A new function centre being built at Cronulla RSL will be a permanent reminder of the club’s origins.
When the club was founded 65 years ago, it was known as Cronulla Soldier’s Club.
Chief executive Sue McNeill said, to honour both the 65-year milestone and the club’s heritage, the new state-of-the-art function centre would be called Soldiers on the Esplanade.
The multi-purpose centre, on level one, will have 300-seat and 80-seat rooms.
It is due to open in December this year, and bookings are already being taken.
“We are proud of our club’s years of service to the community and it’s really important to us that we continue to honour our heritage and connection to the community,” Ms McNeill said.
“Since 1953, when the club was registered with its current name and address, membership has grown to over 30,000 and the site has been redeveloped to create a much lighter, brighter premises.
“Proceeds from the club have supported many local, non-profit groups and community initiatives through the years.”
Ms McNeill said, in the last 12 months, the club had provided support totalling more than $142,000 to 31 groups and organisations.
They included schools, Nerang Rd Community Garden, Sailability, Cronulla and Wanda surf life saving clubs, Sylvanvale, Learning Links, War Widows Guild of Australia and Endeavour SWAD.
The club will celebrate its 65th anniversary at a party on Thursday, June 28, where a prize of $10,000 will be available to members.
The club is also running a competition for a member to win an Audi A1 valued at $40,000.
