Gatton RSL to close its doors
THE GATTON RSL Services Club will cease trading by the end of the month after more than 70 years of operation.
Gatton RSL board member Les Nash said they very much regretted having to close the club’s doors.
“The committee is looking at a few things. The gaming is definitely closing on June 24. For all intents and purposes the club will cease trading on June 24,” Mr Nash said.
“As far as specifically booking different areas that will still go on - but we won’t be open for day-to-day trading.
“The place will still be available for those organisations who have booked functions.”
Mr Nash said business was no longer sustainable but the club would endeavour to make sure all employees were paid their benefits, with 15 casual staff set to lose their jobs.
“One of the reasons the club is closing is because of the lack of support from the Gatton community,” he said.
“It’s died down over the years. Another RSL won’t be opening, I don’t think Gatton’s community can support it. We are interested to hear from any organisation who are looking for a large venue area to rent in Gatton.”
The building is owned by the Gatton RSL sub-branch and Mr Nash, who also serves as the president of the branch, said nothing would change on their end.
Commemorative events held by the sub-branch within the building, such as Anzac Day, will not be affected.
“The sub-branch owns the building so the building won’t disappear,” he said.
“Nothing’s changed as far as the sub-branch goes, the RSL club is a totally separate entity.”
The news is a blow for locals like Grahame Davidson, a regular at the club for many years.
“I go every week, at least once a week, sometimes twice a week,” Mr Davidson said. “It’ll be a very big miss.”