ON MOTHER’S DAY

www.bankstownsports.com
Vol 8 | No 8 | April/May 2009
MUM'S THE WORD
ON MOTHER’S DAY
SUNDAY MAY 10
BAULKHAM HILLS SPORTS OPEN DAY
SUNDAY APRIL 19

CLUBEXECUTIVE
2009
CONTENTS 6
Vol 8 | No 8 | April/May 2009
Chairman’s Report 5
Welfare Report 5
Students Pitch In 6
Time to Treat Mum 8 - 9
The Hills are Alive - First Anniversary Open Day 10 - 11
The Big Tasmanian a Top Chop 12 - 13
People Power - People behind the scenes 14
Channel 7 visits Sporties 15
A Golden Era 16
Bankstown Sports donates $10,000 to disaster relief 17
Entertainment At a Glance 18 - 29
June Shows - What’s On 30
The Handle Bar Tavern 34 - 35
Baulkham Hills Sports Club 36 -37
Footy Fever Hits Total Sports Bar 38
Sports Reports 39 - 53
Sports Secretaries 54
Trading Hours 55
8
■ Bankstown Sports
8 Greenfield Pde,
Bankstown NSW 2200
T: (02) 9722 9888 F: (02) 9793 9355
Please address all correspondence to:
P.O Box 213, Bankstown NSW 1885
www.bankstownsports.com
ABN 88 000 243 916
12
■ Baulkham Hills Sports
11 Renown Rd, Baulkham Hills
T: (02) 9639 2100 F: (02) 9639 1100
www.baulkhamhillssports.com
■ Bankstown Sports Bowls Club
41 Northam Avenue, Bankstown
T: (02) 9790 0176 F: (02) 9796 2445
JIM RONIS
Director
MARK CONDI
Assistant
Secretary/Manager
DOUG SHEDDEN
Director
JOHN MURRAY
President
ALEX FULCHER MBE
Director
DICK PHILLIPS
Vice-President
DION BOURNE
Director
JOHN MACKAY
Secretary/Manager
VERN FALCONER
Director
■ Dunc Gray Velodrome
Carysfield Rd, Bass Hill
T: (02) 9743 9889
22
Patrons: Daryl Melham MP, Federal Member for Banks; Jason Clare MP, Federal Member for Blaxland.
Life members: N. Barkle*, S. Boddy*, M. J. Cook*, E. Evans*, J. Fitzpatrick O.A.M.*, N. Foley*, W. Hall*, J. Logan*, J. Long*, K. McCormick O.A.M., E. McDonald*,
K. McDowall*, R. McManus*, H. Neville, M. O’Connor*, E. C. Roberts*, G. Rudd*, F.Summers*, R. J. Kelly*, C. Glozier*, D. Jones*, J. Phillips, J. Mackay, J. Burgess*,
B. Green*, J. Murray, R. Phillips, R. Madden*, P. Keating, D. Shedden, J. Burling, J. Donehue*, Janice Mackay, Tony Stewart MP.
*Deceased
■ Handle Bar Tavern
Carysfield Rd, Bass Hill
T: (02) 9743 9889 F: (02) 9738 5088
Design Fresco Creative
T: (02) 9699 9993
www.frescocreative.com.au
enquiries@frescocreative.com.au
Editorial Sue Nelson
Quick Thinking Communications
sue@qtcommunications.com
47

$
320,000
MEMBERS ONLY PROMOTION
editorial
CASH GRAB
CASH DRAWS ARE
NOW $1000 EACH!
16 WEEKLY CASH DRAWS
of $1000 each held every
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and
Thursday at 1:30pm, 4:00pm,
7:30pm & 9:00pm.
Cash Draws start on
Sunday 26th April
at 1.30pm
YOU COULD SHARE IN UP
TO $320,000 CASH*
SWIPE
YOUR CARD
WHEN MAKING
PURCHASES TO
EARN ENTRIES
PLUS GET 1 FREE
ENTRY
EVERY DAY*
FINAL DRAW BONUS
3 LUCKY MEMBERS WILL WIN
$30,000 OR
A FORD FOCUS OR
$15,000*
Promotion starts Friday 24th April 2009 at 9.00am.
Cash Draws start on Sunday 26th April at 1.30pm.
Promotion concludes Tuesday 8th September 2009 at 9.30pm.
ACTUAL CAR MAY DIFFER FROM CAR SHOWN (CAR INCLUDES ON ROAD COSTS, REGISTRATION AND CTP)
*Terms and Conditions Apply. NSW Permit Number TBA. See www.bankstownsports.com for full terms and conditions.
CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT
JOHN MURRAY, PRESIDENT
On the 31st of March this year we concluded our 50th
anniversary celebrations and I would like to thank all our
members, patrons and staff who helped make the occasion
a great success. Thanks to your support, on the 21st of
February 2009 Bankstown Sports membership crossed the
50,000 mark. The fact that we achieved this significant and
historic landmark during our 50th anniversary celebrations
makes it very special.
Later this year, we will complete the first phase of our
new Ballroom, a state or the art venue. At the opening,
our Founding Directors and Founding Members will be
specially acknowledged for the contribution they have
made to this unique institution over the last 50 years.
The Bowling Club celebrated its 80th anniversary with a
successful community open day. Although it rained heavily
on the day, the weather did not dampen the spirits and
enthusiasm. I am grateful to everyone who helped plan the
event and worked on
the day.
WELFARE REPORT
April/May 09
The following members were reported as being in hospital and on
behalf of our President, Directors and all our members we wish
them a speedy recovery:
Joyce Kable, Sean Hatton, Graham Tomkinson, Wendy Bradshaw,
Beryl Semmens.
Congratulations to the Baulkham Hills Cricket Club on
having celebrated their 90th anniversary last month. Kerry
O’Keefe was a guest speaker at their anniversary dinner.
We wish them all success as they bat on to a century.
On the 19th of April 2009 we are holding our first
anniversary community open day from 10am to 4pm. It
will soon be one year since the first stage of the renovation
and development was completed. During this period the
membership of the Baulkham Hills Sports Club has doubled
to 5,000. With the support of our patrons I have no doubt
that we will grow at a similar rate this year.
The bushfires in Victoria have been devastating this year
with “Black Saturday” being the worst the country has ever
seen. Your Club contributed $10,000 as part of a Victorian
Bush Fire Appeal organised by ClubsNSW. A total of $1.9m
was collected from all the clubs in NSW and the ACT.
ClubsNSW itself donated $50,000. The Travelodge Hotel
at Bankstown Sports began refurbishing all its 109 rooms.
Rather than send all its furniture and fixtures to auction,
Travelodge decided to donate all its single beds, linen,
chairs, tables, pictures and TVs to the people of Victoria,
who suffered as a result of the fires. Star Track Express has
offered to transport all these items to Victoria at no cost.
We are grateful to the Travelodge and to Star Track
Express for their contribution. Our thoughts and prayers
are with the people of Victoria and our good wishes go
with them as they try to recover and lead normal lives after
this natural disaster.
The following members have passed away recently and to their
relatives and friends may we offer our sincere condolences in their
time of grief:
Imilda Bone, Warren Vaux, Kenneth Paterson, Ocean Mole, Ronald
Devine, Gunter Bleuel, Betty Wellard, Cathie Jeffrey, Judith Blissett,
William Gordon, Luisa Risso.
This information was updated on 9th March 2009 when the magazine
went to print.
Bankstown Sports InTouch
5

