Coledale RSL Club to reopen in April after members vote to sell-off pokies

IN a surprise and welcoming move, Coledale RSL Club has announced it is reopening for business in April.

Despite attempts to keep the financially strapped venue open through merger talks and a fundraising campaign, the club closed for business on December 11 2022.

In a letter to members, club secretary and director Warrick Try announced the news of the closure.

“It is with great regret that your Club Board of Directors are announcing the closure of the Coledale RSL Club. Despite many attempts to turn around the adverse trading results, it has proven impossible to do so,” he wrote.

However, after an extraordinary general meeting held on Saturday, members unanimously supported a motion to sell half of the club’s poker machines to fund its reopening.

“Lots of hard work ahead to reopen, but it’s going to be worth it,” a spokesperson posted on the club’s Facebook Page.

“We would also like to thank many of our members for volunteering their time to help operate the Club.”

The Club will reopen on Thursday, April 6, 2023 in time for the Easter and school holidays.

Coledale RSL was formed in 1944 with 18 members, each contributing £10 towards £2000 building costs. The hall was constructed from an army hut brought from Lismore.

The venue opened on July 31 1948 as the Soldiers’ Memorial Club and for the past seven decades has supported local community and sporting groups via sponsorships and donations.

What are your thoughts on the club’s reopening? Scroll down to the comments section on this page.

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