, members may be considering certain projects, repairs and upgrades they want to pursue this year. Grants & funding opportunities through government departments, local councils and other entities can be a great way to get some much needed financial support so that projects and upgrades are attainable. In order
Welcome: Port Hughes Bowling Club – the ‘Sharks’
Clubs SA is proud to welcome the Port Hughes Bowling Club, known as The Sharks, to the Clubs SA community. Established in 2024, the club has quickly become an exciting addition to lawn bowls on the Northern Yorke Peninsula. Based in Port Hughes, the Sharks compete in the Northern Yorke Peninsula
Welcome: SA German Club Mount Gambier
Clubs SA is pleased to welcome the SA German Club Mount Gambier as a new member. Located on Square Mile Road, the club is a long-standing community venue with a strong focus on 8-ball and darts, providing a welcoming space for both competition and social connection. These activities are central
Member Engagement & Support
Throughout 2026, the Membership Department will continue to be the primary point of contact for member clubs, providing timely and practical support across: Liquor licensing and compliance Governance Workplace relations Work Health and Safety (WHS) General club operations Feedback from clubs continues to be overwhelmingly positive, consistently highlighting the value
Compliance under the Liquor Licensing Act 1997
Has your Club recently had changes at Committee level? Have you updated details with CBS and Clubs SA? Please note, it is a requirement that any changes to your Club’s Committee are updated with CBS within 14 business days of the change occurring. Is your Club meeting its compliance obligations under the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 and Associations
Regional Meetings with the CEO – Peter Apostolopoulos
In 2026, Clubs SA Membership team and CEO Peter Aspostolooulos will be visiting regional areas across South Australia to host meetings with club representatives. These sessions will provide opportunities for clubs to: Connect with one another Share experiences and challenges Receive updates on compliance requirements Discuss operational best practice Learn about emerging issues affecting the
Celebrating 100 Years of Great Golf at The Grange Golf Club
2026 is a HUGE milestone for The Grange Golf Club, marking 100 years of exceptional golf, community and unforgettable moments! Since being established in 1926, The Grange has grown into one of South Australia’s premier golfing institutions – boasting two internationally-rated 18-hole championship courses and a legacy that has helped
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Understanding How Overtime & Reasonable Additional Hours Works
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Managing Terminations – Requirements & Upcoming Webinar
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You’re Invited to the Reward Hospitality Demo Day
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Henley Surf Life Saving Club Sponsorship Opportunities
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Our Corporate Partners
One of the greatest advantages of being a member of Clubs SA is having instant access to a wide and diverse network of Corporate Partners, each selected to support, strengthen and enhance club operations across South Australia. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, streamline your technology, improve workplace relations, refresh your branding, purchase hospitality equipment, add new products or services or explore funding and financial solutions, our partners are here to help.
These businesses understand the unique needs of clubs. They offer tailored services, industry expertise and member-exclusive support designed to make your club more efficient, sustainable and successful.
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Volunteer Week 2026
National Volunteer Week 2026 – Save the Date: 18–24 May 2026 National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, and in 2026 the celebrations will run from 18–24 May. While the week is still ahead of us, now is the perfect time for clubs, community groups and volunteers
Henley Surf Life Saving Club Sponsorship Opportunities
Celebrating 100 Years of Community Service Henley SLSC is marking a remarkable 100 years of community service, youth development and competitive sport and are seeking sponsors for their upcoming Gala Dinner to celebrate this milestone. As a sponsor of their Centenary Gala Dinner, your business will be part of a
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