The Cronulla Chamber of Commerce has been working hard with the local businesses while the contractors engaged by Council upgrade the northern end of Cronulla Street. The works are due to cease at the end of November with all construction works, fencing and materials cleaned from the area to ensure the wider community can enjoy, shop and eat in a gentrified high street.

Through the ClubGRANTS program, Cronulla RSL have been able to support Wondering Women, to provide programs aimed at assisting mental health, well-being and providing essential life skills.

Are you looking for a welcoming and inclusive community to play football with next year? Look no further! Cronulla RSL Football Club is a family-friendly football club and is now accepting expressions of interest for the 2024 season.

Check out all the photos from Melbourne Cup 2023 at Cronulla RSL. Cronulla RSL was awash with an array of beautiful and elegant attire, as members and guests came together to celebrate this iconic horse racing event.

On Saturday 11th November, the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch held a commemorative service at Cronulla Park.

At 11am on 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. A call for an armistice (suspension of fighting) was made in order to secure a peace settlement.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to honour the sacrifice of service personnel who have fought and died in war, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Through the ClubGRANTS program, Cronulla RSL were able to assist Skillz4me deliver an inclusive program, providing access to beach activities for families of children with a disability.

Cronulla RSL ‘Trees of Hope’ Campaign has returned to Cronulla RSL, in a bid to raise awareness for local community groups.

11 local not-for-profit organisations have been invited to decorate a Christmas Tree, which will be displayed in the club foyer. Members, guests, staff & board will vote for their favourite tree, with the most popular trees winning a share of over $4,000.

Representatives from the organisations were encouraged to adorn their tree with ornaments that reflects the services and assistance they give to residents in the Sutherland Shire.

‘Trees of Hope’ has been brightening up Cronulla RSL during the festive season since 2016. Club CEO Sue McNeill says the campaign raises awareness for the wonderful work undertaken by these organisations. ‘Cronulla has an amazing and diverse community. Trees of Hope is a great chance for charities to gain exposure to our members during the Christmas season.’ McNeill said.

This year the following organisations will be participating in Trees of Hope:

• Cronulla Community Cafe: The Cronulla Community Cafe support people in need, by providing a no-cost food service.

• Dandelion Support Network Inc: A grassroots not-for-profit that supports children and families in need.

• Hopefield: Hopefield's purpose is to serve those in our community experiencing poverty, disadvantage, distress or isolation.

• Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation: Delivering services to young people impacted by family mental illness with the aim of empowering them to build resilience, lifelong knowledge and abilities so they can reach their potential.

• Learning Links: Learning Links works in collaboration with schools, early childhood settings and parents to help children with learning disabilities and difficulties.

• Sailability Cronulla: Sailability help the elderly, the financially/ socially disadvantaged as well as people with physical challenges get access to sailing.

• Endeavour SKWAD: Students in Support Units in mainstream schools receive no effective funding for specialised programs and resources. SKWAD fundraises to address this deficiency.

• Stellar Experiences: Empowering Independence. Inspiring Inclusion. Through supported social outings, travel & individual experiences

• Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter: The shelter houses dogs and cats that have been abandoned, found stray, surrendered or have been seized. If animals cannot be returned to their owners, the shelter seeks new homes for them.

• Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch: A dedicated group of veterans and their supporters, united in our commitment to serving those who have served our nation. We provide essential support services to veterans and their families.

• Surfers Rescue 24/7: Surfers Rescue 24/7 is a free board rescue and CPR course available for all surfers and recreational water users in NSW. An initiative of Surfing NSW.

The Club’s Community Projects Manager, Natalie Hawkins, says ‘ the program is a fantastic way to educate our members & guests about the fantastic services that these groups provide to our community’.

“One great story, is how two cats who had been at the Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter for 12 months, found a new home after a lady visiting for lunch was really touched by the animal shelters tree. She was unaware of the animal shelter and the volume of animals needing to be adopted, and made a trip to the shelter the next day" said Natalie.

'We have, also seen some great collaborations between the organisations, that have come about by connecting organisations on decoration or presentation day’. One example, is the Community Cafe assisting Hopefield in finding a new location for their hub in Cronulla, or Sailability working with Stellar Experiences to provide their guests with a sailing experience” Natalie said.

This year, members & guests who vote also have a chance to win a Cronulla RSL restaurant voucher.

To view & vote for their favourite tree, members of the community will need to visit Cronulla RSL between 9th November - 21st December. For more information, visit the Trees of Hope webpage www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/treesofhope.

