Revived Coledale club collects top NSW volunteer gong

Broke and closed just a couple of years ago Coledale RSL Club is going gangbusters.

Powered and led by volunteers, the small and friendly seaside club now is not only the toast of northern Illawarra locals and visitors from afar as never before in its 77-year history but continues to collect accolades … most recently, Club Volunteer of the Year 2024 at the NSW Volunteer awards.

From pulling beers and mixing cocktails to cleaning up in the morning to mowing the grass and making further improvements, volunteers are powering the success of Coledale RSL Club.

It’s a two-way street, according to club president Melissa Ellery.

“Our community has backed us all the way and now we are giving back with not just a friendly venue with drinks and food but music, events and activities that has the community at its heart,” Melissa said.

Recent grants have allowed the club’s board to put in double-glazed windows and acoustic curtains to allow more bands and music without compromising its impact on residents.

As Melissa puts it … “We want Coledale RSL to be known as a place where there's always something happening, a place where people of all ages and interests are welcome."

That’s the way residents and the volunteers like it as Coledale RSL, powered by volunteers, heads full steam into 2025.

Look out for a print feature on the crew at Coledale RSL Club in our next edition – out February 1