Ballina RSL Named Outstanding Community Organisation at 2025 Ballina Business Excellence Awards
Ballina RSL has proudly been named Outstanding Community Organisation at the 2025 Ballina Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. This prestigious honour reflects our enduring commitment to serving the Northern Rivers community with heart, purpose, and integrity.
The award acknowledges the Club’s leadership in supporting more than 40 community organisations each year – providing vital infrastructure, operational support, fundraising capability, and a safe, welcoming space for connection. From ANZAC Day commemorations to mental health initiatives, inclusive events and sustainability programs, Ballina RSL continues to champion causes that matter.
“We don’t do this for awards — we do it because community matters,” said Darren Murnane, Ballina RSL Chairperson, who accepted the award on behalf of the Club. “But it’s deeply humbling to be recognised.”
A Club that Builds Community
Ballina RSL is more than a hospitality venue – it is a community anchor. The Club provides financial, operational and in-kind support to dozens of not-for-profits and grassroots groups across the region, including Our Kids, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Mary’s Place, Paradise FM, and Marine Rescue.
By offering venue access, promotional reach, staff resources and logistical expertise, the Club empowers local organisations to focus on their missions. Events are never just events — they are platforms for impact. Standout recent examples include:
- Dance with the Stars, raising $100,000 for Cancer Council’s Transport to Treatment
- Thank a First Responder Day, honouring emergency services across the shire
- Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, hosted with Ballina CWA, with over 120 guests
- A growing calendar of mental health training, domestic violence response initiatives, and inclusive community programming
Through all of this, Ballina RSL reinforces its central mission: to be a place where people belong, feel supported, and find purpose.
Recognition for People and Culture
In addition to the community award, Ballina RSL was recognised as runner-up for Employer of Choice (21+ Employees) — a meaningful testament to its values-led internal culture.
With more than 160 staff and over 100 local suppliers, the Club is a major local employer and economic driver. It prioritises inclusive recruitment practices, professional development, internal promotion, and wellbeing programs including access to Employee Assistance Services and cross-training initiatives.
To be acknowledged alongside industry leaders such as Biala Support Services, Southern Cross Credit Union, and Sistability affirms Ballina RSL’s standing as a high-performing workplace with purpose at its core.
A Night to Remember
The 2025 Ballina Business Excellence Awards were hosted at Ballina RSL itself — making the recognition even more poignant. The Club’s own team was responsible for everything from the beautifully set room to the curated menus, impeccable service, and smooth event delivery.
A special thank you goes to Events & Entertainment Coordinator, Nadege Smith, whose behind-the-scenes leadership and event expertise ensured the night was executed to the highest standard.
“To host the region’s most prestigious awards and be recognised in two major categories was something we’ll never forget,” said Murnane.
Celebrating Regional Excellence
The Ballina Business Excellence Awards highlight the depth of talent, innovation, and community commitment across the Northern Rivers. Ballina RSL extends congratulations to all 2025 winners and finalists.
Notable recipients included:
- Business of the Year – Collins Hume
- Excellence in Trade – Avid Constructions & Contracting
- Excellence in Sustainability – Collins Hume
- Creative Industries – Northern Rivers Media
- Outstanding Visitor Experience – Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Young Business Leaders – Tara Buggy (St Andrew’s) & Vincent James Chee (Federal Hotel)
- Employer of Choice (21+ employees) – Southern Cross Credit Union & Biala Support Services
We are proud to stand beside so many purpose-driven businesses, organisations and individuals who are shaping the future of our region.
Shared Success
This award is not ours alone – it belongs to everyone who has supported Ballina RSL’s vision over the years. To our members, guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners: thank you for being part of our story and the fabric of our community.
We also extend our gratitude to the Ballina Chamber of Commerce, the judging panel, and event sponsors including Ballina Fair, Tamara Smith MP, Cherry Street Sports Group, ClubIT, and Paradise FM for creating a night that honoured the spirit of excellence and service in Ballina.
We are proud. We are grateful. And we remain here to serve our community.
Article by Claire Tyson