editorial
STUDENTS
PITCH IN
Not every school can offer its students
the opportunity to build the school
cricket pitch and nets, but Condell Park
High School is an exception.
With $50,000 from Bankstown Sports’ Community Support
and Expenditure Scheme, 13 Year 11 Construction, Metals and
Engineering students last year helped to build the concrete slabs
and erect the metal nets for the school’s new cricket facilities.
During the three-month project, the students, supervised by
school teachers and assisted by industry mentors from Bankstown
Career Connections, built the cricket pitch and two practice
nets. The project was a win-win, because it counts towards the
students’ HSC, which they are studying through TAFE NSW.
In the past, the students learned the practical side of construction
by building concrete steps and squares.
The principal of Condell Park High School, Susie Claire Mobayed,
said this is the first time the school has offered a project of
this scale.
“The project certainly widened the students’ scope of experience,”
Ms Mobayed said.
“They just jumped in to help, digging and laying concrete. The
vocational education teachers, especially Patrick White, worked
hard behind the scenes to make it happen.
“The students really realised what work is. Usually they undertake
work placements outside of school, but this is the first time they
could work together with professionals on their own territory –
building on site at the school.
“Once the kids had access to this sort of opportunity, they really
took ownership of the project. They helped build the pitch and
nets, so they’re going to look after the facilities and make sure the
other students do too.
“Above and beyond that, big projects like this one make everyone
realise you can’t work on your own. The kids learned to work in
teams to make the big picture happen.”
Ms Mobayed also said the facilities would kick off a new sport for
the students.
“Our school is so multicultural, it’s fantastic to be able to
introduce cricket, a traditional Australian sport, to kids from a
range of backgrounds,” she said.
“For many of our students, this may be the first exposure they’ve
had to cricket. Usually they’re playing soccer, football, volleyball
or basketball.
“An even bigger issue is that we can open up access for girls to
the sport.
“The kids and staff are so excited and we’re really looking forward
to making the pitch and nets available to the wider community
too. Local residents and community groups will be able to hire out
the area for use after hours.”
With the pitch and nets completed and already being used, the
school is now waiting on new cricket uniforms, which will
feature Bankstown Sports’ logo.
Ms Mobayed said it was a luxury to have such excellent sporting
facilities because not many schools in the area have anything
of that standard.
“Schools have such limited funds, they can’t possibly
afford such ‘luxury’ items as this. Without Bankstown
Sports’ sponsorship, we couldn’t have afforded it either,”
she said.
REDISCOVER BANKSTOWN
SPORTS BOWLS RIGHT
AT YOUR DOORSTEP
PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES
TO ENTERTAIN
TUESDAY Trivia from 7.30pm
WEDNESDAY Poker – registration
from 6pm, play starts 7pm
THURSDAY Raffle draw starts at 7pm
FRIDAY Poker – registration from 6pm,
play starts 7pm
Twilight Bowls from 5.30pm
SATURDAY NEW Mahjong with
CASH prizes – registration 4.30pm
BOWLS BISTRO
COME ALONG AND TRY OUR
EXCITING NEW MENU
Bistro trading hours:
Open Tuesday – Saturday
Lunch 12noon – 2.30pm
Dinner 5.30 – 8.30pm
FUNCTIONS
Bankstown Sports Bowls caters for all
your event needs from corporate
functions to intimate private parties.
FREE COURTESY BUS
FOR MEMBERS*
Call 0405 776 787
*conditions apply
Condell Park High School students participating in the development of
the cricket pitch and nets.
Olympic Parade (free on site parking at end of cul-de-sac off Brandon Avenue) Bankstown
Ph 9790 0176 Fax 9796 2445
6 Bankstown Sports InTouch Bankstown Sports InTouch 7

