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Energy Efficiency for Clubs in Victoria
We’ve recently partnered with Zembl, who for more than 14 years, have been offering energy procurement and bill comparison services to Australian businesses, helping everyone from small community clubs to large RSL clubs optimise their energy consumption and improve their bottom lines.
Balancing Hospitality with Economy
Unique pressures on your Club’s bottom line
Wherever there are bustling kitchens, welcome lounges, comfortable temperatures, and vibrant gaming rooms, there’s an energy bill—often one as extravagant as the experience it powers.
Where Clubs Consume Their Energy
Clubs have a unique need to provide dining and comfortable spaces for patrons on a large scale. Refrigeration, lighting, cooking, and HVAC (air conditioning) systems are the primary energy consumers, with energy accounting for around 6 to 10% of total business costs. Clubs that operate 24-hours or have extensive gaming areas may exceed these figures significantly. These clubs are bearing the brunt of peak demand charges, where sudden surges in energy use can result in astronomical energy costs that are often beyond direct control.
It follows that energy efficiency, if it promises to reduce these hefty costs without compromising the quality of experience for patrons, is worth a thorough exploration.
Why Energy Efficiency, Why Now?
Making Every Dollar Count
In 2024 in Australia, every industry providing for a want, rather than a need, is subject to the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis. Clubs are no exception. When discretionary spending is cut, it can impact club attendance and revenue. This means every saving that can be made on fixed costs like energy bills is a dollar that doesn’t need to be re-allocated or passed on to patrons.
The RSL Advantage
A unique advantage Australian RSLs have is the age of their members, many of whom belong to the baby boomer generation. This group often has more disposable income for hospitality spending, giving RSLs less revenue squeeze and less pressure on membership fees and menu prices. That said, RSLs are not-for-profit organizations dedicated to their members, so every saving helps them enhance member benefits.
3 Key Benefits of Energy Efficiency
Why Cost Savings Are Just the Beginning
Energy efficiency is a strategic approach that offers a wealth of benefits, not just for a club’s bottom line, but for its brand image and environmental footprint as well.
- Cost Savings
The most enticing aspect of energy efficiency initiatives is the potential for financial savings. Simple changes, from updating lighting systems to optimizing HVAC operations, can lead to immediate reductions in the energy bill. For clubs, every dollar saved in energy costs is a dollar earned in profit, making every penny significant when margins are tight.
- Environmental Benefits
Energy-saving measures naturally lead to environmental benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a lighter carbon footprint. In an era where corporate social responsibility is vital, these eco-credentials are invaluable, especially when they come with cost savings.
- Brand Appeal
When clubs adopt energy efficiency, they don’t just save money—they demonstrate they’re future focussed.. By integrating sustainability into their operations, clubs can enhance their reputation, offering patrons peace of mind that their leisure activities are environmentally conscious.
6 Powerful Energy Savers
Making Change Where the Biggest Gains Are
Every club has its own nuances affecting energy efficiency opportunities. However, most clubs can benefit from these six energy-saving strategies:
- Efficient Lighting
Replace conventional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights, which consume less energy and last longer. Motion sensors and timers can further reduce electricity usage by ensuring lights are only used when necessary.
- Temperature Control & HVAC Tactics
Regular maintenance and optimization of HVAC systems can lead to significant energy savings. Smart zoning can match energy use with the ebb and flow of patrons.
- Intelligent Energy Management
Use energy management technology to monitor energy usage in real-time and make necessary adjustments, providing valuable data for future energy-saving decisions.
- Renewable Energy Options
If suitable, renewable energy sources like solar panels could offer significant long-term savings and efficiency. While the initial investment might be high, the long-term savings and potential for generating additional revenue can be substantial.
- Building Changes and Upgrades
Consider broader building-related factors like roofing and insulation, which can affect heating and cooling efficiency. Projects like the Dubbo Memorial RSL Club’s Skycool initiative demonstrate the potential savings from modest upgrades.
- Professional Energy Audit
A professional energy audit provides a comprehensive view of a club’s energy use and highlights opportunities for improvement, offering a strong foundation for future energy efficiency efforts.
Why Energy Efficiency Is More Than Just Energy Procurement
The team at Zembl offer energy procurement for many of Australia’s clubs, but they know that energy procurement alone doesn’t make the biggest impact on energy efficiency.
By choosing Zembl, you’ll get more than an energy contract—you’ll gain ongoing support to help you know more, use less, and pay less for your energy throughout your contract duration. Their services include:
- Zembl Energy Consultants – A team of local, expert people at your service.
- Energy Intelligence – AI-powered insights to maximize your efficiency opportunities.
- Energy Efficiency – Helping power your club’s transformation to today’s most efficient options.
If you’d like to know more, leave your details at the link, and a Zembl Energy Consultant will call you back.
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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
