Building a Bigger, Better Business Model for Bathurst RSL

The $750,000 project was delayed and made more difficult by the pandemic and associated materials shortages, but is now on track to open in mid-September as part of the Club’s ongoing plan for improvement and diversification.

“We are renovating the Lounge Bar and Coffee Shop areas to reinvigorate and update the aesthetics, décor, finishings and furniture. We hope to create a more contemporary, attractive and welcoming dining area,” says Bathurst RSL CEO Peter Sargent.

“The area was tired and under-utilised. Over the past few years, the Club's Bistro and Coffee Shop business has grown considerably, and we were running out of room for people to sit down and enjoy a meal. The renovations will add more seating and be a more attractive and welcoming area.”

Demand for the Club’s facilities might grow further with news that for the second year in a row Bathurst RSL was a winner at ClubsNSW’s Perfect Plate Awards night, with Bathurst Bistro’s Humpty Doo Barramundi taking out the Regional Award for the Central West.

We are currently reviewing other business diversification opportunities as part of our strategic plan moving forward.

ClubsNSW Ambassador and former NRL star Nathan Hindmarsh travelled to the Club to try the dish in June and described it as, “an outstanding meal” while many more voting visitors agreed.

“The reaction has been fantastic, and our members are really proud of the achievement, especially as we've managed to win an award for two years running. The pressure is on now for next year,” says Peter.

The latest renovations are a continuation of efforts to maintain Bathurst RSL’s standing as a relevant and attractive part of the local community as well as a viable business.

“The Club started diversifying some years ago, firstly by reacquiring the gym next door – CityFit - which was actually built by the Club in 1973-74. We don’t operate the gym but the rent has become an important part of diversified revenue for the Club,” says Peter.

“We also put in a hole-in-the-wall style coffee shop at the front of the Club about 4 years ago - The Grind - which has continued to grow since that time and has become a very valuable part of our catering business. We are also currently reviewing other business diversification opportunities as part of our strategic plan moving forward.”

In addition, Bathurst RSL has recently joined with local youth service Veritas House in unveiling a newly-renovated three-bedroom house, which will be used to support young people and families in the Bathurst community, transitioning from homelessness to living independently.

The project is aimed at supporting young people who are either experiencing or are at risk of homelessness in Bathurst with the newly-renovated property to be leased to tenants at a heavily-reduced rate with case workers providing support in obtaining household essentials, securing ongoing income, and learning budget and tenancy management skills.