editorial
MOTHER'S DAY
SUNDAY MAY 10 2009
FROM 12 NOON
$58.00 per person
$18 for children 12 years and under
Assorted bread basket
Platter of tiger prawns
Marinated baby octopus
Platter of soy chicken
Antipasto platter with char-grilled
marinated vegetables
Sushi with wasabi and soy
Cold meat platter with continental sausages
Spanish style mussels with leek and potato
enriched with garlic mayonnaise
Garden salad
Caesar salad
Thai chicken cashew nut salad
Sweet potato and scallop salad
Salad of roasted pumpkin, crumbled fetta, wild
rocket and balsamic glaze
Angel hair pasta salad with prawns
and sundried tomato pesto
Slow roasted rack of pork with baked apple
Pan roasted chicken breast with Thai red curry sauce
Char-grilled salmon fillet with lime sauce
Peking style duck in plum sauce
Creamy baked potato with a bacon cheese crust
Roasted root vegetables
Assorted international cakes and slices
Strawberries marinated in Sambucca
Pavlova with fresh whipped cream and fruit
Cheese platter with dried fruit and crispy lavosh
Fruit platter
Bookings essential 9722 9888
to
TIME
TREAT MUM
With Mothers’ Day just around the corner, on May 10, why not treat
Mum to a special day out at any one of the clubs in the Bankstown
Sports family?
Free entertainment includes musical duo Crushed Ice at the
Greenfield Station Bistro between 11.30am and 2.30pm, while at
Baulkham Hills Sports Club, singing duo Girls Talk will perform from
11.30am to 2.30pm.
The regular entertainment program will also be on in the Rainforest
Lounge, with a free concert featuring yodelling star Angela Hayden
and comic vocalist Davo from 2.30pm, or you can sing your heart
out at free karaoke from 7pm.
Or, if you want to take your Mum out the night before Mothers’ Day,
head over to the Showroom for the Oh Boy - The Buddy Holly Show
on Saturday May 9 at 8pm (tickets $5 members, $7 non-members).
Let your Mum have the day off from cooking and take her to one of
Bankstown Sports’ many enticing cafes and restaurants.
Choose from the once-off Mothers’ Day menu at Platform One
(bookings essential – 9722 9888), Greenfield Station Bistro (no
bookings required), ‘wichcraft Café (no bookings required), Sizzling
Court (bookings recommended – 9709 8633), Stuzzichino in La
Piazza (bookings essential – 9722 9810) or the special lunch or
dinner buffet ($45 per person, $14 for children 12 years and under)
and a limited set menu is also available at The Gallery Restaurant at
Baulkham Hills Sports (bookings essential – 9639 2100).
If you needed any proof that our club members love dining out on
special occasions at Bankstown Sports, then look no further than the
Dean family, featured on our cover and above.
Mum, Nicole Dean, is the coaching coordinator, coach and player for
the Bankstown Sports Netball Club. Daughters Alana, 10, and Elise,
8, also play netball. Dad, Mathew, is junior vice president, coach and
also plays with Bankstown Sports Football (Soccer) Club and their
son Luke, 6, follows in Dad’s footsteps, playing soccer for the last
three years.
Louise Chiandotto (opposite with her family at Platform One) is
another mum doing her bit for her family and her sporting club.
Her association with Bankstown Sports started out when her eldest
son, Derek (now 11), joined the under-6 team of Bankstown Sports
Football Club. That was six years ago, when she knew nothing about
soccer or how to run a soccer club, and since then she’s been a team
manager and sat on the committee before being promoted to club
secretary two years ago.
“I just can’t get away from soccer – my role as club secretary is like
a full time job,” says Louise. “After honing the fundamentals at
Bankstown Sports, Derek is now playing his first year in the district
representative team. My other son, James, is playing his third year
for the soccer club. My husband coaches and plays with the over
35s side, so I’m really in the middle of it all.”
“Although we live in Menai, I have a girlfriend in Chester Hill with
boys the same age as mine. We decided our boys should join a
sporting club between our two places, so that we could have a chat
on the sidelines.”
“Our family goes to Bankstown Sports at least weekly. My kids love
the pizza at La Piazza! If it’s late after training, instead of cooking,
we head to the club. It’s much better than getting takeaway.”
The sole female on a committee of eight people, Louise
acknowledges the help and support Bankstown Sports gives the
soccer club.
“Not only do we get financial support from Bankstown Sports, we
get great advice from the directors. They’re really good mentors
and are always available for feedback when we have to make big
decisions. They make my job a whole lot easier!”
8 Bankstown Sports InTouch
Bankstown Sports InTouch
9

editorial
editorial
EVERYONE WELCOME
FREE
THE HILLS
ARE ALIVE...
Baulkham Hills Sports is celebrating
its one-year anniversary since its
refurbishment, and you’re invited to
the party!
Our loyal members in the Hills Shire have embraced the newly
redeveloped club - membership has doubled from 2,500 to 5000 in
the past year - so we’d like to show our appreciation by putting on
our First Anniversary Community Open Day from 10am to 4pm on
Sunday April 19. There will be free entertainment and fun activities
for the whole family. Everyone is welcome!
The ‘Big Tasmanian’ David Foster is sure to impress with several
skillful demonstrations of his award-winning woodchopping.
He’ll also sign photographs and give away signed memorabilia, as
well as try his hand at the community BBQ on the day.
(See full story on page 13).
There will be a jumping castle and inflatable slide for kids, plus
furry friends at the petting zoo, clowns, face painting and a
magic show.
As well, there’ll be a sausage sizzle, giveaways and even a cooking
demonstration for wannabe Jamie Olivers.
From Wednesday April 15, Baulkham Hills Sports will begin its
new winter menu - so keep an eye out for some lovely new
warming dishes, such as crumbed Western Australian
lamb cutlets.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY
COMMUNITY
OPEN DAY
SUNDAY, 19TH APRIL 2009
10am - 4pm
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE
WHOLE FAMILY
THE BIG TASMANIAN
DAVID FOSTER BRINGS THE
ROYAL EASTER SHOW TO
BAULKHAM HILLS!
COME ALONG AND WATCH
THIS MASTER OF
WOODCHOPPING
10 Bankstown Sports InTouch
You can also spend even more time enjoying yourself at Baulkham
Hills Sports, thanks to new extended trading hours – 9am to 2am,
Wednesday to Saturday, with Sunday to Tuesday trading hours
remaining the same (9am to 12 midnight).
If you haven’t yet checked out the new-look Baulkham Hills Sports,
drop by the club at 11 Renown St, Baulkham Hills on April 19 or
visit www.baulkhamhillssports.com.
Read about Baulkham Hills Sports' Mega Cash winner
on Page 33.
• Jumping Castle
• Inflatable Slide
• Petting Zoo
• Clowns
• Face Painting
• Sausage Sizzle
• Promotions
• LIVE Entertainment
• Cooking Demonstration
Bankstown Sports InTouch
11

