The sleeping giant of clubs in western Sydney is set to be awoken this year with major redevelopments and initiatives planned for Penrith RSL.
The Western Weekender can reveal significant plans are underway for a new multi-storey car park at the RSL, which CEO Neel Chand expects to be completed by the end of the year.
And by ANZAC Day, the club hopes to unveil an extraordinary new display paying tribute to the significance of Australia’s efforts in war, and to those who fought for their country.
The display will be unlike anything ever seen at other RSL clubs, and is being constructed off-site before opening within the next few months.
Since being appointed nearly two years ago, Mr Chand has implemented a “back to basics” approach combined with a vision to ensure the club emerges as a major leader in Penrith.
“This club is in such a great position. It’s a great location and has so much potential,” Mr Chand said.
“We’ve got about 22,000 members, which is a good place to start, and we’re not landlocked, so we have the opportunity to expand.”
With a simple but effective one-page strategic plan in his back pocket, Mr Chand is playing his cards close to his chest about other upcoming initiatives at the club, many of which will be launched this year.
The challenge is ensuring the RSL’s traditional members are looked after, while also attracting new members to the club.
“We want to retain and look after everyone we have,” he said.
“If you go to ZACS at lunch time, a good 90 to 95 per cent are my older members. We still look after them, but we’re doing things now to try to attract new members and families – and we’re starting with entertainment.”
That entertainment includes free live bands on Friday and Saturday nights, plus a piano lounge on weekends.
Mr Chand has even moved popular band Seattle Sound out of their traditional paid-for home in the club’s Showroom and made them a free act.
But it is the car park that has Mr Chand most excited at the moment. His background at venues such as Acer Arena and Rooty Hill RSL means he knows the importance of accessibility.
“The car park is five levels with undercover direct access into the club,” he said.
“I’m hoping work will start in February and it’ll be done by August.”
Another thing the RSL has going for it is its strong record of safety, despite its size. It’s understood just one incident occurred on New Year’s Eve, despite thousands at the venue.
“The big thing for us is that we are considered a very safe venue – the police love working with us,” he said.
“We’ve got a lot of customers who come here because we are known as a safe venue. We don’t make the papers and the headlines for assaults and brawls.”
The Weekender can reveal that further changes at the club include the re-location of the reception area, a refurbishment of the TAB and the possible opening of a new bottle shop. Other dining options are also on the cards.
