Clubs ACT

Clubs play a unique role in Canberra’s community life.

They are not-for-profit, community-built spaces that support connection, sport, recreation and local wellbeing. From grassroots teams to social groups, ACT clubs continue to create places where people can belong, participate and contribute.

Swipe through for answers to some common questions about community clubs.

Community clubs are at the heart of Canberra, creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, relax and enjoy everything our city has to offer.

Located in the centre of the city, Central Social Club is a great example of how clubs continue to provide vibrant spaces for the community to come together — whether it’s for a pre-theatre meal, after-work drinks, catching up with friends or celebrating special occasions.

With friendly service, a welcoming atmosphere and quality food and beverage offerings, clubs like Central Social Club play an important role in strengthening social connection and supporting Canberra’s community life.

Save the date for our next ClubsACT Micro-Conference on June 25, 2026.

A chance to stay informed, share insights and connect with others across the sector.

It’s fantastic to see local clubs continuing to support and develop talented athletes while contributing to the strength of women’s sport across the ACT community.

One example is the the players from Ainslie Football Club who represented AFL Canberra in the Senior Women’s Representative match at Manuka Oval last month

Well done to all involved on a great performance and a memorable event.

At ClubsACT, we know clubs are far more than venues — they are community hubs that bring people together, support local initiatives and play an important role in strengthening social connection across the ACT.

Last month, Canberra Southern Cross Club attended the launch of the 2026 Red Shield Appeal, standing alongside community leaders and organisations committed to supporting Canberrans doing it tough.

Partnerships and events like the Red Shield Appeal highlight the positive impact clubs continue to have in supporting organisations that provide safety, stability and care to those who need it most.

It’s easy to assume clubs can absorb reductions in gaming revenue without much impact. In practice, it doesn’t work that way.

Staffing, compliance, insurance, utilities, and asset maintenance costs largely stay the same even when revenue falls. Debt repayments and long-term obligations don’t disappear either.

That means a modest decline in revenue can quickly limit a club’s ability to invest, maintain facilities, and support community activities.

Small numbers on paper can lead to big real-world consequences.

Most community clubs aren’t profit-maximising businesses.

Gaming revenue often helps subsidise services that members value but that don’t generate strong returns, like affordable meals, accessible facilities, community events, and social programs.

Without that cross-subsidy, many of these services would either cost much more or disappear altogether.

This is why conversations about gaming revenue need to consider what it enables, not just the headline figure.

Yesterday, ClubsACT hosted our 2026 Micro-Conference: Weathering the Storm – Canberra Budget Pressures & the Local Economy.

It was a fantastic afternoon of discussion, insight and connection, bringing together leaders from across business, tourism, property and infrastructure to explore the economic pressures facing Canberra and the opportunities ahead for our local community.

A big thank you to our guest speakers for sharing their knowledge and perspectives:

⭐ Dr David Marshall AM – Chair, Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum
⭐ Ashlee Berry – Executive Director ACT & Capital Region, Property Council of Australia
⭐ Greg Harford – Chief Executive, Canberra Business Chamber
⭐ Alex Courtis – Head of Property Management, EV Network @ The NRMA

The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation and strong community leadership as Canberra businesses and clubs continue to adapt to changing economic conditions.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a positive and engaging event. We appreciate your ongoing support of ClubsACT and our industry.

📸 We look forward to sharing more photos from the event soon!

Leadership, kindness, and dedication. That’s what defines Lester Lam.

Since joining Canberra Labor Club Group in early 2023, Lester has made a remarkable impact on both his team and members. From his first role in Belconnen to his promotion as Customer Service Manager at Ginninderra, his positivity and calm leadership have transformed workplace culture.

Named 2023 Employee of the Group and recipient of the Ginninderra Vocational Excellence Award, Lester continues to lead by example, inspiring those around him with his professionalism, empathy and drive to create meaningful experiences for all.

When a club closes, the impact goes well beyond the bricks & mortar.

Communities lose meeting places, sporting groups lose support, jobs disappear, and social connection opportunities shrink.

Clubs also provide supervised environments with trained staff, which play an important role in social health and harm minimisation compared to less regulated alternatives.

The loss of a club is the loss of community infrastructure, not just a venue.