Club official banned for a decade after embezzling funds
A former Sydney club secretary who embezzled funds and spent club money on poker machines has been banned from holding a governance role in any registered club in NSW for 10 years.
Mr Steven Brissett, secretary of Belmore Bowling & Recreation Club from 2018 to 2023, was convicted in May 2024 of fraud offences after a NSW Police investigation found he had embezzled $11,734 from the club and spent $2,000 of that on poker machines. He was sentenced to a two-year community corrections order.
Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) subsequently lodged a disciplinary complaint with the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) which has now declared Mr Brissett ineligible to stand for election, be appointed to, or hold office as a secretary or board member of any registered club in the state for the next decade under the Registered Clubs Act 1976.
L&GNSW A/Executive Director Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres said the ILGA decision reinforces the consequences of officials misusing club money.
“Club members expect their money to be managed honestly and responsibly, not stolen or gambled away,” Mr Argeres said.
“Club officials who abuse their position will face serious consequences for breaking the law.
Mr Argeres added the 10-year ban is one of the strongest sanctions available and reflects the seriousness of the offending.
“L&GNSW will act where misconduct is identified to uphold integrity in the club sector and protect the interests of members and the wider community,” he said.
ILGA's decision on the complaint is available here: https://www.ilga.nsw.gov.au/decisions/disciplinary-decisions