RSL Clubs
About
This is the story of Coledale RSL, a club that thanks to the dedication of its board, volunteers, and the support of the broader community defied the odds. We’ve reimagined what it means to be a local institution, and today we continue to honour our history while embracing a brighter future. The Coledale RSL Club is a testament to the resilience and spirit of a small community determined to preserve an important piece of its history. In 1948, the Soldiers Memorial Hall was established with 18 founding members, each contributing 10 pounds towards the build costs of the hall, which was constructed from an army hut brought down from Lismore. The venue opened on 31 July 1948 as the Soldiers’ Memorial Club. For the past seven and a half decades the club has welcomed returned servicemen and servicewomen, the local community, and sporting groups via sponsorships and donations. However, like many clubs across Australia, Coledale RSL Club was hit hard by the challenges of COVID-19. This was further compounded by two wet summers which saw a significant decline in patronage. During the latter part of 2022, as the Club’s finances continued to dwindle, several options to avoid closure were investigated by the board which included amalgamation with another registered club. The Board then determined that, although the Club was currently solvent at the time, the business was no longer viable and so the Club ceased trading in December 2022. But in January 2023 when a liquidator was about to be appointed, the board decided to explore a volunteer-run model and to reopen using funds from the sale of poker machine licenses. Determined not to lose the heart of their town, the community rallied behind a new board and its fresh approach to the Club’s direction. Saved by Community What followed was nothing short of a community-wide effort. Driven entirely by passion and commitment, over 80 volunteers rolled up their sleeves determined to breathe new life into the club. From painting and cleaning to serving drinks and organising events, local volunteers became the lifeblood of the revival. A new look The club transformed not only its appearance but also its atmosphere facilitated by the new operations manager David Lynch. A once-empty venue is now alive with live music, laughter, and camaraderie. The poker machines were reduced, and in their place, a stage for live performances, open mic nights, DJ sessions, and jazz afternoons was built.
