CEO Dean Thomas said that from inception in 1947, the club had a history of evolving with the community by creating vibrant places that brought people together.
“Today the CMNL family incorporates Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL, CMNL Academy, Anytime Fitness Hurlstone Park, Magpie Sports Club, Bargo Sports Club, Camperdown Commons, Camperdown Tennis and Marrickville RSL Club,” he said.
“We have created a new identity that draws on heritage and our common purpose across all our venues. We are excited about our future and embrace all the opportunities that come with it.”
With an early Holden car sitting in the foyer paying homage to 1947 when the first Holdens were being prepared to roll off the production line, guests were welcomed into The Arena through a mystical time tunnel with chandeliers and fairy lights that shimmered to the beat of 1940s music.
Sub Branch President Ken McIntyre OAM spoke about the past and present, as a group of swing dancers from the post-war era crashed the party before Soul Mystique burst onto the stage celebrating the club today with a modern dance beat ahead of a futuristic light dance show.
With the event hosted by MC Deborah Krizak, the audience also enjoyed a video featuring members and community partners speaking about what the club means to them today.
“We will continue to evolve, move forward and meet the changing needs of our community without forsaking our identity,” Dean said. “Cheers to the next 75 years.”
Club celebrates 75th anniversary
AN opportunity to step back in time as well as gaze into the future, Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club’s 75th Anniversary celebrations also had a surprise in store for members and guests with the launch of a group brand – Communal (CMNL) – representing all of their venues and establishments.