editorial
THE BIG
TASMANIAN –
A TOP CHOP
The Royal Easter Show brings a lot of excitement
to Sydney and none more so than the big men of
timber, our heroic woodchoppers. But the show’s
not the only place you can see these men of the
bush at work. Australia’s favourite world champion
axeman, David Foster, otherwise known as ‘the big
Tasmanian’, is coming to perform at Bankstown
Sports and at Baulkham Hills Sports this month.
David Foster can chop a 12-inch log in eight seconds and is so
muscle-bound that he can’t be weighed on normal scales. He’s the
first person in sporting history to have won 1000 woodchopping
championships, which include 178 world titles, 168 Australian titles
and more than 2000 firsts in competitive woodchopping.
Recipient of an Order of Australia medal and the subject of the TV
show This Is Your Life in 2000, the international sports star’s dad was
also a world champion axeman. David and his late father won the
600mm Double Handed Sawing World Championship 11 times in a
row. David later competed with his brother in the same event and
also won the championship together 10 times.
Thirty years after winning the Cross-Saw World Championship with
his father, David will attempt to win back the world record at this
year’s Royal Easter Show, this time with his own son.
editorial
APRIL 14 AT BANKSTOWN SPORTS
David Foster will be at Bankstown Sports on Tuesday April 14
from 7pm to 9pm at the Rainforest Lounge, where he will
compete against two players from the Bulldogs in an exciting live
chop. Afterwards the Bulldogs and David will be available to
sign autographs.
Members can try to guess David’s weight for the chance to win
great prizes including a dining voucher for Bankstown Sports, a
show bag and a signed photo of the chopping champion himself.
David is an inspiring speaker and he will give a talk for kids about
achieving your life goals. Plus there’ll be roving entertainment,
clowns and great live music - fun for the whole family.
David’s visit to Bankstown Sports coincides with the fifth and final
car draw for our 50th Anniversary celebrations – so there will be
winners all round. David’s career memorabilia will also be on
display at the club.
APRIL 19 AT BAULKHAM HILLS SPORTS
The big Tasmanian will also demonstrate his legendary
woodchopping skills at Baulkham Hills Sports First Anniversary
Community Open Day on Sunday April 19. He’ll help out by
barbecuing sausages at the community BBQ and will give away
signed memorabilia to some lucky axeman fans.
See the full story on page 10.
12 Bankstown Sports InTouch
Bankstown Sports InTouch
13

Sanko
Grant
Grant Hester competing
in the Sprint Cup 2008 at
Erina ice rink. Grant, in this
short track speed skating
event, blitzed everyone
and in the process posted
what probably is the
fastest 500m time last year
in Australia at 45.3s.
Irene
PEOPLE POWER
Irene says the best thing about coming to work at Bankstown
The Bankstown Sports family is large and friendly and
committed to great service. In the last issue of InTouch, we
introduced three of our staff members to you. Here are three
more of our hardworking employees.
SANKO BARKHO
Sanko is the man behind those delicious cocktails you’ve been
enjoying at Bankstown Sports. Even if he hasn’t prepared your
drink personally, he probably trained the bartender who did.
Sanko, of Cecil Park, has honed his cocktail making skills over the
past five years at Bankstown Sports, completing six certificates
offered by Bacardi and well-known five-star hotels in the process.
Now he’s passing on that knowledge to newer bar, cocktail and
gaming staff.
o work at Bankstown
Sports is that everyone can have a laugh. “The people have
become like a second family to me, in fact I met my husband
here,” she says. Since having children, Irene doesn’t have as much
time for after-work drinks as she used to, but her friends at work
are the same friends she sees outside of work – which makes
work seem more like a social occasion.
GRANT HESTER
19-year-old Revesby resident Grant Hester is not only a dab
hand at making coffee in the ‘wichcraft Café, outside of work
he is ranked fifth in Australia in short track speed skating; has
competed in world championships in Germany and Italy and won
gold for the 5000m relay in speed skating at the Youth Olympics
in Sydney in 2007.
HAVE A GOOD
WEEKEND
Channel 7’s Sydney Weekender came to the club for a full day
of filming in the club’s restaurant on Saturday, February 7 –
one of the hottest days of the year!
Despite Bankstown’s empty streets, the club was abuzz with people and the crew had a great time
filming in Platform One and La Piazza. You might have seen the segment which was broadcast on
Channel 7 on Saturday March 28.
Reporter Ada Nicodemou (pictured) learned a few tricks about how to make pizzas from La Piazza’s
Pizzeria Bellucci crew.
In his spare time, Sanko is putting together a book of his 300
favourite wine, cocktail, straight and liqueur cocktails, which he
hopes to publish. He also studies music at Blacktown College and
will soon sit for his AMEB examination to become a piano teacher.
Sanko says, “I work hard to get the best staff behind the bar at
Bankstown Sports. I love the mixology aspect of the work – that’s
what makes it interesting.”
IRENE MOFFATT
Irene has always been one to seek out challenges. She’s worked
at Bankstown Sports for 14 years, starting in the catering
department, working across everything from fine dining and
smorgasbords, to the coffee shop and functions. After six years
there she became the team leader for gaming and bars.
“I enjoy working at Bankstown Sports,” Irene says, “but I need to
keep being challenged and learning new things, which is why
I’ve moved around quite a bit at the club. In gaming, I have 100
new things to do each shift, so it keeps me on my toes! I love the
variety of work and the fact that I’m still learning.”
Grant is aiming to make the 2010 Australian Winter Olympics
team to compete in Vancouver, Canada, and is already in
training. Although short track speed skating was made famous
in Australia by Steven Bradbury’s surprise win at the 2002 Winter
Olympics, Grant is planning to win “the right way” next year.
He trains with the Sydney Arrows at Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink
three hours a day, six days a week – plus works around 30 hours
each week at the club.
Despite being a relative newcomer to Bankstown Sports, he’s
already figured out why many staff members stay here for years.
“The people here really work together and help each other out.
There’s always someone to talk to about anything, from what
you did today to your problems. If you need to swap a shift – no
worries, someone else will jump in for you. It’s a very friendly
environment with a mix of younger and older people,”
Grant says.
RAINFOREST LOUNGE
ENTERTAINMENT
Every Friday and Saturday
APRIL
GROOVIN HARD SHOWBAND Fridays from 9pm
LATIN SOUL Saturdays from 9pm
MAY
SATURDAY NIGHT DIVAS Fridays from 9pm
LATIN BREEZE Saturdays from 9pm
Latin Breeze
Saturday Night Divas
14 Bankstown Sports InTouch Bankstown Sports InTouch 15

