Queensland RSL Clubs prepare to reopen as COVID-19 restrictions ease

RSL Clubs across Queensland are still adding up the damage bill caused by COVID-19 but with restrictions easing clubs are putting in place plans to reopen – here is what will change at your club.

Queensland RSL clubs are yet to put a final figure on the financial impact the forced COVID-19 closures will have on the non-for-profit clubs.

RSL and Services Clubs Association CEO Penny Wilson said she did not have specific numbers on how many staff lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic.

“The club industry has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 forced closures,” Ms Wilson said.

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“Whilst many clubs have been able to retain most of their employees with the help of JobKeeper, inevitably many employees have lost their jobs, as they do not fit into the criteria for JobKeeper support.”

“The obvious impact is that most clubs have had zero income, but still substantial overheads to meet – electricity, rent, leases, security, cleaning etc.

“Clubs are not for profit and support many other organisations such as sub- branches who in turn support veterans, junior sport, community groups and charities.

“Unfortunately, the level of support to these organisations, has, out of necessity, been reduced or suspended for the time being.”

But with restrictions easing Ms Wilson said clubs across Queensland were preparing to reopen.

“The RSL & Services Clubs Association has provided the Government with an extensive Club Re-opening template, incorporating all the measures necessary to ensure that our members and guests have confidence that they will be safe on our premises,” Ms Wilson said.

A number of new measures will be put in place when clubs are allowed to reopen including cleaning protocols, social distancing and limits on how many people can be in the club at any one time.

Ms Wilson said each club would also have a response plan in place if a case of COVID-19 was to occur in a club.

RELATED STORY: Redcliffe Leagues Club reveals new COVID-19 measures ahead of reopening

RSL president Neville Cullen in front of The Point restaurant in the RSL building. Picture: Chris Higgins

Redcliffe RSL general manager Peter Forsey said he had used the shutdown period to implement a number of new safety measures.

“Prior to the shutdown we had already installed hand sanitise stations, rearranged furniture etc to adhere to social distancing and restricting patrons in our venue,” Mr Forsey said.

“The Redcliffe RSL has always had extremely high standards regarding Health & Safety, we have just taken it to the next level.”

This will include giving staff temperature checks, new sign-in procedures, COVID-19 training for staff and restricting the number of people allowed inside the club.

Mr Forsey said the club would need at least one week’s notice in order to reopen.

We use a number of smaller local suppliers who have also been impacted by this crisis, so having notice will be imperative for us and them to continue our relationship,” he said.

Mr Forsey said the crisis had brought the team closer together, even though many of them had lost their jobs.

“We will look back on this experience one day and be thankful for the lessons of gratefulness and appreciation it has taught us all,” he said.