What We're Learning

Every constitution I read, every phrase I highlight, and every story shared paints a clearer picture:
The promises made by Australian clubs, especially those tied to sport, service, and community,  often don’t align with what’s happening behind the scenes.

• The word community appears in nearly every constitution. But gambling, often a primary revenue source , is rarely mentioned.
• Many clubs pledge to support junior sport or wellbeing, while relying on pokies income in ways that quietly contradict those aims.
• Values like support, inclusion, advancement show up often. But there's little mention of accountability when those values clash with profit.

This isn’t about blame. It’s about systemic drift - a slow shift away from original purpose, toward what’s profitable, even at a social cost.

• Few constitutions mention harm. Fewer still reference harm minimisation.
• Heritage and tradition are common. Wellbeing and repair — much less so.
• When gambling is mentioned, it’s usually about licensing — not impact.

We’re still learning. This page will grow as the project deepens. But one thing is already clear: What’s written down shapes what becomes normal. And the gap between what’s promised — and what’s actually lived — is exactly where this story begins.

Want to keep following what we’re uncovering?
I’m sharing deeper reflections, field notes, and story fragments over on Substack.

Read more and subscribe to our Substack here: https://clubsatacrossroads.substack.com/