70th Anniversary Reflections
anniversary reflections
This milestone is all about the people who make Wests Illawarra what it is – our members, sporting community, staff and supporters.
Together, we look back on seven decades of connection, celebrate milestones and memories, and look forward to the next chapter of our story.
an open letter to members
trevor castle, chairperson
I feel immensely privileged to have volunteered my time to Wests Illawarra, a community institution of which I have been a proud member since 1988. Over 37 years of membership and 26 years of Board service, including 24 years as Chairperson, I have witnessed first-hand the resilience, evolution and enduring community purpose of this great club.
My board journey began in 1999, when I was approached by Keith Henniker and John Garrett to stand for election at a time when the club was facing one of the most challenging periods in its history. Following the removal of the previous board and Management due to serious governance failures, the task ahead was daunting. After careful consideration, I accepted the invitation, believing I could contribute positively to restoring confidence in a club that meant so much to its members and the broader Illawarra community.
On 28 October 2001, I was honoured to be appointed Chairman, a role I have approached with a strong sense of stewardship, accountability and respect for the club’s founding purpose.
Rebuilding trust and restoring integrity
The early years required difficult but necessary decisions. Working alongside General Manager Hans Sarlemyn (1998–2005), the board focused on repairing the club’s financial position, addressing governance shortcomings, settling outstanding tax obligations, and restoring trust with members and community stakeholders.
At times, these decisions were unpopular, particularly where tighter financial controls were introduced around sporting grants and rugby league funding. However, the board’s responsibility was clear: to govern the affairs of the Leagues Club in a manner that ensured long-term sustainability, supported rugby league, other kindred sports, and delivered meaningful benefit to the wider community.
A pivotal realisation during this period was learning from progressive clubs across NSW, that the strongest and most respected leagues clubs were those that supported not just sport, but their entire community. This insight shaped a philosophy that continues to define Wests Illawarra today.
Community at the heart of what we do
One of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement has been seeing Wests Illawarra become a genuine community anchor. Initiatives such as the Youth Achievement Awards, delivered in partnership with Wave FM, Wendy Gee and Nick Hartgerink, allowed us to recognise and celebrate the achievements of young people beyond the sporting field.
We also proudly supported children with disabilities through the Bandage Bear charity nights alongside The Disability Trust. We have built further enduring community partnerships with The Flagstaff Group, Wollongong Vinnies, Lifeline South Coast, Youth Off The Streets, local schools and numerous other community and sporting organisations. These relationships; alongside hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual grant funds, reinforced the club’s role as a trusted and generous community partner.
Equally important was the decision to acknowledge and celebrate those who built the club. The introduction of annual Heritage Luncheon ensured that foundation, life and longstanding members were recognised for their vision and commitment.
Leadership through change
Over 26 years, I have had the privilege of working with four outstanding Chief Executives, each guiding the club through distinct phases of growth and challenge.
- Hans Sarlemyn (1998–2005) laid the foundations for governance reform and financial recovery
- Phillip Bragg (2005–2011) strengthened fiscal discipline and led the club through legislative change, the Global Financial Crisis and the 50th Anniversary celebrations
- Luke Walker (2011–2014) drove diversification, returned the club to profitability, and positioned Wests Illawarra as an award-winning community leader
- Danny Munk (2015–present) has overseen major renovations, amalgamations, people-focused leadership, and guided the club through fires, floods and the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19
Through each phase, the Board and executive team demonstrated resilience, integrity and a shared commitment to ensuring Wests Illawarra remained financially strong while continuing to support the community, even when many clubs were forced to pull back.
People, pride and purpose
Beyond buildings, balance sheets and strategy, the most personally rewarding aspect of my journey has been working alongside dedicated staff and like-minded Board members who place the club’s long-term success above personal agendas. Employing over 120 local people, investing in training and wellbeing, and fostering a values driven culture has been central to our success.
Today, with nearly 19,000 members and net assets exceeding $33 million, Wests Illawarra stands as a strong, relevant and respected institution. One built on prudent governance, community trust and collective pride.
Looking forward: A Community-Strong future
My hope for the future is that Wests Illawarra continues to attract Board members and executive leaders who govern with integrity, humility and purpose, guided by this enduring principle:
“The Board has a responsibility first and foremost to govern the affairs of the Leagues Club by providing facilities and amenities which assist in growth, enabling it to foster rugby league, other kindred sports and the community.”
Equally important is maintaining our Community Strong focus. Modern community expectations, regulatory scrutiny and funding frameworks require clubs to demonstrate broad and measurable benefit beyond sport alone. Diversifying community contributions strengthens our social licence, protects our reputation, and future-proofs the club against demographic and regulatory change.
Importantly, this does not diminish our support for rugby league, it complements it, reflecting the broader role Wests plays in the life of the Illawarra.
As we celebrate 70 years of Wests Illawarra, we honour the past, recognise the present, and look confidently to the future.
I am proud of what has been achieved, grateful to all who have contributed, and confident that Wests Illawarra will continue to be a club our community can rely on for generations to come.
Trevor Castle,
Chairperson and Life Member, Wests Illawarra
our story together
daniel munk, ceo
Reaching 70 years is an incredible milestone for our club. It’s a testament to the loyalty of our members, the dedication of our staff, and the strength of the community that has supported us every step of the way.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re not just looking back at how far we’ve come, we’re reaffirming our commitment to continue supporting our community and creating a welcoming place for everyone.
community reflections
Alison turner, the flagstaff group
Congratulations Wests Illawarra on your support to our community for 70 years. Flagstaff has had a long partnership with Wests Illawarra who are not only our local club, but a supporter through CLUBGRANTS.
