Publications
The Victorian Government is moving forward with its plan to transition the state’s energy system toward full electrification as part of its net-zero strategy. This includes the Gas Substitution Roadmap, which aims to gradually reduce reliance on gas. As part of this transition, the government has released the Building Electrification Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), outlining proposed regulations for new and existing buildings.
What’s Being Proposed?
Under the government’s preferred option, which could take effect from January 2026:
While these changes primarily target households, they could have significant financial and operational consequences for businesses, including community clubs.
How Could This Impact Community Clubs?
For clubs, the biggest concern is cost. Replacing gas appliances with electric alternatives can be expensive, not just for the appliances themselves but also due to the cost of rewiring and upgrading electrical systems. This could add thousands of dollars to renovation or upgrade costs for clubs that rely on gas-powered kitchens and heating.
Another major issue is the future cost of staying connected to the gas network. While clubs will not be required to switch to electric, as more residential customers electrify, the remaining users may be left paying significantly higher gas bills. Some estimates suggest that gas network charges could double within five years, putting further financial strain on clubs that depend on gas for their operations.
Finally, there are unanswered questions around commercial kitchens. The RIS states that commercial kitchens will be exempt from the proposed electrification requirements, allowing clubs to replace gas appliances like-for-like. However, it is unclear how this exemption will work in practice and whether all clubs will qualify. The RIS also acknowledges a lack of data on commercial kitchens, relying on a single example from a Green Building Council of Australia study that estimated the cost of transitioning a kitchen to electric at $19,500. In reality, costs could vary significantly depending on the size and setup of individual clubs.
Next Steps
Although the formal consultation period on the RIS has closed, clubs should stay informed about how these changes could impact their operations. For more details, visit https://engage.vic.gov.au/building-electrification or contact the Victorian Government team at [email protected]
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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
