Half a Century of Rugby and Community: Celebrating the Glen Innes Elks

The Glen Innes Elks Rugby Union Football Club, founded in 1975, has been the foundation of rugby for the local community for 50 years. Originally established to give the people of Glen Innes a rugby team to rally behind, the club has grown into a symbol of hard work, camaraderie, and community spirit. As the club celebrates this grand milestone anniversary, its continued success is deeply tied to its strong partnerships, particularly with Regional Australia Bank, whose support has been vital for the club’s daily operations and overall growth.

On-Field Achievements and Team Growth
Over the years, the Elks have achieved remarkable success. Most recently, the club has been celebrated for winning a series of premierships, a testament to the dedication of a tight-knit group of players who have been playing together for many seasons. In 2024, the women’s team, which began from scratch in 2022, also won a premiership. Many of the women had no prior contact sport experience, making their rapid rise through a competitive league a testament to the power of teamwork and determination.

Supporting Players Beyond the Game
The Elks have always prided themselves on being more than just a rugby club. They support their members by keeping player fees as low as possible, providing financial assistance for players pursuing representative rugby, and sponsoring overseas rugby tours. In 2024 alone, the club raised over $9,000 to help players tour Japan, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

Community-Focused Fundraising and Response
Beyond individual support, the club also engages in charitable activities. One notable example occurred in 2020 when Nathan Stapelton, a professional rugby player originating from Glen Innes, suffered a spinal injury while playing. Nathan was well known in the community, with current players having grown up and played football with him, and his immediate family still living in the area. In response, instead of going ahead with their planned Sponsors Day, the Elks quickly organised a “Stapos Day” fundraiser and raised $13,000 for Nathan, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community members.

Backing from Regional Australia Bank
The Elks were able to do this due to the support they receive through other means, such as funds from Regional Australia Bank’s Community Partnership Program (CPP). “Direct unconditional financial support is everything to volunteer-run clubs as it means we are not constantly relying on our small workforce of volunteers to create revenue for the club,” says Thomas Benton, the Club’s Treasurer. The bank’s CPP has provided essential financial support, helping the Elks remain operational and enabling them to focus on what matters most, community involvement and player development. “For volunteer-run clubs like us, having a reliable source of funding is crucial to reduce the strain on our volunteers and ensure the club can continue to thrive,” added Benton.

Helping Players Overcome Barriers
The CPP helps the Elks with various costs, including player travel, maintenance of facilities, and assisting with travel expenses for players who often drive long distances, at times up to 220 km, to attend training. This support makes it possible for players from rural areas to remain actively involved in rugby without the financial burden of travel.

Looking Ahead: Growth Plans and Community Involvement
As the club looks ahead, their vision includes expanding to two men’s teams in addition to the women’s team. While this is a long-term goal, the financial support from the Bank plays a crucial role in making such aspirations a reality. Whether it’s for player support, expanding teams, or improving facilities, the partnership with Regional Australia Bank ensures the Elks can continue to provide an excellent experience for their members and the wider community.

How to Get Involved
The club welcomes new players, volunteers, and supporters of all ages and skill levels. It is always looking for help in running home games and encourages community members to come along and get involved in any way they can.