RUSSELL ISLAND RSL CLUB RE-OPENS WITH SMALL STEPS!
At the time of reading this, The Russell Island RSL Club will have almost re-opened its doors.
Re-opening day will be on Friday, August 5
The doors of the club have been shut since it was shut down in the December lead-up to Christmas 2021, by an earlier sub branch administration.
Since that time there has been considerable drama, with the people who closed down the club now long gone.
The a new sub branch committee, has worked diligently in recent weeks, to come up with a plan to re-open the once successful and popular island club.
After satisfactory negotiations with the Returned and Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) South Eastern Division Ltd , the club has been able to address its major issues to allow for a re-opening.
It is a brilliant outcome for the sub branch, the club and the islands.
However, the sub branch President Keith Velleman told The Friendly Bay Islander that the initial re-opening steps will be ‘small ones’.
“We are relying heavily on committee and volunteers to get the club open and on its feet to start with.
“That’s why in our first week it was a case of three days opening on Friday, Saturday and Sunday August 5, 6 and 7 with limited services and operations.
“That will step up in our second week of operation and onwards to be open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am till Late.”
A huge factor will be the re-opening of Billy’s Bistro.
Keith Velleman said: “We hope to have Kev and his famous menus available to club members and guests is a real plus,”
The sub branch president said that closing times in particular, may be ‘adjusted’ somewhat.
“These may fluctuate from time to time, depending on demand and support from the island community.”
Friday Raffles, pool comps and karaoke will start immediately, but other events and services will re-start over time. There will be no bus pick-up service initially.
Keno will be fully operational, but there will be no TAB facilities due to so many gaming services now available ‘on line’.
Keith Velleman says the club at the present time is very ‘cost conscious’.
“Over time, we hope to introduce some exciting new directions at the club that we hope will be enjoyed and supported by the island community.”
“We are looking for volunteers, and if anyone can assist in this regard, the club would like to hear from you.
“Also there will be some employment opportunities with people who have the right qualifications such as RSA/RSG certificates, needed for bar and gaming staff.
All initial positions will be casual.
If you are interested in these positions, you may send your resume to: secretary@rirsl.com.au
PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT YOUR ISLAND CLUB!
• Sub Branch president Keith Velleman and committee working on getting club ready for re-opening.