Club Burwood RSL
The Burwood Sub-Branch of the Returned Services League was formed in 1918 after Mr. Lucas, an organiser from the Sydney Office of the R.S.L., persuaded several returned Diggers that, in order to obtain full benefits for the returned men, unification would be needed.
The first premises used were made available by Heighway & Higgs Estate Agents in Burwood and the meetings were held in a room directly above their shop. From here, the Club used premises known as St. George’s Hall in George Street, Burwood. By 1921 permanent rooms were made available at 23 Belmore Street, Burwood.
During the war years the Sub-Branch supported the Burwood Municipal Council and the Federal Government in many ways. The Club Premises were available as a Headquarters for the National Emergency Service. By 1948 as the younger generation returned home from the war effort various committees were formed including billiards, snooker, cricket and football.
By 1949 it was evident larger premises would be needed and in October, the Sub-Branch purchased the present building at 96 Shaftesbury Road, Burwood. The application to convert this building to Club premises was refused by Burwood Council. However, after a successful appeal, the Sub-Branch commenced operations on the 18th September, 1950.
In October, 1950, twenty eight members of the Burwood RSL Sub-Branch became the foundation members of Burwood R.S.L. By 1951 the functioning of the R.S.L. was being carried out by two distinct organisations. The Burwood R.S.L Sub-Branch was responsible for the policies and the Club who were responsible for the social activities of the League members. This year also saw the laying of the Bowling Green and the formation of the Burwood Digger’s Bowling Club. June 1961 saw the completion of Stage Two of the redevelopment programme which encompassed the present building and was opened by the Sub-Branch Foundation’s President, Mr J.H. McDougall.
In 1997 a comprehensive renovation of the Club was completed.
Club Burwood
In 2001 dialogue commenced between West Harbour Rugby Union Club and the RSL with a view to amalgamation. In April 2002, Club Burwood R.S.L. took over the management of West Harbour Rugby Union Football Club. In 2006 an extensive renovation was undertaken with the RSL spending more than $5 million to provide a wonderful new facility and re-named the second Club 'Club Burwood' .
Croydon Park Club
In July, 2013 Club Burwood RSL amalgamated with Croydon Park Ex-Servicemen's Club. During this process the RSL comitted to spend at least $1M, however, almost trebled this amount with the aim of returning the Club to its previous eminence and success of a decade previous and to provide the community with a modern, aesthetically pleasing, secure and safe place to go for social occasions, quality affordable meals and other hospitality services and facilities. This Club reopened on 17th July 2015 and was renamed "Croydon Park Club", adding a 3rd Club to the 'Club Burwood Group'.
All 3 venues continue to be extremely successful and are poised for continual growth and expansion.
Future Club Premises Plans 2018 click HERE for further information.
Club Premises, 1950
Club Premises, 1958
