For the second year running, Clubs Victoria (CCV) hosted its highly anticipated Annual Awards Night Gala & Dinner at the elegant RACV City Club. Proudly sponsored by Keno | The Lottery Corporation, the evening was a celebration of the remarkable dedication, service, and community impact of clubs across Victoria.
Representing more than 1,000 community clubs throughout the state, CCV champions the contributions these venues make to local life. Collectively, Victorian community clubs employ over 30,000 staff, support 2.3 million members, and contribute an estimated $1 billion annually to the state’s economy. This impact comes not only through direct employment but also via donations, subsidised access to facilities, and the tireless work of volunteers.
This year’s sold-out event brought together over 300 industry stakeholders—a vibrant gathering of leaders, advocates, and supporters of Victoria’s club network. The evening featured fine dining, entertainment, and, most importantly, the recognition of individuals and clubs whose efforts have made an outstanding difference in their communities.
Watch the highlights from this fantastic evening below, and explore more videos of the night’s winners in the CCV Awards Night 2025 playlist
2025 CCV Annual Gala Awards Night Winners
Here’s the full list of this year’s award recipients:
- Best Community Club Redevelopment Award: Sandringham Yacht Club
- Best Community Club Refurbishment Award: Stoney’s Club
- Best Hospitality Team Award: Mulgrave Country Club
- Best Member Experience Award: Greyhounds Entertainment
- Best Sustainability Initiative Award: Chirnside Park Country Club
- Club Manager of the Year Award: Martin Beekes, Bendigo District RSL
- Club Person of the Year: Carol Stone, Lara Sporting Club; Jeffrey Sawyer, Morwell Bowling Club
- Emerging Young Community Leader Award: Kylie McNeill, Club Noble
- Metro Best Club Bistro-Restaurant: Frankston RSL
- Regional Best Club Bistro-Restaurant: Phillip Island RSL
- Metro Community Club Award: Doxa Community Club
- Regional Community Club Award: Maryborough Highland Society
- Regional Mental & Social Wellbeing Award: Bendigo District RSL
- Social Impact Award: Warragul Sporting and Social Club
- Sport & Entertainment Award: Southside Racing
- Community Collaboration Award: Craigieburn Sporting Club
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
