Our purpose

ClubsACT exists to protect, strengthen, and champion Canberra’s community clubs as vital pillars of connection, belonging, and community life.

We exist because clubs are far more than venues — they are the heartbeat of local communities, supporting grassroots sport, creating jobs, funding community initiatives, and bringing people together every day.
ClubsACT provides a united and influential voice for the industry, ensuring clubs are represented, respected, and equipped to navigate change, challenge, and opportunity.

Without ClubsACT, the sector would lose a powerful advocate, strategic connector, and trusted industry leader working to secure the future sustainability of community clubs across the ACT.

The community would lose more than clubs — it would lose spaces where people gather, celebrate milestones, find support, volunteer, connect across generations, and build stronger communities together.

At its core, ClubsACT exists to ensure community clubs continue to evolve, thrive, and deliver lasting social impact for generations to come.


ClubsACT's advocacy impact

ClubsACT represents the interests of Canberra's community clubs, ensuring their voice is heard by government, industry and the wider community. We advocate for policies that recognise clubs as vital community organisations—not simply hospitality venues—and work to create an environment where clubs can continue to thrive.
Our advocacy spans government inquiries, regulatory reform, workforce development, governance, sustainability and industry collaboration. We work closely with ACT Government, education providers, industry partners and member clubs to strengthen the sector, improve capability and respond to emerging challenges.

From delivering industry forums and professional development opportunities to coordinating sector-wide submissions and engaging with policymakers, ClubsACT helps shape a stronger future for Canberra's clubs and the communities they support.

The impact of Canberra's clubs

Canberra's clubs are much more than hospitality venues. As not-for-profit, community-owned organisations, they strengthen the ACT through sport, culture, employment, recreation and social connection—reinvesting their success back into local communities rather than private shareholders.
From supporting grassroots sport and creating local jobs to maintaining green spaces and welcoming community hubs, clubs make a lasting contribution to Canberra every day.

  • Club memberships

    505,000+

    Clubs are deeply embedded in Canberra's community life, connecting hundreds of thousands of people across the ACT.

  • Returned to the community each year

    $35M+

    Supporting sport, charities, community programs, cultural initiatives and harm minimisation.

  • Jobs supported

    9,900+

    Creating flexible employment opportunities for students, migrants, young people and people returning to the workforce.

  • Community assets

    $1.5B

    Including more than $800 million invested in club facilities and infrastructure over the past decade.

  • Annual wages

    $120M+

    Injected into Canberra's economy each year.

  • Invested in sport

    $35M+

    Supporting grassroots and elite sport, including more than $2 million for female participation.

  • Supporting culture

    $5.5M+

    More than $2 million in direct funding, plus approximately $3.5 million of in-kind support for arts, multicultural programs and community events.

  • Green space managed

    500 - 700ha

    Maintaining golf courses, sports fields, bowling greens and recreational spaces for the community.

  • Sustainability investment

    70%+

    Clubs have implemented initiatives including solar energy, water recycling and efficient irrigation.

  • Community connection

    Every day

    Clubs provide welcoming spaces that reduce social isolation and support seniors, carers, multicultural communities and people with disability.

Governance / Structure

ClubsACT is the peak industry body representing not-for-profit community clubs across the ACT. The organisation is governed by a Board made up of representatives from member clubs, ensuring the sector is guided by leaders with direct industry and community experience.
The Board provides strategic direction, governance oversight, and advocacy priorities for the organisation, while the CEO and management team oversee day-to-day operations, stakeholder engagement, industry programs, events, partnerships, and government relations.

ClubsACT works collaboratively with member clubs, government, industry partners, and the broader community to identify challenges, advocate for the sector, and develop opportunities that strengthen the long-term sustainability of Canberra’s clubs industry.

Key decisions are shaped through consultation with members, Board direction, industry feedback, and ongoing engagement with stakeholders across government, business, and community sectors.

At its core, ClubsACT operates as a member-driven organisation focused on representing, supporting, and advancing the interests of Canberra’s community clubs and the communities they serve.

Team

Board

Roll of Honour