Clublink Newsletter February 2026

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

Read More »

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

Read More »

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Ideal Promotional Products for Your Club

Featured Club

Read the Latest News and Updates

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

Read More »

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

Read More »

AED Legislation Now in Effect

Rhys Braybrook, Workplace Relations & Policy Manager Reminder! Clubs SA members are reminded that the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 (the Act) is now in force for “designated buildings” situated on non-crown owned land.   The Act has been in effect since 1 January 2026 and will require those covered to have at least 1 AED on their premises and obligations

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Understanding How Overtime & Reasonable Additional Hours Works

Rhys Braybrook, Workplace Relations & Policy Manager Late last year I had several questions and concerns raised regarding overtime and additional hours and there still seems to be a lot of confusion on these matters.  Reasonable Additional Hours  An employer must not request or require an employee to work more than the following hours of work in

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Managing Terminations – Requirements & Upcoming Webinar

Rhys Braybrook, Workplace Relations & Policy Manager Unfortunately, at times clubs with employees may determine they need to terminate an employee’s employment due to a specific reason or reasons such as poor performance, misconduct and redundancy.  When doing so however it is vitally important that clubs are aware of the rules surrounding this and provide any

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You’re Invited to the Reward Hospitality Demo Day

YOU’RE INVITED! Join Reward Hospitality Adelaide Store for an exclusive cooking demonstration of Combi Speed Ovensby Moffat, and a cocktail presentation by Monin, featuring new iSi Whippers.  WHEN: Wednesday 11th February, 2026 TIME: 1st Session: 11:00am – 2:00pm, 2nd Session: 2:30om – 4:00pm WHERE: Reward Hospitality Store – Adelaide, 21 George Street, Thebarton

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FREE Energy Bill Check for Your Club

Webinars and Training - FREE for Clubs SA Members

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.

Welcome New Corporate Partners

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

Read More »

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

Read More »

What's New For your Club?

Gaming and Entertainment

Gaming, wagering, digital entertainment and member engagement solutions.

Wine, Beer & Beverages

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage suppliers, distributors and brand partners.

Kitchen, Catering & Foodservice Equipment

Commercial kitchens, catering solutions and back-of-house equipment.

Redevelopment, Construction & Maintenance

Building, refurbishments, maintenance and asset management.

Tailored Construction Solutions for South Australian Clubs

Planning a kitchen or bar upgrade in 2026?

Smart design and early planning can make a big difference to your budget. Forward Creations has shared some practical ways clubs can stretch their project dollars further – without cutting corners.

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