editorial
A GOLDEN
ERA
Bankstown Sports’ six months of 50th anniversary celebrations,
which wrapped up last month, have delivered “gold, gold, gold” (as
Norman May would say), according to Bankstown Sports Assistant
Secretary/Manager, Mark Condi.
“We set ourselves a goal to increase our membership at the club
and we were quietly hopeful of reaching 50,000 members during
the six months of 50th anniversary celebrations. Well, on Saturday
February 21 we reached that milestone and now have surpassed
the 50,000 mark. This is an historic landmark and a great fillip for
the club’s future. We are very thankful to all of our members and
staff for helping to make this happen!”
As well as the boost in member numbers, which naturally keeps
the club viable and able to continue to provide great value for
money, four lucky members have won new Holden Barinas since
the 50th celebrations began. The fifth Barina will be won on
April 14.
"The smiles on their faces every time we had a winner just lit up the
whole club,” Mr Condi says. “It’s been a fantastic time.”
The club is also getting ready to celebrate the completion of two
new projects.
The first stage of our new “Ballroom” or conference centre for
corporate events will open mid-year. This new state-of-the-art
facility seats 700 ballroom-style – with round tables – or can fit
about 1200 people in cocktail or conference mode. The second
stage to follow will increase the capacity to 1,500 seated for dinner
or 2,500 that can be accommodated for cocktails.
This is another way for the club to diversify its revenue streams, as
it always has done, to ensure a healthy future.
“Many clubs, which have been too heavily reliant on gaming
for their income, have really suffered in the past 12 months
because of increased taxation and also the bans on smoking,”
Mark Condi says.
“Our club, while certainly feeling the effects of those regulatory
changes, has had other good revenue streams in place, from
our fine dining and family dining – such as La Piazza – plus the
Travelodge, so we have fared better than others.
“In fact, we have found that La Piazza has attracted people to the
club who are not regular club goers, and that has flowed on to
Platform 1 – which now has many more repeat bookings and is
often booked out.”
The new Ballroom will attract more corporate clients, the first of
which are booked in for May.
The second project is a new outdoor smoking area for members off
the gaming floor. This will provide a relaxing space with tables and
chairs and televisions, adjacent to the bar.
Work is continuing on the upgrade to the carpark and we’ll have
more about it in the next issue of InTouch.
A reminder to all that the commemorative DVD, The First 50
Years, which was produced for the 50th anniversary has almost
sold out. The DVD traces the beginnings of the club in 1958 and
features interviews with key early members. Other anniversary
memorabilia, such as the specially selected limited edition red and
white wines have also been very popular and will not be around
for too much longer.
In the meantime, thanks to all our members who joined in the
party with great enthusiasm at a range of special birthday events –
from the revival of Cupid’s nightclub to the line dancing classes, to
the launch of the celebrations last September with Vega 95.3 FM.
We look forward to the next 50!
BANKSTOWN SPORTS
DONATES $10,000 TO
DISASTER RELIEF
Registered clubs rely on the support of their members in
order to run successfully. So when club members need help,
they know they can turn to their local club.
Bankstown Sports has a long tradition of giving back to the
community and has donated $10,000 towards a ClubsNSW
appeal to help victims of recent bushfires in Victoria.
At the time InTouch went to print, clubs in NSW and the ACT
had donated $1.9 million to the appeal.
ClubsNSW is collecting donations on behalf of approximately
1400 clubs in NSW and has itself donated $50,000. ClubsNSW
also provided special collection tins to all clubs to continue
the fundraising effort.
Bankstown Sports Assistant Secretary/Manager Mark Condi
said ClubsNSW would donate the money collected from
Bankstown Sports and other clubs around NSW and the
ACT to the Red Cross, which is coordinating the Victorian
Government’s Bushfire Appeal.
“This is a donation not just on behalf of Bankstown Sports but
on behalf of the entire community of Bankstown,”
Mr Condi said.
“Our club, like the entire club industry, is all about community.
It doesn’t matter whether it is a local family, or a family in
Victoria – we want to help,” he said.
In addition to the cash donation, the 109-room Travelodge
Hotel at Bankstown Sports was about to embark on a total
refurbishment just as news of the devastating bushfires broke.
Travelodge and Bankstown Sports decided to donate all of the
televisions, single beds, bedspreads (all sizes), chairs, framed
pictures and other items to the appeal. The furniture will be
transported free of charge by Star Track Express to Victoria
where it will be accepted by the Victorian Government.
Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene said clubs have a
long history of supporting the community in a time of crisis.
“I remember when bushfires tore through the Central Coast
in 2006, it was the local clubs that opened their doors to the
community, providing food and sleeping arrangements for
both those that had lost their homes as well as exhausted fire
fighters needing a rest,” Mr Greene said.
Premier Nathan Rees congratulated clubs and their members
on their fundraising efforts so far.
"I am sure the act of generosity will be greatly appreciated by
the Victorian communities who now face the unimaginable
prospect of rebuilding their lives from scratch, many having
already lost loved ones in the bushfires," Premier Rees said.
16
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17

