The Queensland Community Clubs Industry
is made up of approximately 1,400 community clubs. Of these,
approximately 60% have liquor and gaming licences and therefore
constitute the most viable sector of the industry (for instance, with
employees and tangible assets).
Community clubs are non-profit,
member-driven and community-oriented organisations that exist to promote
the common collective interests of their members. They have been formed
by members whose interests are paramount.
Community clubs provide a range of
facilities and services in their local communities, including sporting,
cultural, recreational and community services.
The unique structure and composition of
clubs make them one of the few organisations that actively enrich the
social capital of Queensland through the provision of a safe,
family-oriented dining, socialisation and entertainment experience and
by fostering a community sense of belonging among people with diverse
interests.
As no one is able to derive a personal
profit from the operations of a clubs, except under normal commercial
arrangements for the provisions of goods and services, clubs reinvest
net surplus in their local communities in the form of cash and in-kind
support.
A majority of clubs are members of Clubs
Queensland, which is the peak Industry Association and Union of
Employers for all registered and licensed clubs in Queensland.
Community Clubs
Community clubs are not-for-profit,
membership-based and community-orientated association of people. They
are established by people with common interests to pursue and promote
those interests.
There are five key club types:
- Returned Services Leagues Clubs
- Surf Life Saving Clubs
- Sporting Clubs (including golf, bowls, football and other sports)
- Cultural and Ethnic Clubs
- General Community Clubs (that cater for multiple interests)
There are approximately 1,400 community
clubs operating in Queensland and together, they hold 3.4 million
memberships, employ close to 27,000 people, return $670 million in cash
and in-kind support for various community projects and generate economic
activity valued over $2 billion in the Queensland economy.
By law, community clubs cannot make a
profit, so any net surplus is reinvested in local communities in the
form of better facilities for members, support for community groups and
charitable groups and sponsorship and donations.
By providing members and patrons with
affordable meals and drinks in restaurants, bistros and cafe’s, music
and live entertainment, responsible service of alcohol and gaming,
sporting events (including junior sports coaching), a place to hold
various types of functions such as morning melodies, birthdays, weddings
and anniversaries and much more, community clubs are easily one of the
main recreational hubs of their local communities.