Four unknown soldiers honoured in Bankstown RSL’s official opening
The ashes of four unknown soldiers now lie in the foundations of the new Bankstown RSL, having been moved from their previous spot underneath the flag pole.
THE magnificent new Bankstown RSL has the perfect foundation to face the future with more confidence.
For, buried in the foundations are the ashes of four unknown soldiers, who had previously rested under the flag pole. The identity of these soldiers in not known and have been there for many years under the old flag pole.
Blaxland federal Labor MP Jason Clare spoke about this important piece of history after the club was officially opened by Governor of NSW David Hurley and his wife Linda on Thursday night.
According to Bankstown RSL CEO Scott Dickson, the club was keen to honour these unknown soldiers but didn’t know their identity because there were no names on the sealed urns. The ashes were not disturbed but rather placed in the very same urns when placed in the foundations about a year ago.
Mr Clare, who has a deep respect for those who have served our country, said it was these ashes which makes the place extra special.
He paid tribute to Bankstown RSL CEO Scott Dickson and his team for honouring these soldiers, whose ashes now lie near the Sub Branch Office.
“Underneath that flag pole, a long time ago the ashes of four men were interred,” Mr Clare said.
“Four blokes who were members of this club.
“Four blokes who fought for Australia. Four blokes who wanted their final resting place to be near their mates.
“Where they knew their mates would be.
“We don’t know their names.
“And they are not under the flag pole any more.
“They are underneath us. That’s what makes this place special.
“It’s not the great food and entertainment, or the big TV.
“It’s what in the foundations. And what those men did for us.”
There were plenty of dignitaries and members at the opening of the club, which has roots going to the 1950s.
Mr Dickson told the Express they are already planning for the first stage of their 250-room hotel, to be opened in three years time.
“There is a demand for these facilities in Bankstown, which geographically the centre of Sydney,” Mr Dickson said.
“There are 350,00 residents in the area and with the 550 unit complex coming up next to our club, there will be demand for top class facilities and entertainment.
“The whole place has been 16 years in the making and feels fantastic.
“We hope we can be the catalysts to enhance the town centre.”
More than $65 million has been invested in the club, which employs more than 200 people and has two large function rooms.
Mr Dickson said they hope to raise the current membership of 38,000 to more than 60,000 within six months.
There are five outlets in the club, with the Star Buffet, being the most popular.
The club boasts of two large function rooms.
Head chef Patrick Wu said the Star Buffett is easily the most popular of their outlets, and serve up more than 50 dishes. The restaurant can seat around 770.
Chef owner of Salt Bar & Grill Ty Bellingham, a hatted chef with years of experience, said he hopes the success of this restaurant will be the start of more.
“We serve bistro food and I want to feed 90 per cent of the population (with our menus),” said Mr Bellingham, who provides jobs for unemployed people.
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