entertainment
entertainment
APRIL 2009
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
MAY 2009
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
CLUB SHOWROOM
RAINFOREST LOUNGE
CLUB SHOWROOM
RAINFOREST LOUNGE
Wednesday 1st April
BACK TO THE TIVOLI -
$12 includes Devonshire Tea
Doors Open 10.00am. Showtime 11am.
Friday 3rd April
JON ENGLISH ANDJONAH’S ROAD
$10 members
$15 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
Saturday 4th April
VIVA LA FISARMONICA
$7 members
$10 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
Saturday 11th April
THE GREAT PRETENDERS
$7 members
$10 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
Thursday 16th April
CHILDREN’S BINGO
Free Entry Great Prizes
Doors 10.45am. 11am till Midday.
Thursday 16th April
MARVEL SUPER HEROES
$5 members and their children
$7 non members and their children
Doors open 1.00pm. Showtime 1.30pm.
Saturday 18th April
THE MICK JAGGER AND
TINA TURNER EXPERIENCE
$5 members
$7 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
Wednesday 22nd April
CHILDREN’S BINGO
Free Entry Great Prizes
Doors 10.45am. 11am till Midday.
Wednesday 22nd April
CURIOUS GEORGE
$5 members and their children
$7 non members and their children
Doors open 1pm. Showtime 1.30pm.
Wednesdays from 6.30pm
Fridays from 11am
LINE DANCING
Fridays from 9pm
GROOVIN HARD SHOWBAND
Saturdays from 9pm
LATIN SOUL
Sundays from 7pm
STAR EVENT KAROAKE
Sundays from 2.30pm
SUNDAY CONCERTS
PIANO BAR
Thursdays and Fridays from 8pm
Saturdays from 5.30pm
KIM GOCK
Friday 3rd April
Saturday 4th April (8.30pm)
Thursday 30th April
ROB DEVLIN
Thursday 2nd April
Friday 17th April
Saturday 18th April (8.30pm)
RON OSBORN
Saturday 4th April (5.30pm)
MICHAEL BELLEMORE
Thursday 9th April
DI SOLOMON
Friday 10th April
Saturday 25th April (8.30pm)
IAN BLAKENEY
Saturday 11th April (5.30pm)
Thursday 23rd April
RON ASHTON
Saturday 11th April (8.30pm)
JOANNA MELAS
Thursday 16th April
Saturday 25th April (5.30pm)
BRIAN GILLETT
Saturday 18th April (5.30pm)
LIONEL ROBINSON
Friday 24th April
Saturday 2nd May
MELINDA SCHNEIDER
$10 members
$15 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
Wednesday 6th May
MORNING TEA
WITH A MEGASTAR
$6 includes Devonshire Tea
Doors Open 10.00am. Showtime 10.30am.
Friday 8th May
BARBRA & FRANK -
THE CONCERT THAT NEVER WAS
$25 all
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
Saturday 9th May
OH BOY THE BUDDY
HOLLY SHOW
$5 members
$7 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
Friday 15th May
DANCING IN THE STREETS
THE SOUL & MOTOWN SHOW WITH AKINGA
$7 members
$10 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
Saturday 16th May
LATINO SUPERSTARS
$7 members
$10 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
Saturday 23rd May
THE NEIL SEDAKA TRIBUTE
$5 members
$7 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
Saturday 30th May
EUROPE BY NIGHT
$7 members
$10 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
Wednesdays from 6.30pm
Fridays from 11am
LINE DANCING
Fridays from 9pm
SATURDAY NIGHT DIVAS
Saturdays from 9pm
LATIN BREEZE
Sundays from 7pm
KAROAKE
Sundays from 2.30pm
SUNDAY CONCERTS
PIANO BAR
Thursdays and Fridays from 8pm
Saturdays from 5.30pm
ROB DEVLIN
Friday 1st May
Saturday 2nd May (8.30pm)
Thursday 21st May
MICK AQUILINA
Saturday 2nd May (5.30pm)
KIM GOCK
Thursday 7th May
Friday 15th May
Saturday 16th May (8.30pm)
IAN BLAKENEY
Friday 8th May
Saturday 9th May (8.30pm)
Thursday 28th May
RON ASHTON
Saturday 9th May (5.30pm)
JOANNA MELAS
Thursday 14th May
Saturday 23rd May (8.30pm)
RON OSBOURNE
Saturday 16th May (5.30pm)
LIONEL ROBINSON
Friday 22nd May
BRIAN GILLETT
Saturday 23rd May (5.30pm)
DI SOLOMON
Friday 29th May
Saturday 30th May (8.30pm)
MURRAY FERGUSON
Saturday 30th May (5.30pm)
Saturday 25th April
THE AUSSIE ITALIAN SHOW
$5 members
$7 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
18 Bankstown Sports InTouch Bankstown Sports InTouch
19

