| The
Bankstown Sub
Branch was formed
on 17 September
1928 by twenty-six
(26) returned
servicemen from
the 1914-1918
war.
During the
early years,
the club enjoyed
a very enthusiastic
membership
but lacked monetary
support which
was mainly
brought about
by the depression
and most members
being unemployed.
However, membership
increased during
the thirties
and back then,
meetings were
held in members'
homes, various
halls, picture
theatres, shops
and offices.
The
Sub Branch found
its first “real” home
when it acquired
the Parish Hall
in Kitchener
Parade. This
came about by
the contribution
by prominent
Bankstown citizen,
Harry Maxwell.
After a short
while it became
evident that
the hall was
reaching its
limit so a decision
was made to erect
a club room at
the rear of the
hall.
The continual
growth of the
club was also
helped along
by the formation
of the Women's
Auxiliary which
was formed shortly
after the Sub
Branch and whose
members worked
in close harmony
assisting at
all functions
and contributing
substantially
to the finances
of the Sub Branch.
The purchase
of the Parish
Hall became possible
not only by the
support of Harry
Maxwell but also
by the financial
support of the
Auxiliary.
During
the war, membership
steadily increased
with second war
veterans and
during 1945/46
the club enjoyed
an influx of
membership with
the demobilisation
of the armed
services. Membership
grew from several
hundred to something
like 1600.
During
the latter part
of 1954, legislation
was proposed
to amend the
Liquor Act to
allow clubs to
apply for a Liquor
Licence. The
constitution
of the Sub Branch
was not acceptable
to the Licensing
Court so it became
necessary to
form a separate
club from the
Sub Branch.
 |
|
The Bankstown RSL Club was established on 16 February 1955 and a liquor licence was obtained in May of that year with the club commencing operations on 15 May. The Club took over the social activities of the Sub Branch and soon began expanding. The new club was expanding |
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so much that in 1958 the Board of management looked at building new premises which commenced in January 1960 and were completed in March 1961 with further extensions being made in the early 70's which included a heated swimming pool, squash courts, gymnasium, sauna, lounge room and members' lounge.
Members also enjoy many sub clubs within the Club like the golf club, a junior soccer club, junior cricket club, billiard and snooker club and in the early 60's there was also a bowling club.
Currently Bankstown RSL Club Ltd has approximately 11,500. |
View Bankstown RSL Financial Report >
|
