“Community has always been the heart of Wenty Leagues”

With one week to go before Carols on Ringrose, we sat down with Wenty Leagues CEO Glenn Kovacs to learn more about the event and its history.
Male youth worker welcoming a teenage girl to a refuge

Community is a cornerstone of the Heart of Wenty initiative.

The initiative is facilitated by Wenty Leagues, a club and dining precinct located in Wentworthville, NSW. Through the Heart of Wenty, Wenty Leagues provides financial and in-kind assistance to over 45 charities via the ClubGRANTS scheme.

These charities contend with issues like domestic and family violence, children, wellbeing, health, homelessness and education. Wenty Leagues is fortunate enough to have long-standing partnerships with many of them – including Youth Off The Streets.

Wenty Leagues has partnered with Youth Off The Streets for over a decade, as the club is passionate about assisting children and young people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

“Wenty Leagues has seen firsthand the positive impact Youth Off The Streets has with services like youth outreach, mentoring, residential care, education, and employment training,” CEO Glenn Kovacs says.

“These initiatives aim to provide young people with the tools and resources they need to overcome personal and social obstacles and integrate into society as healthy, productive individuals.”

The team at Wenty Leagues also realises that Youth Off The Streets’ work can change lives.

“Youth Off The Streets helps to foster resilience and create pathways to a brighter future,” Glenn says.

“That’s why Wenty Leagues has supported a range of Youth Off The Streets programs and services, ranging from outreach and drop-in programs to mentoring and the iDrive program, which helps young people gain driving experience.”

“We also support the Power Within program, which supports young people to recognise and recover from domestic and family violence.”

This year, the club has contributed to the Next Steps program, which equips students with employability skills through our Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Additionally, Wenty Leagues have supported Youth Off The Streets events, providing venues for educational workshops and high school graduations as well as assisting with their setup.

The biggest event on the Wenty Leagues fundraising calendar is Carols On Ringrose.

Carols On Ringrose is a free, family-centred event that fosters community spirit while celebrating the festive season.

“Wenty Leagues is once again proud to host Carols On Ringrose,” says Glenn.

“We’re pleased to showcase a massive line-up and entertainment for the whole family, including our trademark fireworks. Wenty Leagues always looks forward to welcoming the whole community and forging joyful, meaningful connections.”

This year, Carols On Ringrose will take place at Ringrose Oval, Wentworthville on Tuesday 10 December. From 6pm, the event will feature live music, amusement rides, food trucks, carols and, of course, a special visit from Santa Claus. The event will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show at 9pm.

Wenty Leagues have also cemented their connection with Youth Off The Streets, naming us as their Carols On Ringrose community partner.

All proceeds from the event will be donated directly to our organisation. This was the case in 2023, when $12,500 was raised for Youth Off The Streets.

Wenty Leagues hopes to achieve similar success this year. To help, they have even enlisted a special guest – Bluey!

Bluey and her little sister Bingo are returning to headline Carols On Ringrose. You can catch the adorable duo on stage for the Bluey Christmas Live Interactive Experience – and play Magic Asparagus, Magic Xylophone, Keepy Uppy and much more with them.

“Carols On Ringrose has always been a truly memorable experience and we’re so proud to assist young people to break free from cycles of disadvantage.” Glenn concludes.

Carols On Ringrose will be held on Tuesday 10 December 2024 at Wentworthville’s Roseville Oval. The free festivities will take place from 6pm to 9pm. We hope to see you there!

Take action for young people

There are many ways you can show your support