RSL has big plans for the future
Mon 14 May 2007
Robyn Daniels, Journalism
The Caloundra RSL Club has recently completed major renovations to its sub branch area, for ex-service personnel and guests, and has more changes on the way.
Recently appointed Sub Branch President Barry Johnson said the renovations have been 
a lot of work but worth while.
“The whole reason we’re doing it is to be able to look after the health and welfare of returned service men and women better,” Mr Johnson said.
Mr Johnson said the extensions included three new pensioner’s welfare offices and major extensions and upgrades in the members lounge, including plasma televisions and a pool table.
“It will be like a club within a club,” Mr Johnson said.
Mr Johnson said plans are also underway for a $1.5 million memorabilia display in the downstairs car park, to be finished by mid-2008.
Junior Vice President of the sub branch Bruce Neilson said other expansions to the club, to be finished by May next year, include an entertainment auditorium and themed eating areas.
“A lot of the new plans are designed so the RSL can be used more for functions,” Mr Neilson said.
“The auditorium will be a closed off area and should seat about 500 people. The RSL will be charging for shows in there because we are expecting bigger artists.”
“It all started almost 12 months ago but we’ve just been nibbling away, trying to get plans through council,” Mr Neilson said.
“The whole RSL will have a brighter and fresher look.”
Mr Neilson also said the RSL had bought a neighbouring block of 10 houses to extend the car park.
Caloundra RSL Club employee, Mansy Green, has worked there for 10 years and says there is a feeling of excitement within the staff.
“What I know I’m looking forward to the most is the new staff room,” Mrs Green said.
“We’ve been using a demountable for more than 12 months now and it’s a bit shabby.”
Mrs Green also said she had heard excellent feedback from customers on the new kids’ entertainment area, Cosmic Cave, with her own granddaughter regularly using it.
Image(s) designed by Robyn Daniels