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.
14th September 1957
1st meeting of the Leaugues Club held at Griffith Ex-Servicement’s Club. 177 applications for inaugural membership accepted.
16th September 1957
Mr Ted Swadling appointed first steward. Weekly wage 18 pounds.
February 1958
First Friday night raffle. 1st prize 1 dozen bottles of beer.
March 1958
1st poker machine installed. Me must wear ties to social nights as a rule.
November 1963
Committee decide to support the Waratahs.
October 1966
Price of middy rises to 16c.
1970
Minimum age for club membership has been reduced from 21 years to 18 years old.
March 1973
The club becomes an incorporated company.
March 1976
Land next door to the club purchased from Collier and Miller at a cost of $90 000.
May 1977
Disco comes to the Leagues Club Wednesday and Saturday nights.
March 1978
Letter of reference required with new members’ application.
1982
Members subs increased to $5 per year.
April 1989
Women’s Club make initial approach to merge.
January 1990
Northside Leagues Club opens on the former Women’s Club site.
Semptember 1997
No smoking at bar was implemented.
2000
Negotiations were completed with Alan Tan to establish a Chinese restaurant at the Northside venue.
February 2003
Griffith Leagues Club sponsor Yoogali Soccer Club.
September 2003
Billy Thorpe appears at the Southside to a packed crowd.
January 2004
New courtesy bus purchased.
November 2004
Jimmy Barnes performs to a packed house.
June 2005
Grandstand at the EW Moore Rugby Oval completed which can hold up to 500 spectators
July 2005
50% of the club now smoke free
2007
Commencement of “Alpen Terrace” as well as upgrades to existing Sports Bar and TAB
October 2009
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.
December 2018
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.
October 2019
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.
