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Community Clubs Victoria (CCV) and Pegasus Leisure Group recently hosted the Women in Clubs Brunch in celebration of International Women’s Day—a morning filled with inspiring conversations, valuable insights, and meaningful connections. The event brought together professionals from across the club industry to explore the true essence of leadership and the powerful role women play in shaping the future of the sector.
Held in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, the brunch opened with a selection of light breakfast options and a refreshing mimosa on arrival. The event provided a valuable platform for individuals of all genders, abilities, races, and cultures to come together, network, and celebrate the contributions of women in the club industry. The energy in the room reflected a shared sense of purpose and excitement for the discussions ahead.
The highlight of the morning was a keynote address by Jackie Booth, a seasoned Business & Leadership Coach with 28 years of experience in hospitality. Jackie captivated the audience with her deep insights into leadership, career growth, and industry challenges. Her message was clear: leadership is not about titles or power—it’s about connection, adaptability, and impact.
Jackie began by addressing some of the most common myths surrounding leadership: leaders are born, not made; leadership requires a position of power or authority; and leaders must maintain emotional distance from their team. She challenged these misconceptions, emphasising that leadership is a learned skill developed through practice, feedback, and meaningful connection.
“Leadership isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about how you show up, how you connect, and the impact you leave behind.”
Jackie stressed the importance of adapting leadership styles to suit different individuals and situations. Some people respond best to direct facts and minimal emotion, while others need detailed explanations and empathy. True leadership lies in understanding these differences and adjusting accordingly.
“It’s our responsibility to adapt our style to have maximum impact. How are you adapting your leadership to resonate with those around you?”
She also shared three simple but powerful practices that help her maintain a leadership mindset every day: making eye contact, smiling, and greeting anyone within three meters; presenting herself with confidence and comfort; and approaching conversations with curiosity and asking thoughtful questions. These small but intentional actions foster connection and trust, creating an environment where people feel seen and valued.
Following Jackie’s keynote, a panel of remarkable women from the club industry took the stage to share their personal journeys. The panel featured Cassandra Rendell (Moe Racing Club), Maria Whitford (Ararat RSL), and Tanya Inkret (Club Tarneit).
Each panelist spoke candidly about the challenges they faced, the resilience they built, and the lessons they learned throughout their careers. They highlighted the importance of staying true to oneself, adapting to change, and supporting others along the way.
The panelists’ advice resonated deeply with the audience, sparking meaningful conversations and fresh perspectives on leadership. Their stories reinforced that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up authentically, learning from experiences, and lifting others as you grow.
The Women in Clubs Brunch was not only a celebration of women’s achievements but also a powerful reminder of the importance of intentional leadership. Jackie’s insights and the panel’s advice reinforced that leadership is not about holding a title—it’s about how you engage with others, the authenticity you bring to conversations, and the positive impact you leave behind.
As the event concluded, the room buzzed with energy and new connections—proof that meaningful conversations and shared experiences are the foundation of strong leadership and a thriving industry. Attendees left feeling empowered and motivated to reflect on their own leadership style and the impact they can have on others.
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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
