Established in 1947 by a group of returned ex-servicemen, the Richmond Club has grown to become the Hawkesburys largest registered club and an integral part of the local community. From humble beginnings, the Richmond Club Ltd began in a drill hall in Bosworth street before moving to the current site in 1950. Affectionaltely known as “Duffy’s Tavern” after one of the clubs foundation members, the first club house was little more than a room with a bar and a few tables and chairs. It was a meeting place for 1^st world war diggers and the many young diggers who had not long been discharged after serving in the 2^nd World War.

Excerpts from meetings, motioned moved, seconded and carried:

June 1947

“that women shall not be admitted to the club premises only for normally constituted meetings of the women’s auxillery to which permission has been granted by the full management committee and on no occaisios will women be allowed access to the bar”

February 1948

“that in the event of Woodhill and Co. lease being cancelled by the Department of Interior, the club make immediate enquiries to the AQMC Eastern Command, Victoria Barracks requiring lease of the premises”

April 1948

“that a General Meeting of the Richmond Ex-Servicemans Club Limited be called to consider the lease of the bowling green provided that the RSL request the Ex-Servicemans Club Limited to lease the bowling green from them”

May 1949

“Letter from the RSL re the Club forming a Bowling Club”

1948

An application was made for an RSL Club licence which was rejected in favour of an Ex-Servicemens licence

1950

The licence was transferred from the old drill hall in Bosworth Street to the premises at East Market Street.

1959

The next major expansion step took place with the addition of the rooms which were known as the Auditorium, Toxana Room and Foyer. The Toxana room was used as a Sports room and contained no Bar or other amenities.

1968

The next major extension was opened consisiting of the existing Gaming room with provision for a Billiards and Snooker Room. At the same time the RSL Hall was incorporated into the club and is now known as the Bligh Room

1973

Whilst food service was available at the club over a period of many years, it was always a service to areas where members & Guests were seated. The first restaurant and snack bar was built and the food service throughout the other club areas was discontinued.

1974

The club purchased the property from the RSL Sub Branch. The Richmond RSL Sub Branch carried the financing of this transaction

1980

An offer was made and an agreement reached to purchase the RSL Hall (built in 1967) from the Sub Branch.

1988

Major renovations with the construction of a new Brasserie, Restaurant, Functions Room and renovations

1996

Major renovations to increase Gaming and Lounge facilities and increase Brasserie seating

1997

At the Annual General Meeting, members voted to change the club name to The Richmond Club.

2004

The Richmond Club acquired the Hawkesbury Community and RSL Nursing Homes including Richmond Nursing Home and Norman Court Retirement Village

2005

Major renovations including the construction of a Fitness Centre, new Sports Bar and Games Room, and updated Air Conditioning