The annual Clubs and Community Awards are about celebrating stories of connection, generosity and impact, says Clubs ACT.

With ACT clubs supporting more than 1000 community groups each year, the annual Clubs and Community Awards are about celebrating stories of connection, generosity and impact.

Clubs ACT say the awards shine a light on the many ways clubs enrich lives across Australia.

The awards, which this year were hosted by the Hellenic Club, Woden, reflect the strength, scale and social impact of the ACT clubs’ sector – not just in individual wins, but the collective contribution to the community, economy and employment.

A new award category was given this year 

Cook for a Cause, The Canberra Hospital Foundation’s fundraising award made its debut this year.

Each club created a feature dish and offered this for sale during the promotion.

“Clubs are the social fabric of our community, places where people come together, feel supported and belong,” said Clubs ACT CEO Craig Shannon.

“Over the past few years our industry has faced challenges with resilience and innovation, and this year’s clubs and community awards categories have evolved to reflect that journey.

“These awards tell our story – because our CEOs and teams perform quiet miracles every week, delivering for their communities without the spotlight.

“If clubs disappeared tomorrow, Canberra would feel it immediately. What we do daily has been invisible for too long; these awards bring it into the light and remind us that clubs power social cohesion and the ACT economy.”

Across the ACT, clubs held $1.5 billion in assets and employed more than 9000 people,” he said. 

“Our payroll tops $120 million, including $32 million in payroll taxes and superannuation. Clubs maintain more than 500 hectares of public green space – more than 625 Bruce Stadiums – so families have places to play, train, and gather. 

“We’ve invested $800 million in infrastructure over the past decade with another $400 million in the pipeline, contribute $66.9 million in taxes and levies each year, and deliver over $35 million to the community – because community comes before profit.”

“The awards celebrate leaders across the industry who simply do the right thing – by staff, by members, by their community – because values matter.

“Clubs are about something bigger than profit: connection, inclusion, and a hand up where it’s needed. 

“Everyone, partners, members, CEOs, and staff play a part. Our members should be proud, I’m proud to stand with them.”

Triple treat for the Harmonie club

The Harmonie German Club has won three honours in this year’s Clubs & Community Awards. 

The Narrabundah-based club won the major Heart of the Community – Small Club category award.

The club was highly commended in the Cook for a Cause competition with its signature Rinderhaxe dish raising funds for the Canberra Hospital Foundation. 

Its popular German markets also scored a highly commended distinction in the Arts & Culture category. 

The Harmonie German Club, which dates back to the early ‘60s is more than a venue, it’s a cultural hub, serving up German-style hospitality, community festivals, music events and authentic fare, says CEO Paul Berger.

He is “very proud” of the club’s team, volunteers and members, and the Clubs & Community accolades reinforce its reputation as “a small club with a big heart, deeply rooted in the Canberra community”.

“The awards reflect the club’s long-standing commitment to bringing people together, whether through its famous pork knuckles, its German markets or its role as a meeting point for local community groups,” he says.

“We’re a club proud to be serving food and beverages, and gaming and that’s why we’ve got 6000 happy members, because they want clubs, they don’t want us diversifying into childcare units. What we do is hospitality.”

Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah. Call 6295 9853 or visit harmonieclub.com.au

The 2025 award categories and winners

Celebrating Diversity & Social Inclusion 

Recognising initiatives that foster inclusivity and connection for people of all backgrounds.

Winner: Vikings Group
– Breaking Barriers: Vikings Kids into Sport Program

Highly Commended: Canberra Labor Club Group
– Strength in Every Story: Building a Workforce That Celebrates Difference

Hospitality Innovation

Celebrating creativity and excellence in the delivery of club experiences.

Winner: Eastlake Group
– Dietary Inclusivity: Functions Fit For All

Highly Commended: Canberra Irish Club
– Blás Éireann: A Modern Irish Dining Experience

Education, Learning & Development

Highlighting investment in knowledge, skills and lifelong learning.

Winner: Canberra Southern Cross Club Group
– Learning in Action

Contribution to Grassroots Sports & Inclusion

Honouring clubs that nurture participation and opportunity at every level of sport.

Winner: Vikings Group
– Backing Clubs, Building Community

Highly Commended: Ainslie Group
– Fostering Community Beyond the Fairway: The Rise of Gungahlin Lakes Women’s Golf Program

Arts & Culture

Celebrating clubs that bring creativity, heritage, and cultural vibrancy to our community.

Winner: Canberra Southern Cross Club Group
– The Art of Connection

Highly Commended: Harmonie German Club
– Good Vibes, Great Finds & Genuine Connection – That’s Harmonie!

Sustainability & Environment

Recognising clubs leading the way in environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.

Winner: Canberra Southern Cross Club Group
– Cooking up a Greener Future

Highly Commended: Canberra Racing Club – Thoroughbred Park
– The Worm Farm Initiative

Community Development & Wellbeing

Acknowledging programs that strengthen communities and support health, resilience, and connection.

Winner: Canberra Labor Club Group
– Supporting a Safer Future

Emerging Talent – Employee of the year

Celebrating the rising stars shaping the future of our industry.

Winner: Vikings Group – Amanda Warburton
– An Absolute Star and Standout Leader

Highly Commended: The Mawson Club – Joanne Carney
– Shining at STAR Service 

Highly Commended: Canberra Labor Club Group – Lester Lam 

– A Rising Star Within Our Organisation

Individual Service to the Industry

Honouring outstanding personal dedication and commitment to the club industry.

Winner: Canberra Labor Club Group – Arthur Roufogalis
– CEO Excellence: Collaboration, Community,
Innovation, and People Development

Canberra Hospitals Foundation Fundraising Awards | ClubsACT Cook for a Cause

Showcasing culinary creativity with purpose, where great food supports a great cause.

Small Club winner: Harmony German Club

Large Club winner: Mawson Club 

Club Service to the Industry

Winner: Anthony Ratcliffe – Eastlake Group

Heart of the Community – Small Club of the Year 

Winner: Harmonie German Club 

Heart of the Community – Large Club of the Year

Winner: Vikings Group 

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