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Strong clubs aren’t built because everyone always agrees – they’re built because people communicate with respect.

It’s natural to have different opinions about the way things are done. Those conversations are a healthy part of any club.

The most productive conversations, however, are the honest ones – shared directly with the people who can help. Asking questions, raising concerns respectfully and being open to understanding different perspectives gives us the best chance to learn, improve and move forward together.

When we choose respectful, constructive communication, we strengthen trust, support our volunteers and help create the positive club culture that keeps people wanting to be part of Mentone.

Men’s Health Week

15–21 June is Men’s Health Week, providing an opportunity to reflect on the importance of looking after our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

For many men, being part of a club provides more than just an opportunity to train, compete or volunteer. It provides connection, friendship, purpose and a sense of belonging. These things play an important role in wellbeing, particularly during times of stress, challenge or change.

While many men are good at supporting others, they are often less likely to seek support for themselves. Men’s Health Week is a timely reminder that looking after your wellbeing is just as important as looking after those around you. Whether it’s checking in with a mate, making time for a conversation, reaching out for support, or simply taking a moment to check in with yourself, small steps can make a meaningful difference.

If you or someone you know could use some extra support, confidential wellbeing assistance is available through the LSV Member Assistance Program, Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) or Lifeline (13 11 14).

Recognising More Than Just Results

Presentation Night gives us an opportunity to celebrate some incredible achievements across the Club – performances, milestones, commitment and contribution throughout the season.

But it’s also a reminder that the strength of a club is never built by award winners alone.

Behind every season are hundreds of moments that often go unseen – the member who quietly encourages others, the volunteer who always steps in to help, the coach who gives their time week after week, the younger member finding confidence, or the teammate who makes others feel included and supported.

Recognition matters because people matter. A strong club culture is created when people feel valued not only for what they achieve, but for how they contribute to the environment around them.

To all nominees, award recipients, volunteers and members who have contributed to the Club this season – thank you for helping create a community where people feel welcome, supported and proud to belong.

The People Who Make Others Feel Welcome

One of the most important parts of a safe and respectful club environment is something that often goes unnoticed – the people who make others feel welcome.

It might be introducing yourself to a new member, including someone in a conversation, checking in on a younger member, or simply being approachable. Small interactions can have a big impact, particularly for people who are new to the Club or still finding their place within it.

Strong club culture isn’t only built through policies or procedures. It’s built through everyday behaviour – the way we speak to each other, include others, and create an environment where people feel comfortable, supported and safe to participate. Often, the members who leave the biggest impact are simply the ones who make others feel like they belong.

The Bystander Moment

Most member protection situations don’t start as big issues – they begin as small moments that just don’t feel quite right. A comment that lands poorly, a young member left out, behaviour that seems a little off. These are the moments where bystanders play an important role. You don’t need to have all the answers, but noticing and choosing to act, even in a small way, can make a real difference.

Being a bystander doesn’t mean stepping into conflict. It can be as simple as checking in with someone, redirecting a situation, or quietly raising it with a coach or patrol captain. Often, it’s these early, low-key actions that prevent something from escalating and help reinforce the kind of culture we want at our Club.

A safe and respectful environment is everyone’s responsibility. When we look out for each other – not just in the big moments, but in the small ones – we create a Club where people feel supported, included and confident to speak up when it matters.

If you’re ever unsure or would like to discuss something confidentially, you can reach out to the Member Protection team at memberprotection@mentonelsc.com.

A Shared Responsibility

Over the school holidays, it’s been great to see so many young members spending time at the club. It speaks to what Mentone represents – a place people feel comfortable, connected and part of something.

At the same time, it’s a good moment to gently remind ourselves that a safe club environment doesn’t happen by chance – it’s something we all help create.

For our younger members, being at the club isn’t just about having a place to be. They need to be under the supervision of a responsible adult while they’re onsite – whether that’s during organised activities or simply spending time at the club. That presence matters.

If you’re responsible for a group or activity, that responsibility doesn’t end when the session does. And more broadly, if something doesn’t feel quite right ie. young people left waiting, unsupervised spaces, or uncertainty about who is responsible – it’s always okay to step in, check, or raise it.

This isn’t about rules for the sake of rules. It’s about making sure every member, especially our younger ones, is safe, supported, and appropriately supervised while they’re at the club.

Because ultimately, a strong club culture isn’t just built on participation. It’s built on people looking out for each other.

If you’re ever unsure or would like to discuss something confidentially, you can reach out to the Member Protection team at memberprotection@mentonelsc.com