Murray Bridge Club shines with double win at Clubs SA awards
The community club has been celebrated for its recent refurbishment and outstanding community service.
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The Murray Bridge Club has been recognised among the best in the state at the 2024 Clubs SA awards.
On Saturday night, more than 400 members of the club industry came together to celebrate in Adelaide.
Murray Bridge Club took out not one, but two categories on the night: best club refurbishment and an outstanding community service award.
The club was also a finalist in four other categories: large club of the year, best dining/bistro, best gaming, and best bar environment.
Club manager Shane Barton-Ancliffe said it's been a big couple of years for the establishment.
The club recently finished its $700,000 upgrades earlier this year after almost three years of renovations.
"As a small regional club you... sort of don't expect a win but to take away two is huge," Mr Barton-Ancliffe said.
The best refurbishment award acknowledges clubs that have made physical improvements, either internally or externally to their facilities.
"The main [renovation] we finished this year was the opening of the lift," he said.
"When we moved our dining room upstairs a lot of people that had mobility issues really struggled."
The award judges said the Murray Bridge Club produced an incredible refurbishment which was a direct result of planning and execution with the community in mind.
"From the moment you walk in you can sense its modern and comfortable feel has something for everyone," they said.
The club's community service award aimed to promote the vital role clubs play in supporting members and local communities.
They were up against three life saving clubs and four other community clubs, but ultimately won thanks to the launch of a community support program which has supported a range of local community groups and service clubs.
The program allows sporting and community clubs to apply for a maximum of $1000 grants, once a year.
"This way we get to know where the moneys going," Mr Barton-Ancliffe said.
Next year the program's budget will double from $12,000 to $24,000 and Mr Barton-Ancliffe encouraged groups to apply.
"Something we think clubs should be about is giving... rather than [think] how do we make more, its how do we give more," he said.
The Clubs SA judges were impressed with the launch of the program even during major renovations.
“By asking, 'How can we give more?' the club demonstrated a strong commitment to fulfilling its strategic plan and enhancing its community impact.”
Chef Nathan Pfeiler was also a finalist in an individual category, club chef of the year.
Last year the club won best gaming venue for its fresh, clean and welcoming gaming environment.
A total of 107 nominations from 41 clubs were received this year, all putting their club and people forward to be celebrated and acknowledged.
- You can find the grant application form here: https://www.murraybridgeclub.com.au
Note: Mr Barton-Ancliffe's comments were added after original publishment