Donna Campbell
Wednesday
1st
April
BACK
TO THE
Tivoli
STARRING:
WAYNE ROGERS (Female Impersonator)
MIROSLAW GALEYNZKI (Instrumentalist))
DONNA CAMPBELL (Vivacious Vocalist)
AL SHOWMAN (Comic)
PETER PAKI (N.Z. Vocalist)
WAYNE CORNELL (Compere)
THE DI HEATON DANCERS
THE TIVOLI SHOWBAND
Tickets
$12.00 includes Devonshire Tea
Doors Open 10.00am. Showtime 11.00am.
DOUBLE Js
COME TO
SPORTIES
Multi award-winning musician and actor Jon English will play the
Bankstown Sports showroom on Friday April 3 supported by pop/
rock band Jonah’s Road.
The one-time student of Cabramatta High School has won four
ARIA awards and two Logies, released 14 albums (not including the
albums of his stage performances) and toured Australia (and NZ,
UK and Europe) countless times.
In the early 1970s Jon became a household name when he
starred as Judas in Harry M Miller’s first production of Jesus Christ
Superstar. The show toured for five years around Australia and New
Zealand. Meanwhile, Jon released his first hit single Turn The Page –
it was the first of many hit records.
He performed in the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas The Pirates of
Penzance (in 1984, 1994 and 2002/3), plus The Mikado in 1995 and
HMS Pinafore in 1996/7.
In 1991, Jon scored the lead role in the television comedy hit All
Together Now, for which he also wrote the theme song and was
musical director.
More recently, Jon appeared in the musical Dad’s Army and the
ABC’s Talking Heads and Spicks and Specks. He toured nationally
with the Countdown Spectacular stage concert and performed at
the world premiere concert version of Symphony Of Australia at
the Sydney Opera House.
At the upcoming Bankstown Sports gig, pop/rock (with a hint of
country) band Jonah’s Road will support Jon.
The band’s latest album Counting Down the Days is a collection
of upbeat songs and soaring ballads and won Best Independent
Release at the National Country Music Awards.
FISARMONICA
One critic wrote that the album “touches the heart, makes you
laugh, and provides an insight into human nature. The vocals alone
make this a memorable album, but add in the musicianship, the
songs and that intangible magic that comes from a tight-knit band
and Counting Down The Days is a real winner.”
One of the world’s most popular musical instruments,
the piano accordion, is featured throughout the evening
by some of the world’s top exponents. Classical, as well
as international music set the scene for a great night’s
entertainment. Starring the fantastic Ross Maio, Enzo
Toppano, Michael Kruger, Lucas Maio. The show will
feature the incredible voice of Robyn Owen, who takes
you on a journey of favourite songs from around the
world. Backed by a superb band, book early for this one.
Tickets
$7 members
$10 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can be purchased
via credit card by telephone 9722 9888
Saturday
4th
April
JON ENGLISH AND
JONAH'S ROAD
Tickets
$10 members
$15 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can
be purchased via credit card
by telephone 9722 9888
Friday
3rd
April
20 Bankstown Sports InTouch Bankstown Sports InTouch 21

CHILDREN’S SCHOOL
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
FREE ENTRY
GREAT PRIZES
Thursday
16th &
Wednesday
22nd April
CHILDREN’S
BINGO
Doors 10.45am. 11am till Midday.
From the TV show seen on the ABC...In all the
jungle, no creature is as curious as George. If
there is a ladder, he's up it, if there's trouble, he's
behind it and if there's a chance for adventure,
he's in for it!
Tickets
$5 members and their children
$7 non members and their children
Doors open 1pm. Showtime 1.30pm.
Thursday
16th
April
MARVEL
SUPER
HEROES
Wednesday
22nd
April
Tickets
$5 members and their children
$7 non members and their children
Doors open 1pm. Showtime 1.30pm.
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23

THE GREAT
PRETENDERS
This fast-moving, award-winning production features
the greats of the entertainment industry over the past
decades including J.O.K, Elvis, Janis Joplin, Freddie
Mercury, Roy Orbison, Dusty Springfield, Neil Diamond,
The Village People and many more. In between
segments the very funny Bobby Bradfield keeps us
entertained in his bawdy comic style. A show not
to miss.
Tickets
$7 members
$10 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can be purchased
via credit card by telephone 9722 9888
Saturday
11th
April
Saturday
25th
April
To celebrate two special days, Anzac Day in Australia and
Liberation Day in Italy, we have a combination of artists from
both of these wonderful countries. Popular Italian vocalists Rick
Daniele and Grace Rizzo both feature great songs that cover a
full spectrum of classical and popular Italian music. The madcap
antics of Marty Morton and Emu will bring laughter to the faces
of patrons. Also on the bill is the versatile vocal instrumentalist
Mick Reid who toured for years with the wonderful Slim Dusty,
featuring country music and classics on guitar, mandolin
and harmonica. Supported by The Bankstown Sports
Club Orchestra.
Tickets
$5 members
$7 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can be purchased
via credit card by telephone 9722 9888
Rowena Michael
THE
MICK JAGGER
& TINA TURNER
EXPERIENCE
The songs of these two icons are featured in this
popular show from Queensland which is making its
debut at the club. Starring the versatile Kerry James as
Tina, she has travelled to Europe the US and the Middle
East, where her portrayal was described as “freakish”
by the British media. Craig Taylor stars as Mick Jagger,
and he has the voice and appearance of the wild man of
British rock. Together with immaculate costuming and a
superb band this show will knock your socks off.
SUNDAY
ENTERTAINMENT
From 2.30pm every Sunday in the Rainforest Lounge.
Appearing in
April
5th April
Rowena Michael / Steve St Clair
12th April
Paula Watt / David Bond
19th April
Nicki Gillis / Allan Caswell
Appearing in
May
3rd May
Bob Howe / Annie Francis
10th May
Angela Hayden / Davo
17th May
Raquel Martinez / Christian Guerrero
Michael Montgomery
Tickets
$5 members
$7 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can be purchased
via credit card by telephone 9722 9888
Saturday
18th
April
26th April
Juliana Melfi /
Michael Montgomery
24th May
Luis Aquilas / Lillian De Los Reyes
31st May
David Hayes / Margaret Flanagan
Juliana Melfi
24 Bankstown Sports InTouch Bankstown Sports InTouch 25

