CLUB ROSE BAY honouring the ANZAC tradition

RSL clubs evolved as a past service for people who went to war and returned needing help. They also offered consolation and support for families who lost loved ones in the wars.

This notion of car ing remains to this day and the new GM at the Club Rose Bay seeks to ensure it remains a caring and familial community space where people can gather and share food and conversation.

Bud O'B rien ha s taken the reigns at Club Rose Bay. "Today, we’re a place for everyone, young, old, or in between, and we're a community where you can always come in and feel welcome. It's a relaxed ‘drop in and have a beer’ attitude with the usual Friday night meat raffles and tucked away poker machines."

The club is blessed to have pockets of small and large spaces and hosts many community activities from Sea Survival courses and Radio Clubs to Mahjong. Membership is inexpensive and visitors are welcome if they live over 5kms away.

A young lady walks by with a dog. "Are dogs allowed?" I wonder - "Yes", but only outside" is the reply - Three children race across the floor, and I ask where they’re going. "To the kids room, they absolutely love it"

We are sitting in the bistro and there’s a moment when I can smell burgers. The Chef, Ray Lo, makes them mean and very bacony.

I hear about the American who visited a few weeks ago and says it was the best burger he’d ever tasted. I resist, and order a coffee. There are a l ot of stories here. From old war tales to narratives surrounding Rose Bay airport, which Ansett flew into until 1974. A couple of old guys wave from a table outside and neighbours drop in for a beer. Hugs all round. Local diggers come here to feel remembered.

Last, but n ot least, there are ‘museum’ pieces, medals and boots and the propeller from a fighter plane. Photographs on the walls and folk who tell stories. There's a lot of history here and history should be treasured, it reminds us of who we were, what should be preserved, how we can grow, and what can be improved.

Honouring traditio n the Club plays the 'Last Post' daily, followed by a minute's silence. A mark of gratitude for the sacrifices made and a reminder that "The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance "

RSL Clubs in Austra lia are places we can visit to connect to the past and feel a sense of home. There’s no judgement here and there is fine hospitality. And there is family. And there is joy. So next time you feel like a story or two, or a beer or two, or a chat.. drop on in. We’re always fun!

CLUB ROSE BAY

1 VICKERY AVE, ROSE BAY 9371 9412 www.clubrosebay.com.au