It has been a labour of love for a group of Arncliffe residents who were determined not to see their local go under.
In July 2015 Bexley RSL confirmed the club would close with financial pressures to blame but at the last minute it was given a six month reprieve.
However, it closed for good in March last year.
But that wasn’t enough to deter a group of Arncliffe residents who weren’t willing to say goodbye to the club where they had made friendships, mourned loved ones and shared a laugh.
For the last two years they have toiled to see the club reopen.
Their hard work has finally paid off with Club Arncliffe officially opening its doors on Saturday, November 18.
The doors will open at noon with the AGM to be held at 3pm.
Club President Barry Ryan said he is looking forward to sharing a well-deserved beer.
‘’It’s been head down, bum up since the beginning and everything has been like pulling teeth,’’ he said.
‘’It’s honestly been hard the whole way but we’ve been tenacious in seeing it through.
‘’You can see why people get disappointed and walk away but we’ve just kept punching.’’
The club already has almost 350 members but is hoping for more after the opening.
The old building has been transformed, and a new restaurant, Sing Nik, will provide tasty Thai and Australian food.
Club Arncliffe is located on Wollongong Road, Arncliffe. It is open seven days a week from noon-8pm.