Leongatha RSL

“We do a lot of wakes here but have so much more potential for other functions like birthdays, and we recently attracted our first wedding enquiry in quite some time soon after putting in our new carpet,” Greg says.

The changes at Leongatha RSL don’t stop there. Greg has further improvements on his wish list.

“Our immediate top priority is putting in an indoor children’s playroom which we plan to have in place before Christmas,” he reveals.

“Then into 2025 we intend to revamp our existing covered external function area to create a new and improved space which will make it ideal for kids’ parties. Also, next year we are looking to convert our car park to create an additional entrance to the venue and we also want to improve our disabled access. All the changes taking place have been rolled out progressively to ensure minimal disruption to patrons throughout the process.”

Although the host of improvements within the venue are focused on looking forward, Leongatha RSL also remains very respectful of its past.

“We’ve been here for just over 100 years. 2023 was our centenary. The original building is part of the Bistro and has been added on to over time,” Greg notes.

“There’s a lot of history here and another of the things we are doing as part of the revamp taking place is improving how our extensive collection of military memorabilia is showcased. We’re making better use of our wall space to display items of interest and are extremely excited to have established a new Memorabilia Room for everyone to enjoy,” he adds.

This purpose-built facility has been equipped with glass cabinetry to display uniforms, medals and many other memorabilia items, and also has a computer which can be used for further information and research purposes.

The collection includes an array of memorabilia from both World Wars and the conflict in Vietnam. Amongst the many items of interest are possessions which belonged to Dr. Horace Pern, who became Leongatha RSL’s inaugural President after serving as a Major in the 19th Battalion A.I.F. during World War One.

“Given that he has the distinction of being our first President, Dr. Pern’s memorabilia will be appropriately showcased within the venue,” Greg says.

Leongatha RSL continues to be renowned for the recognition it bestows on service men and women.

“We hold a free lunch for service personnel and their partners once a month and also have a welfare hub at another building close by where our welfare advocates are in attendance every Thursday,” Greg reveals.

“We’re currently putting together a business model to convert the resource hub into an education centre for school groups and other interested people to visit,” he adds.

ANZAC Day is always a very special annual day of remembrance at the Leongatha RSL.

“We do a gunfire breakfast every year after the dawn service, then do lunch after the 11am service,” Greg observes.

Amongst its range of merchandise items, Leongatha RSL has just added a pair of limited edition commemorative wines which honour two local service veterans on their labels.

“We’ve released a Shiraz and a Sauvignon Blanc,” Greg reveals.

“The Shiraz label features Bill Owen, who died at Kokoda during the Second World War. Bill was originally from Nagambie but moved to Leongatha to work at the State Savings Bank of Victoria in the early 1930s. He was suggested to us to by the Leongatha Historical Society amongst many local war heroes deserving of recognition.

“Leongatha local Oscar Matthies, who was killed in action at Gallipoli, is the other serviceman depicted on the Sauvignon Blanc label. The image of Oscar is taken from a portrait painting of him donated to the RSL in 2015 on the 100th anniversary of his passing by Madison Wight from Leongatha Secondary College, so it has a particularly close and personal connection to us.”

With the transformation taking place within the venue, now is the perfect time to visit Leongatha RSL.

“If you’re with a few mates you can watch the footy and the races in the Sports Bar, or if you’re bringing your wife for a nice meal, we have the restaurant with our a la carte Australian style menu which includes all the popular favourites. We also have gaming facilities, and with the return of live music we’re making the venue a hub of entertainment for local people and the wider communities of nearby towns such as Korumburra and Mirboo North.”

Leongatha RSL currently has a growing base of more than 2,800 members.

“We certainly punch above our weight for the population of the town,” Greg suggests.

“Our challenge now is to provide the service to those members and the wider community. We have a great team of staff who deserve all the praise we often hear about them from patrons via social media reviews and word-of-mouth feedback. Our staff members range from people who have been here for thirty years to young locals that we’ve provided opportunities to as they start their careers in hospitality.”

Greg concludes with an open invitation to readers.

“Come and see why everyone is loving the changes we’ve made. It will be our pleasure to look after you and make you feel welcome,” he says.

Leongatha RSL is located in the heart of the town on the corner of Smith Street and Michael Place. The venue is open from 10am to 10pm on Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 11pm on Thursday and Friday, 11am to 11pm on Saturday and 11am to 10pm on Sunday. For further information, visit www.leongatha-rsl.com.au at any time.

Become a RSL Member

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Daily Food & Beverage Promotions

10% Discount on Food and Beverage

Thursday Members night – Happy Hour, Members Draw, Raffles. Fab Friday’s – Members Draw, Meat Tray Raffles, Joker Poker

Shows & Events

For Upcoming Shows and Events check the Website regularly

Bistro Hours

Monday – Saturday:

Lunch: 12pm – 2pm

Dinner: 5:30pm – 8pm

Sunday: Lunch: 12pm – 2pm

Dinner: 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Dinner Bookings Essential

Venue Trading Hours

Monday – Wednesday: 10am-10pm

Thursday & Friday: 10am-11pm Saturday: 11am-11pm | Sunday: 11am-10pm

Let us host your next Function

Let us look after your event and create an event to remember! With a large range of function services available, Leongatha RSL is here to provide you with memorable events and great local service.

Poppy Café

Red Poppy Café pays homage to our Service Men and Women and offers a bright space for coffee and a light snack every day of the week.