The daughter of an Australian country music legend and
five time Golden Guitar winner, Melinda Schneider will turn
Bankstown Sports’ Showroom into a little piece of Nashville
next month.
While she obviously inherited her musical genes from her
famous yodelling mother, Mary Schneider, Melinda has
carved out a solid country music career thanks to her own
talents. In tributes to her remarkable musical abilities, she has
been likened to country singer-songwriter greats Patty Griffin
and Lucinda Williams, and none other than our very own John
Farnham, Jimmy Little and Olivia Newton-John have recorded
Melinda’s songs.
Since 2007, the Sydney singer-songwriter has travelled back
and forth between her Australian home and America’s shrine
to country music, Nashville, to work on her most recent
album, Be Yourself, which was released last year. It’s also the
first release on her own label, Be Music.
"To be honest," says Melinda, "this album feels like I'm taking
control of my life for the first time. I've co-written all the
songs, chosen them myself, funded it myself. It was my
vision completely."
Saturday
2nd
May
NASHVILLE TO
BANKSTOWN
Wednesday
6th
May
"I always felt Be Yourself [the album’s title track and first single]
would be the basis of the whole album. It's in keeping with my
journey, the growth and change that's been happening in
my life. It rang very true to me."
"I'm pretty much a workaholic as far as writing goes. I tend to
work well when I'm locked away in Nashville and I can immerse
myself with my wonderful co-writers. I really get inspired there,"
she says.
Melinda has won six Mo Awards and seven Australian Club
Entertainment Awards, so she’s not to be missed.
MELINDA SCHNEIDER
Tickets
$10.00 members
$15.00 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can be purchased
via credit card by telephone 9722 9888
WITH A
MEGA
STAR
Tickets
$6.00 includes Devonshire Tea
Doors Open 10.00am. Showtime 11.00am.
OH BOY
THE BUDDY
HOLLY
SHOW
Irish vocal star Paul McCann returns to present one of our most popular
shows. Paul, who looks and sounds like Buddy Holly, will present all of
those foot-tapping songs that still live on to this day. Songs including
Rave On, Everyday, Oh Boy, Peggy Sue, It’s Raining In My Heart and many
more will echo throughout the Showroom. The show also features the
hits of The Big Boppa, Richie Valens and more. With his great band and
his Irish wit, Paul delivers a high energy show with a bit of
comedy included.
Tickets
$5.00 members
$7.00 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can be purchased
via credit card by telephone 9722 9888
26 Bankstown Sports InTouch Bankstown Sports InTouch 27
Friday
8th
May
BARBRA
& FRANK -
T he Concert that
Never Was
Direct from Las Vegas, the concert that
never happened, Barbra Streisand and
Frank Sinatra together! Starring SHARON
OWENS who looks and sounds incredibly
like Miss Streisand - she can certainly sell
those big ballads. Also starring SEBASTIAN
ANZALDO who also has the looks and traits
of a young Sinatra, including the swagger.
Together they do the great hits and duets.
Backed by a seven-piece band and support
artist, this is a not-to-be-missed show.
Tickets
$25.00 all
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can be purchased
via credit card by telephone 9722 9888
Saturday
9th
May

DANCING
IN THE
STREETS
TBA
THE SOUL & MOTOWN SHOW
WITH AKINGA
The Showroom turns Latin as this exciting and colourful show returns. A
collection of the most famous Latin musical hits are featured, with the great
music of Latino Superstars including Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Shakira,
The dance floor will pumping to the great sounds of Soul
Santana, Gloria Estefan and The Gypsy Kings. A bevy of great talent will
and Motown. With the revival of this music sweeping
be on display including Marcel Viera, Lisa Lombardo, Christian Guerrero,
the country, the fabulous award winning group AKINGA
Racquel Martinez, Jaden Rodrigues and The Superstar Dancers.
will add extra female vocalists and musicians to create
a full sound that will start the heart racing. The music of
The Four Tops, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, James
Brown, The Commodores, Otis Redding, The Supremes
and many more will be featured.
Tickets
$7.00 members
$10.00 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can be purchased
via credit card by telephone 9722 9888
Friday
15th
May
the
NEIL SEDAKA
Tickets
$5.00 members
$7.00 non members
tribute
Mark Bowden pays homage to one of the
world’s most respected singer songwriters
of all time, the legendry Neil Sedaka. All
TBA those great hits are presented, that include
Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Calender Girl,
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Oh Carol, Bad Blood,
Wheeling West Virginia, The Hungry Years
and many more. Over the years, the world’s
best performers have sung his songs. Mark
Bowden, with his beautiful dancers and a great
band, will produce a great show you’re sure
to enjoy.
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can be purchased
via credit card by telephone 9722 9888
Saturday
23rd
May
LATINO
SUPERSTARS
The Showroom turns Latin as this exciting and colourful
show returns. A collection of the most famous Latin musical
hits are featured, with the great music of Latino Superstars
including Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Santana,
Gloria Estefan and The Gypsy Kings. A bevy of great talent
will be on display including Marcel Viera, Lisa Lombardo,
Christian Guerrero, Racquel Martinez, Jaden Rodrigues and
The Superstar Dancers.
Tickets
$7.00 members
$10.00 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can be purchased
via credit card by telephone 9722 9888
Saturday
16th
May
EUROPE
BY NIGHT
We will travel around Europe with song, music, dance and
laughter. From Spain is the beautiful and talented Mercedes,
who sings in various languages including Italian and French.
From Greece is the dynamic vocal style of Steve St Clair.
From Poland is the incredible Miroslaw Galcynzki with his
vibraphone plus he dabbles on the piano. The very funny
Englishman Al Showman can tell you a funny story or two.
Add some wonderful dancers and The Bankstown Sports
Club Orchestra for a great night’s entertainment.
Tickets
$7.00 members
$10.00 non members
Doors open 7.15pm. Showtime 8pm.
*Reserved Seating. Tickets can be purchased
via credit card by telephone 9722 9888
Saturday
30th
May
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