Gold Coast RSL to sell building due to mortgage struggles

The sub-branch behind one of the Gold Coast’s biggest and oldest RSL clubs has decided to sell the building because it “can no longer afford to pay the current mortgage”.

THE sub-branch behind one of the Gold Coast’s biggest and oldest RSL clubs has decided to sell the building because it “can no longer afford to pay the current mortgage”.

A letter by Southport RSL Sub-Branch president John Riebeling, seen by the Bulletin, seeks to clarify rumours swirling about the 36 Scarborough Street venue struggling.

“As a matter of courtesy, I would like to pass on to you directly, a decision that was made at a meeting of Sub-Branch members last Sunday, so that you have the facts rather than rumour,” he wrote to local MP Sam O’Connor.

“At that meeting, a motion was passed to seek to sell the building at 36 Scarborough Street known at RSL Club Southport. This decision was not taken lightly and was made primarily because the Sub-Branch can no longer afford to pay the current mortgage.

“The Sub-Branch will still be located in Southport in a building yet to be determined. Our commitment to the support of the veteran community and the community at large will not diminish,” Mr Riebeling wrote.

The Southport RSL Memorial Club president Mark Tull said: “The Sub-Branch has decided to sell the land and buildings to establish its own premises through which to continue to conduct its welfare work for veterans and their dependents.

“On the other hand the Memorial Club is the prospective purchaser of the land and buildings, and will continue to provide social amenities for veterans and their families, the wider ex-service community and the Southport community at large,” Mr Tull said.

Meanwhile the Bulletin can also reveal the venue has lost its TAB licence and Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow claims it has been surviving on bingo game income.

Southport RSL.

The TAB stopped operating this month.

Cr Crichlow said the club was in urgent need of help.

“There have been financial problems and they owe quite a bit of money,” she said.

“Somebody must help them. It is tough out there. I don’t think people realise how bloody tough it is.

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The Southport RSL runs annual commemorations. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Most of the time it has been working on a shoestring budget. They rely on bingo to survive.

“This is one of biggest and most important community institutions and it must survive.”

Southport RSL was founded in the aftermath of World War I and was established on its current site in 1938.

Its existing building was erected in 1996.

Southport RSL and its general manager has been contacted for comment by the Bulletin.

Surfers Paradise RSL president Ross Eastgate confirmed he was aware of the struggles.

“It will be devastating. The community role they play in terms of commemoration is important.

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Two-Up is popular at the Southport RSL on Anzac Day. Picture: Jerad Williams

“They have to be viable businesses and the state RSL seems disinterested in helping these community assets.

“The state RSL shouldn’t carry them but they should support them.”

It comes three years after the Bulletin revealed RSL clubs and sub-branches were in crisis, with ageing memberships and difficulties in accessing money putting the squeeze on community organisations.

Clubs Queensland spokeswoman Laura Bos confirmed the RSL had longstanding financial issues.

The old RSL building in 1988.

“We are aware Southport has been having trading difficulties for some time and this is a signal of what his happening across the board in terms of consumerism,” she said.

“Things like Uber Eats and Netflix have changed the way people interact with clubs and entertainment.

“This club particularly is one which has not invested in itself in terms of keeping its offers current and relevant to the market in changing times.

“It has always been challenged as a result.”