Australian Defence Force does not have a duty-of-care to Military Working Dogs (MWD) veterans when their service ends. Because of the typical age of MWD retirement, the people who take on responsibility for veteran dogs are unable to take out pet insurance to help with the costs of their veterinary care. Unfortunately, many of the health costs come at the end of a dog’s life. This can be a significant impost on those that have given our military working dogs their retirement home. There is currently no Department of Veterans Affairs waiting to support our war dogs when they retire. We owe them so much, at least to make their last few years of life comfortable and provide them with the medical treatment they need. The Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation has a program in place to financially help and support these veteran Aussie MWDs.

Cronulla RSL Member, Norma Arden has recently been recognised for her contribution to the Cronulla RSL War Widows, being awarded Life Membership of the Australian War Widows Guild of Australia.

Norma was recently presented with the award by Pru Bennett, grandniece of Jessie Vasey.  Jessie Vasey  (19 October 1897 – 22 September 1966) was the founder and President of the War Widows' Guild of Australia. 

Mrs Arden (aged 94) is the Co-ordinator of the Cronulla War Widows Social Club, formally the Honorary President of the Cronulla War Widows Guild Club. Mrs Arden joined the organisation in 1995, having lost her husband John in 1994. Mr Arden was a WW2 veteran. Mrs Arden has overseen and supported the delivery of social connection services through the Cronulla Club for more than 10 years.

Norma is a local leader, ensuring that the war widows in Cronulla continue to meet monthly, she plans their outings and events. Mrs Arden continues to attend services such as War Widows Day, Field and Remembrance and AGM. She is a very active member of our community ensuring war widows remain connected, informed and supported.  

Congratulations & thank you, Norma!

Cronulla RSL has been recognised by RSL & Services Clubs Association, for its outstanding contribution to members and the local community throughout the past 12 months, being awarded the “Spirit of ANZAC Award - Highly Commended”.

The award shines a spotlight on RSL clubs around the nation, who epitomise the sacrifice of those who served in the defence of our nation and in the traditions of the ANZAC's – courage, endurance, initiative, discipline and mateship.

From the 1st July 2022 – 30th June 2023 Cronulla RSL worked with a number of wonderful organistaions and donated approx. $260,000 to the local community ($40,000 in-kind, $134,000 ClubGRANTS, $85,000 cash donations). In addition, The Club continued to remain dedicated to the recognition of remembrance days, whilst identifying and creating more relevant ways to provide support.

Cronulla RSL Community Projects Manager, Natalie Hawkins said ‘ The Club (Cronulla RSL) has a deep-rooted commitment to serving and supporting the local community, and we always strive to make a positive and lasting impact’.

‘Over the past 12 months, The Club has continued to go beyond its primary role as a veterans' club, and has extended its reach to various community initiatives, charitable causes and events, that uplift and enrich the lives of individuals and families in the Sutherland Shire. The unwavering support of our members and local community has been the driving force behind our incredible contribution’ said Natalie.

Thanks to Surfers Rescue 24/7, Cronulla RSL is now home to a trauma kit. This kit will be on-hand to rapidly deploy in the event of a life-threatening trauma event on the beach, if our wonderful professional & volunteer lifeguards aren't on patrol.

Developed by Surfing NSW, in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) as part of the Shark Smart program, these kits have been purpose-built by TacMed Australia Paramedics and Military Medics.

The Volkswagen Cronulla Surf Masters is set to return to Cronulla Beach the 21st October 2023 for an epic day of competition. The one-day event will see over 100 of NSW’s best shortboarders aged over 28 compete.

The states talent-pool of masters surfers will be showcased. The annual event is highly regarded by former professionals to local grassroots legends who are drawn to the Sutherland Shire to compete each year.

There will be five age divisions being contested with the Over-28 Men, Over-35 Men and Women, Over-45 Men and Women, Over-55 Men and Women, and Over-65 Men all competing.

Throughout September, you can help reduce waste and feed hungry kids by dropping off your unwanted snack and pantry items to Cronulla RSL.

Through their partnership with OzHarvest, Snacktember will arrange for these food donations to be redistributed to children in need.

Since it started, Snacktember has collected over 750 kgs of snacks to share with the disadvantaged and those facing food insecurity. These collections have helped to contribute to the delivery of more than 500 meals for hungry kids.

Over five weeks, local up-and-coming musicians took the stage at Cronulla RSL, as part of the Club’s Headline Acts competition.

