Caboolture RSL to shut down permanently in two weeks

The Caboolture RSL will close permanently in less than two weeks, falling to affects of COVID-19 .

The Caboolture RSL has been located at the Hasking St site for more than 50 years.

An iconic RSL that has been operating for more than 50 years at its current site will close permanently after deciding not to renew its lease in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caboolture RSL Club general manager Andrew Martin confirmed the news today, saying the club would cease trading September 14 after COVID shutdowns earlier this year left the club “running too close to the edge”.

The Caboolture RSL has been serving the community for more than 50 years. Picture: QUEST

He said doors would close for the final time 10pm September 13 after continuing overheads worsened by the lack of patrons due to COVID-19 restrictions meant the club was no longer financially feasible.

“The RSL had been struggling for a long time.. but unfortunately... the closures that we suffered during April, May and June (has made it) realistically untenable,” Mr Martin said.

“The majority of our staff went onto JobKeeper.”

However the physical venue at Hasking Street, Caboolture, will not be closed long with large-scale Moreton Bay entity Caboolture Sports Club to take over.

Mr Martin said the RSL Club had been in conversations with Caboolture Sports Club for “some months” and the decision was made for the sports club to take over.

“That was the best decision for staff and members and the future value of the club... to make sure there is a club here for the people of Caboolture.”

The non-for-profit club, which includes a cafe, restaurant, four bars, function room, gaming rooms, and 110 gaming machines, will be re-launched as Sports Central Caboolture on September 28.

It will join a group of clubs including Caboolture Sports Club at Morayfield, Northlakes Sports Club and Centenary Lakes Bowls Club.

Mr Martin confirmed the 100-year-old Caboolture-Morayfield Districts Sub Branch would continue to operate from the venue.

Staff at the Caboolture RSL bar. Picture: QUEST

Mr Martin said all club memberships — which had been reduced to just $2 during COVID-19 would be invalid as of September 14, and the club’s reward system would cease on September 7, but members had until the club’s final day of trading on September 13 to claim their prizes.

He said messages had been sent to the club’s 10,000 members informing them of the news and inviting them to information sessions.

“It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we wish to inform you of the pending closure of the Caboolture RSL Club,” the message read.

“The Board of the Caboolture RSL Club have decided not to renew the lease of the current property at 1-3 Hasking Street, Caboolture.

“The Caboolture RSL Club will continue to trade at the premises until Sunday, 13th September 2020.

“The Caboolture Citizens and Services Club Limited (Trading as Caboolture RSL Club) will not continue to trade beyond Sunday, 13th September 2020.

“As of Monday 14th September 2020, Caboolture RSL Club will be closed.

“Caboolture RSL Club Membership and associated cards will no longer be valid.

“Members are invited to attend information sessions.”

Mr Martin said the vast majority of the RSL’s existing cohort of staff was expected to retain employment under the new operators.

He also confirmed that Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events would continue to be held at the club.

He also thanked the community for the commitment to the venue for so many decades.

“We very much thank the people of Caboolture for the support they have given over many years.”

The Caboolture RSL Club has been at its current Hasking St premises for more than 50 years — the venue received a full upgrade in 1996.