Sports club prepares new launch in Caboolture

As Caboolture prepares to farewell its beloved RSL club, a new venue is ready to take its place - from memberships, to entertainment and facility upgrades, here’s everything you need to know about the new Sports Central Caboolture.

Caboolture RSL will close on September 13.

Staff will be supported and the majority of activities and entertainment will continue as Caboolture RSL is transformed into a new venue on Hasking St.

Caboolture RSL general manager Andrew Martin yesterday confirmed the news Caboolture RSL would close its doors for the final time September 13, after COVID-19 took a toll on earnings. But he said there was a light at the end or the tunnel for patrons and staff.

The venue will re-open September 28 as Sports Central Caboolture under new operators, and site owners, Caboolture Sports Club.

Caboolture Sports Club will take over operations at Caboolture RSL this month.

Mr Martin said new members could expect a facelift to the facility and the same good service.

He said the club’s cafe, restaurant and gaming room would also remain, however it was likely a small number of pokies would be removed in order for Caboolture Sports Cub to comply with commercial laws which differed to those which guided RSLs.

A statement released by Caboolture Sports Club confirmed the Caboolture Morayfield and District Sub Branch would continue to meet and run their community service from the venue.

“It’s important that we respect and look after this long-standing community service,” said Caboolture Sports Club Group CEO Kelvin Patch.

“The CSC (Caboolture Sports Club) Group will provide the RSL Sub Branch with complimentary office space to help them continue to service the community.”

They said that while the news of the Caboolture RSL’s closure had come as a shock to staff, Caboolture Sports Club Group had been “working hard behind the scenes to support them”, with the majority of the existing RSL staff members to be re-employed.

Caboolture Sports Club Group also owns Centenary Lakes Sports Club. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

The group also includes Caboolture Sports Club at Morayfield, North Lakes Sports Club and Centenary Lakes Sports Club and Function Centre.

It pays more than $10 million in wages annually and invests $1.9 million in local sport and community initiatives.

“The club will be a new community hub for Caboolture, where members and guests can enjoy good food, watch their favourite sports, live music, raffles, bingo, promotions and events,” Mr Patch said.

Membership will cost $5.50 a year or $3.30 for seniors with members eligible to receive exclusive discounts, rewards and access to all four of the groups community clubs in Moreton Bay.

“We would like to thank all of our members and the community for their support,” commented Mr Patch.

“We look forward to opening the new club in the coming weeks and seeing all our members and guests when we do.”

What to expect:

● Caboolture RSL will close 10pm Sunday, September 13, 2020

● Sports Central Caboolture is expected to open September 28, 2020

● The club will undergo a minor facelift

● Caboolture Morayfield and District Sub Branch will continue to meet at the Hasking St venue

● Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events will remain at the venue

● The club will re-open with a bistro, cafe, gaming lounge and function spaces

● Membership is $5.50 per year, and $3.30 for seniors

● Existing RSL memberships will be invalid from September 13, 2020

● The majority of RSL staff will be retained by the new club

● Live music, raffles, bingo, promotions and events will be held by the new club