Following in the footsteps of the 2022 Clash of the Chords competition, won by Ryan & Jade, this voters choice competition has become a highly anticipated and celebrated occasion that brings immense benefits to both club members and the local community.

Supported by incredible businesses & brands (Headline Acts, Craig Woodward, The Brass Monkey, Menai Music & Engadine Music), the competition attracted a diverse range of talent and created a vibrant atmosphere that extended beyond the club walls; not only enhancing the social and cultural experiences of club members & guests, but also providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and gain exposure.

The Club received a number of quality nominations, from talented solo artists, duos and bands from around the Sutherland Shire & Greater Sydney. 19 acts were chosen to perform in the Club’s Sunroom, for a chance at winning $2000 cash, a 1:1 recording session with Craig Woodward, a headline show at the Brass Monkey and three professional singing lessons from Sutherland Shire Singing.

This innovative event allowed club patrons to actively participate in the competition, by selecting their favourite performances. Acts with the most votes in the ‘heat rounds’, received an entry into the ‘final round’.

Syda, 12:51, Gilded Rose & Spinning Cupids progressed to the final round, with a judging panel, selecting Spinning Cupids as the winning act on the night.

Cronulla RSL have launched a new merchandise range, in collaboration with Stanno Australia.

This long-awaited addition brings a fresh and vibrant dimension to our sub-clubs and sporting clubs, with the new online store providing a dedicated space where members can discover and acquire branded club merchandise.

Stanno Australia is a functional, progressive, technical sports brand, that supplies a wide range of superior quality sporting products, from teamwear, and goalkeeping equipment to clothing and sports accessories. Thousands of sporting clubs, schools, and leagues, all across the world, have already developed partnerships with Stanno, purchasing team kits, training wear, clothing and accessories year after year.

Cronulla RSL's exciting launch of the new range in collaboration with Stanno, revolutionises the convenience and accessibility of acquiring club merchandise for its members.

With this innovative platform, members now have the flexibility to browse and select their desired items from the comfort of their own homes via an online store, that offers a seamless and user-friendly experience. Members can also easily customise their chosen items by adding personal touches with the Cronulla RSL, sub-club or sporting group logo.

Southside Malibu Club’s equipment trailer had seen better days. After all the rain experienced during the La Niña, their equipment became wet and mouldy due to the trailer not being water tight. This, coupled with the growing club’s storage needs, President Joe Glendinning decided was time to get an upgrade.

Cronulla RSL proudly supported the upgrade of their existing trailer, including a modification & wrap.

Cronulla RSL regularly support a wide range of activities, projects and programs to help build a stronger community. ‘Many of the Southside Malibu members are also members here at the Club. When we heard about their situation, we didn’t hesitate to help them out’ said Cronulla RSL Community Projects Manager, Natalie Hawkins.

Thanks to the fantastic work of local suppliers Surf ‘N’ Rack & CJ’s Signs, the club now has a water-tight trailer, ready for use for the remainder of their competition season and beyond.

The Trailer will be located on the Esplanade, and can easily be recognsised thanks to the eye-catching graphic design work.

STAFF REPORT: Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival

By Steve Core, Watergrill Restaurant @ Cronulla RSL

FRIDAY - El GUAPO

Day two of the Cronulla Jazz Festival kicked off to a rocking start on Saturday in the Cronulla RSL's Sun Room with a stellar performance by the surf instrumental band 'El Guapo'. Fronted by legendary guitarist, Steve Edmonds, the boys held the receptive crowd captive by cranking out some amazing surf-related tunes on their twanging guitars.

And what a ideal backdrop for a surf band, our Club right on the beach with a salty, beach-drenched back-drop. How perfect.

'El Guapo' in Spanish means... the handsome one. Wearing their Mexican themed masks for the entire 'act', they didn't fool us, we knew exactlt who these talented guys were.

Being an old surfer myself, the boys from 'El Guapo' certainly had my foot tapping through their afternoon set. I managed to grab a few photos, I'll share them here.

Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club can now safely negotiate surf, travel distances and operate in difficult circumstances to return their patients to the beach quickly and safely, thanks to the recent donation from Cronulla RSL, of an outboard motor for their inflatable rescue boat (IRB).

Approximately 20-30% of all ocean rescues, and certainly the most difficult and serious rescues, are performed using the IRB. The IRB is also used for search and rescue operations, and to provide water safety for weekly nippers, Club events and community events.

