Our story is rich in heritage and begins in a time when people were reaching out for connection, needing places to gather with like minded people to share stories of shared experiences, to support and be supported through a period of adjustment, after returning home from defending our country.
As we reflect on our story so far -from establishment, through modernisation and growth with the needs of the community, we continue to evolve.
Firstly, let’s take a trip down memory lane, where there are many surprising ‘firsts’ and strong connection to community going back over decades.
Through natural evolution, and a culture of pioneering and moving forward, we carry this legacy. We share the stories of our heroes of past and present into the future, so that the resilience of people through time is known, understood, and not forgotten.
a place
to belong
Establishment 1916 – 1970
1916
RSL Clubs began to form to meet the needs of soldiers who had returned from war. Fresh back from battle, many missed the companionship associated with wartime, and welcomed a place to gather with like-minded men.
“The voice of stability in changing times’
Albert Abbott QLD Branch President
1923
Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Sub Branch had it’s early beginnings. Local groups including volunteer firemen and members of Canterbury Cricket Club would meet at the fire station on the corner of Church St and Canterbury Rd. This gathering of volunteers soon outgrew the fire station and started meeting regularly in Sunrise Hall on Canterbury Rd.
1927
The Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club was officially formed. Our Sub Branch ‘third’ of the RSL Sub-Branches opened in the Old Boy Scouts Hall at a meeting convened by Warwick Caruthers, Bert Crook and Bert Trout. Further meetings of the RSL would be held in halls and homes.
1930
The Sub-Branch received it’s charter. Informal meetings would be held on Saturday nights at various members homes, and a keg would be brought along to keep them company.
1939
A Women’s Auxiliary was constituted, and supported the Members with many tasks and activities, most importantly raising funds.
1947
Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club was founded by returned service men and women as a place that could help veterans and families reconnect with their community and help them build a better life.
The Club acquired two ex-army huts and
put them on the corner of Crinan St on Canterbury Rd.
With Bert Crook as Secretary-Manager, and a staff of two they seeded the growth of our great club, we honour Bert to this day as our name’s sake “Bert Crook Memorial” where every year gather for commemoration services.
The Women’s Auxiliary assisted materially in rising funds through holding a carnival in Yeo Park to purchase the site on Canterbury Road. It is believed a Coogee woman owned the land, and that she was the mother of one of the groups that began it all in 1923 at the local fire station.
Our Pioneers
Bert Crook – our 1st Secretary Manager, and Sub-Branch Memorial namesake.
Dick Franklin – our 2nd Secretary Manager, and previous Sub-Branch President.
Bobby Stevens – RSL and Sub-Branch Life Member and Club President 1996-2005.
we evolve
with our community
Souvenir
Official Opening of Building Extensions
26 September, 1970
Modernisation 1970-1999
Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club is a pioneering returned and services club that takes pride in their history, adherence to the values of the RSL movement and connection to community.
As industry leaders & proud innovators we were continually upgrading the club for our members by keeping our facilities modern and investing in technology as it became available.
The Club expanded it’s footprint on the corner of Crinan St, as it continued to grow the club facilities in keeping with the changing needs of our community
Proud moments in time
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Our 1st extension in 1954, Sub-Branch Memorial Chapel
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1st mixed bar
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2nd biggest Club in NSW
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1st to install digital signage
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Largest T.A.B in NSW
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2nd longest bar in NSW
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Contributed to decrease in Membership age
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Incorporation of a Youth Club
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Evolution of our membership to include women.
During the period of modernisation, the Club industry was continually evolving. Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club was one of many clubs that took the path to become an icon, and for many years hosted a ‘Club of the Year’ award and recognition event.
Entertainment was and remains to be a big part of the Club’s social calendar. With our proud auditorium, one of the first of its size and capabilities in the area, and in the absence of the large arena’s available today, we were renowned for hosting every major event in the club industry.
Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club
50 Wonderful Years Magazine, 1997
“The Western Suburbs Courier”
23 September, 1970