Over the years, the members of Wests Illawarra have helped support people with disability in programs to support capacity building, employment, indigenous programs as well as women’s and men’s groups specific to building confidence, skills and connection for people with disability.
We thank you for your generosity, support, kindness and friendship. To all the staff and members at Wests Illawarra – congratulations on your platinum jubilee.
gillian vickers, Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (sahssi)
In celebrating Wests Illawarra’s 70th Anniversary, their ongoing support has had a profound and lasting impact on women and children supported by SAHSSI. Through this generosity, SAHSSI has been able to furnish five refuge apartments, commission a local Aboriginal artist to create a culturally meaningful mural, upgrade and repaint crisis amenities, and provide essential items for women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.
As Wests Illawarra marks 70 years of community commitment, their support goes beyond financial contribution, directly creating spaces of safety, healing and hope, and enabling SAHSSI to respond immediately and meaningfully to women and children when they need it most, and we are deeply grateful for their continued investment in our community.
Renee Jurgielan, Director of Frame Running Wollongong
Congratulations to Wests Illawarra on 70 incredible years of community support! Since our partnership began, Wests Illawarra has been instrumental in helping us fulfil our mission that every child should experience the freedom of running, regardless of mobility challenges. Through their ClubGRANTS program, we’ve been able to purchase specialised frame runners and safety equipment, expanding from a small startup to now supporting 37 registered children with disabilities across the Illawarra – completely free of charge.
Their belief in our ‘Free To Run’ programme has meant the world to our families. Each specialised frame runner they’ve helped us purchase represents a child who gets to experience the joy of independent movement, build confidence, and create lasting memories with their families. Without Wests Illawarra’s continued investment in our community, many of these children would still be waiting for their chance to run. Thank you for 70 years of making dreams possible – here’s to many more years of partnership and empowering our local kids to run free!
cath daly, Coordinator for Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre
Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre is thrilled to be a community partner of Wests Illawarra, and a recipient of their Community Strong initiative. Funding received from Community Strong has enabled us to continue to support our community when resources were running low.
The ongoing support West’s provides us is integral to our work, and helps us create positive change within our community through our NAIDOC Celebration with both financial and in kind support and our Children’s week celebrations.
emily wright, kidswish and the disability trust
As Wests Illawarra celebrates its 70th anniversary, KidsWish and The Disability Trust congratulate the Club on this significant milestone and extend our gratitude for its enduring commitment to the Illawarra community.
Through this long-standing partnership, Wests Illawarra has enabled KidsWish to expand inclusive programs and events that enrich the lives of children living with disability or illness and their families.
morgan, secretary of wests netball club
Western Suburbs Netball Club was established in 1974 to provide females in Unanderra and surrounding suburbs the opportunity to compete in the Illawarra District Netball Association.
In its early years, the club received invaluable support from Wests Illawarra, who generously supplied balls for 22 teams in the inaugural season. That partnership has continued ever since, with ongoing sponsorship, assistance with uniforms and equipment, access to meeting rooms, and venues for presentations and events.
With 19 Life Members – three of whom are also Life Members of the Illawarra Netball Association – Wests Netball Club celebrates a rich history built on dedication, community, and success. We are proud to be part of the Wests Illawarra family for 52 years, we congratulate Wests Illawarra on an incredible 70 years.
westside rockers social club
Westside Rockers Social Club Inc. was founded in the year 2000 as a Not for Profit Social Club by a group of dancers originally from Reelin’ & Rockin’ Social Club Inc. as a sub- club of, and in conjunction with, Wests Illawarra. We are lucky to have 3 of the founding members still with us today – Denise Psaila, Joe Psaila and Charlie Psaila.
Westside Rockers are very proud of and grateful for the support of Wests Illawarra over the past 25 years and look forward to many more enjoyable years together.
member reflections
shannon, wests illawarra member for over 10 years
I love the connections and friendships I’ve made from visiting Wests Illawarra. I have met so many friends from visiting here.
Another big thing for me is how welcoming the club is for people with disabilities and how inclusive Wests Illawarra has always been. I appreciate how welcoming the staff always are.
Nick, wests illawarra member for 22 years
I love how friendly and welcoming the staff are and the contacts and friendships I have made when visiting the club for the big screen football and cricket.
The renovations done to the club over the years have only made it even more enjoyable to visit. Wests Illawarra feels like my second home.
team reflections
donna, wests illawarra team member
Wests Illawarra has always been a very enjoyable place to work because of the people we meet at the reception desk and the members that have become a valued part of our everyday life. Over my 10 years working here, I have made so many life long friends.
I am also so proud to work with a company that is so involved with helping and supporting our local community.
tori, wests illawarra team member
I started working at Wests Illawarra in 2019 as a Customer Service Manager. Throughout that time I have been given countless opportunities to grow my skills and devlop professionally – opportunities that simply wouldn’t have been possible without the Club’s genuine support and encouragement. Wests has a supportive culture that invests in its people, making it a great place to work.
For 70 years the Club has been community strong, supporting both its staff and the wider community, and im proud to be part of an organisation with such a strong past and exciting future ahead.
isaac, wests illawarra team member
Over the years, it’s been a great pleasure getting to know our members and hearing the stories and history they share about Wests Illawarra. Being able to walk around the club and see so many smiling faces is something I really value. I’ve also had the pleasure of forming lifelong friendships with the people I’ve worked alongside.
My role in Community Strong has been incredibly rewarding. Organising charity volunteer days is a real highlight and a great way to show fellow staff members a different side of the work we do. Having the opportunity to meet our charity partners and see firsthand how our support benefits their communities is something I’m very proud to be part of.
70 years community strong
wests illawarra
1956 - 2026
