History
It was back in September 1957, when like minded rugby league enthusiasts gathered a meeting together and set on the path of purchasing a property to develop a licensed Leagues Club. From small beginnings, the club was started in what was one of the oldest homes in Griffith on the same site the Southside club stands today. Slowly the old house underwent changes to accommodate the club style required and became a drinking hole of choice for the 242 inaugural members and guests.
1957
14th September 1st meeting of the Leaugues Club held at Griffith Ex-Servicement’s Club. 177 applications for inaugural membership accepted.
1957
16th September Mr Ted Swadling appointed first steward. Weekly wage 18 pounds.
1958
February First Friday night raffle. 1st prize 1 dozen bottles of beer.
1958
March 1st poker machine installed. Men must wear ties to social nights as a rule.
1963
November Committee decide to support the Waratahs.
1966
October Price of middy rises to 16c.
1970
Minimum age for club membership has been reduced from 21 years to 18 years old.
1973
The club becomes an incorporated company.
1976
March Land next door to the club purchased from Collier and Miller at a cost of $90 000.
1977
Disco comes to the Leagues Club Wednesday and Saturday nights.
1978
March Letter of reference required with new members’ application.
1982
Members subs increased to $5 per year.
1989
April Women’s Club make initial approach to merge.
1990
January Northside Leagues Club opens on the former Women’s Club site.
1997
September No smoking at bar was implemented.
2000
Negotiations were completed with Alan Tan to establish a Chinese restaurant at the Northside venue.
2003
February Griffith Leagues Club sponsor Yoogali Soccer Club.
2003
September Billy Thorpe appears at the Southside to a packed crowd.
2004
November Jimmy Barnes performs to a packed house.
2005
June Grandstand at the EW Moore Rugby Oval completed which can hold up to 500 spectators
2005
July 50% of the club now smoke free
2007
Commencement of “Alpen Terrace” as well as upgrades to existing Sports Bar and TAB
2009
October Completion and official opening of the Stage 1 Development at Southside involving new members bar, new TAB and new outdoor family area. Ken Alpen opened the Alpen terrace along with 3 generations of Alpens at the Grand opening
2015
A major upgrade has been planned to update the Noel Gale Lounge area as well as a new alfresco gaming area, which will be constructed in the current office location.
2018
Bistro and Function renovations completed. Additional booth seating and speedier ordering services introduced.
2018
December Life Membership. was awarded to Graeme Trevett. Very few members ever receive this status with only 8 honorary life memberships being awarded in the clubs 61-year history.
2019
October Griffith Leagues Club becomes major sponsor of Griffith Relay for Life. The event was a success with 43 teams and 468 passionate participants taking to the track in the fight against cancer.
2019
Record profit net of $1 360 526
For a more comprehensive look at our history take a look at Griffith Leagues Club History Through Time.
