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Buckleys Entertainment has long been a beloved destination, offering great value meals and a welcoming atmosphere. The recent refurbishment of Uncle Buck’s ice creamery-themed playground has further solidified its reputation as a family-friendly venue, creating a space where both children and adults can enjoy themselves. The inspiration for this playground came from the unexpected success of Uncle Buck’s Ice-Creamery, which quickly became a hit with guests. Seeing the appeal, the Buckleys team decided to extend the theme into the kids’ room and playground. By working closely with a playground architect, they brought this vision to life with a custom design, rather than opting for a standard, off-the-shelf model. The result is a seamless integration of the two spaces that not only provides entertainment for children but also opens up exciting marketing possibilities for the future.
Every detail of the playground was thoughtfully designed to reflect Buckleys’ and Uncle Buck’s unique style and quality. From the vibrant, colourful flooring that mimics the look of ice cream scoops to the newly added mini ice-cream parlour tower and slide, the playground is unmistakably tied to the Uncle Buck’s brand. This careful attention to detail has made the space not just visually striking but also a perfect complement to Buckleys’ overall atmosphere.
Click through the photo gallery below to view a selection of images.
The playground has helped shift Buckleys’ identity, transforming it into a recognised family destination. With the addition of the playground, families now have a full experience to enjoy—great meals for the adults and a fun, engaging space for the kids. The playground’s new features, such as the mini tower and slide, were specifically designed to cater to different age groups, ensuring that all children can find something to enjoy. This thoughtful planning has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from families visiting the venue.
The timing of the playground’s construction during the COVID-19 lockdowns allowed Buckleys to complete the project without disrupting their business. When the venue reopened, the playground immediately attracted attention, not just from the local community but from visitors across Victoria. The increased foot traffic has led to a surge in revenue, with Buckleys now booked out weeks in advance and busy every night of the week.
In addition to drawing more families, the playground has also created new opportunities for the club. Buckleys now hosts kids’ parties most weekends, using the playground space before bistro service begins. This has provided local families with a new option for birthday celebrations, while also allowing the club to make the most of its facilities during quieter periods.
The success of the playground has inspired Buckleys to plan further renovations. The main bar is set to be revamped, to make room for a new café/bar space that will provide additional seating and options for private parties. The alfresco area will also undergo an upgrade, transforming it into a comfortable, stylish outdoor space with heating, cooling, and modern furniture, making it usable year-round.
Buckleys’ commitment to continually improving its family offerings and diversifying its services has solidified its position as a must-visit destination. The ice creamery-themed playground is just the latest in a series of enhancements that are helping the club grow and thrive, ensuring it remains a favourite for families across the region. With more renovations on the horizon, Buckleys is set to continue its upward trajectory as a top destination for all ages.
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In FY25, Victorian Keno players enjoyed almost 10 million wins worth more than $131.9 million.
For many club patrons across Victoria, FY25 was a year to remember – all thanks to a life-changing Keno win.
Victorian players had a standout year, tallying over 9.9 million Keno wins collectively worth than $131.9 million in prize money.
In FY25, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia celebrated more than 76 million wins collectively worth more than $1.2 billion.
During this time, Keno crowned 20 millionaires and multi-millionaires who together took home more than $57.9 million. Two of these major jackpot winners were from Victoria.
Laverton woman thanks ‘manifestation magic’ for Keno win
A Laverton woman shared she was left thanking the universe after she scored a $60,000 Keno Classic 8 Spot prize at Club Laverton in the weeks leading up to last Christmas.
“It was a big surprise! Especially coming up to Christmas, it’s perfect!” she cheered.
“Do you want to hear something really funny? I just wrote in my diary the day before winning, ‘Thank you, universe, for my Keno 8 Spot win’. Then it really came true!
“I’m a firm believer in the law of attraction and manifestation, and I love affirmations!
“It was awesome seeing all eight numbers pop up on the screen.
“I’ve had a few wins in Keno over the years. It’s like the stars align for me when I play - it’s my thing!”
Club Laverton manager Gus Alimovski said the team happily shared in the excitement with their major Keno winner.
“What an incredible win for our patron! It’s always great hearing these winning stories, and now we have another one to share with our patrons,” he said.
“We’re thrilled for our customer, and we hope to see more Keno winners in our venue soon.”
All eyes on a winning FY26
Keno’s National Partner Manager Luke Harrison said he couldn’t wait to see which Victorian clubs welcomed the next big Keno winners.
“Last financial year, players at Victorian clubs celebrated some impressive victories,” he said.
“A key highlight has been the growing popularity of Keno’s Bonus and Replay features among club patrons. This trend reflects how venues are successfully connecting with their customers, sharing updates on jackpot increases, promotional offers, and game enhancements.
“When players opt into Keno Bonus, they unlock the chance to multiply their winnings by up to ten times, while the Replay option adds another layer of excitement.
“Many players are still unaware of these features, making it vital for staff to start conversations and educate them on the full range of Keno possibilities!”
Mr Harrison said the solid Keno performance at Victorian clubs last financial year laid a strong foundation for continued success in FY26.
“Clubs across Victoria are embracing fresh approaches to elevate the customer experience, and Keno’s rising popularity is playing a key role in that journey,” he said.
“There’s also a wide array of Keno resources available to clubs, from eye-catching point-of-sale materials to engaging promotions, all designed to keep the game front and centre.
“As the new financial year unfolds, Keno is looking forward to celebrating more big wins for Victorian club patrons, and more success stories for the clubs that host them.”
Contact your Business Development Manager to find out how Keno can best support your club in FY26.
Visit Keno Connect for more information on maximising Keno in your club - www.kenoconnect.com.au