Cronulla SLSC, formed in 1908, was one of the first surf life saving clubs in Australia. It is one of the longest serving community groups in the Shire, providing a lifesaving service to Cronulla Beach and the surrounding ocean area. It is estimated that lifesavers perform up to ninety rescues per summer season.

70 years ago…May 16 1953, Cronulla RSL was officially opened by the Governor of NSW.

Last night we held our Annual General Meeting. We celebrated Janet Kent’s Life Membership, the successful election of John Brown as President, and Director’s John Van Voorst and Peter Kerr retained their positions on the Board.

We will be celebrating our 70th birthday all through June until the end of August.
Stay tuned for what’s coming up!

Cronulla RSL have been announced a winner of the 2023 ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Awards, in the ‘Heart of the Community’ category.

The Heart of the Community Award recognises the outstanding efforts of clubs that have had a significant positive impact on their community by contributing to and/or improving the social, cultural, financial or environmental wellbeing of the community.

The Club’s nomination “No Dog Left Behind” was based on these club’s fundraising efforts to support the Australian War Animal Memorial Organsiation (AWAMO) and the Sutherland Shire’s local Veteran War Dog, . In addition, Cronulla RSL was recognised as the first RSL club in NSW to establish an AWAMO supported memorial plaque for war animals and the first club in Australia to provide a retired war veteran dog club membership.

All finalist’s stories were reviewed by an independent panel of judges, who scored the nominations based on a judging criteria. Judges for 2023 included Gemma Rygate (CEO The Centre for Volunteering), Nathan Hindmarsh (ClubsNSW Ambassador), Louise Roberts (National Editor 360 Commercial for News Corp Australia) & Steve Pearce (CEO Surf Life Saving NSW).

Winners of the awards were announced at the 2023 Clubs & Community Awards Night, held in Sydney on the 18th May.

Cronulla CRSL CEO, Sue McNeill said ‘Manic has been coming to our club for the past three ANZAC Days, and has become really well known in our community. It would be great to see the other retired military war dogs be looked after too; the club’s industry is the perfect place for that to happen’

‘The club would like to thank the Cronulla RSL Board of Directors & the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch, for their support in helping us place a great emphasis on this cause. We must also acknowledge our incredible staff, who work tirelessly and passionately behind the scenes, to bring our ideas to life.’

‘A very special thank you Manic’s family, as they have allowed us to put the spotlight on Manic to help tell the story. Manic has become an ambassador for all working dogs, animals impacted by war & AWAMO’ said McNeill.

Because of the typical age of military working dog’s retirement, the people who take on responsibility for veteran dogs are unable to take out pet insurance to help with the costs of their veterinary care. Unfortunately, many of the significant health costs come at the end of a dog’s life. This can be a significant impost on those that have given our military working dogs their retirement home.

AWAMO are currently working tirelessly to support and provide much-needed food, medication, and ground support to those helping the innocent animals of Ukraine suffering through conflict via their sub-branch, Australian Animal Aid.

‘We hope that our efforts encourage other clubs to support their local service dog, and get behind AWAMO’ McNeill said.

To help inspire organisations such as clubs and schools around Australia, to commemorate War Animal Day on February 24th each year, Cronulla RSL have established a helpful downloadable guide, to assist staff with implementing the special day in their commemorative calendar. This also includes a template letter, for individuals to use to approach their local club about supporting animals impacted by war.

The Club will now work with AWAMO to help identify the location of other retired Military Working Dogs, and encourage their local club to provide support.

Cronulla RSL was also nominated for an award in the ‘Arts & Culture’ category, which recognises clubs empowering and developing arts and culture in the community, including supporting artists and performers, celebrating Indigenous culture, and helping provide public programming such as festivals, events, music, film, performing arts, and the presentation of literature.

The “Walk the Walls” nomination focused on The Club’s sponsorship of the Sutherland Shire Council’s Cronulla Walk the Walls Festival, and the transformation of the club’s car park wall in an effort to beautify our urban space, reduce crime and support artists.

For more information on
Memorial Garden https://cronullarsl.com.au/cronulla-rsl-community/memorialgarden
Fundraising 2023 https://cronullarsl.com.au/cronulla-rsl-community/anzacday23
Fundraising 2022 https://cronullarsl.com.au/cronulla-rsl-community/anzacdayfundraising
War Animal Day https://cronullarsl.com.au/cronulla-rsl-community/war-animal-day-23 https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/waranimalday

War Animal Day Guide https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/waranimaldayguide