A Club with a Proud Past and a Bold Future

Canberra Services Club: A Century of Serving
Those Who Serve

Before Canberra was a city, it was a dusty outpost with a scattering of tents, rough roads, and a whole lot of hope. In the 1920s, life in our new national capital was tough. There was no nightlife, no pubs, and no real community hub. Residents travelled to Queanbeyan for a cold beer and a sense of connection. And yet, in that rugged, isolated town, something powerful began: a tradition of service, camaraderie, and resilience that would shape the heart of Canberra.

From Soldiers' Shed to Social Hub

In 1930, a group of returned servicemen who had fought in South Africa and the First World War decided it was time to bring people together, not just over backyard beers on Sundays, but in a proper club. They founded the Canberra Returned Soldiers' Club, welcoming not only veterans, but good people from all walks of life.

The first meeting was held at Ainslie Public School, and the mission was simple: connection, community, and looking after those who served.

By 1931, it became Canberra's first venue to apply for a liquor licence, and the Club opened its doors in the Melbourne Building in Civic. It was more than a place to have a drink, it was where friendships were forged, stories shared, and respect for service was lived, not just spoken.

Standing Strong Through Disputes and Wars

The Club's early years weren't without challenge. Tensions with the RSL over naming rights and membership rules led to the creation of a new name: Canberra Club Limited. But the heart of the Club never changed. It remained a safe, welcoming place for those who served and their communities.

Then came World War II.

With thousands of servicemen and women passing through Canberra, the need for support grew. Enter the Lady Gowrie Services Club, known affectionately as 'The Hut', built in 1941 next to Manuka Oval. It was a lifeline for troops and provided a warm meal, a dance, a laugh, a place to feel human. Staffed entirely by volunteers, over 1 million meals were served during the war years.

This spirit of service continued after the war. In 1947, the newly registered Canberra Services Club took over The Hut, and in 1948, it officially reopened with the Governor-General cutting the ribbon.

A Living Legacy

Through the decades, the Club evolved. Extensions were added, walls were warmed, and new features like the Kokoda Memorial, Bofors anti-aircraft gun, and even a Leopard tank were installed to honour Australia's service history.

Disaster struck in 2011 when a devastating fire destroyed the Club's Manuka home. But true to form, the Club didn't fold, it adapted, survived, and rebuilt from the ashes.

The Club was re-established at 51 Blackall Street, Barton, always with the intention of one day returning to our rightful home at the Manuka site.

The Canberra Services Club evolved to be more inclusive than ever, proudly welcoming:
   -   Members of the ADF
   -   Police and Emergency Services
   -   Not-for-profits
   -   And anyone who serves the community and country

We updated our logo to reflect our past, present, and future and our mission remained clear: to create a welcoming space for service-minded people to connect, relax, and belong.

We continued to work towards redeveloping our Manuka site with the aim of building a Club not reliant on poker machines, but on people. A community space that honours tradition while embracing modern needs.

Earlier this year, we received fantastic news: lease variations were finally approved for both the Manuka and Barton sites, paving the way for our long-awaited redevelopment.

But then, in a cruel twist of fate, fire struck again on 8 August 2025, setting us back once more.

Still, we remain undaunted. The Club committee is steadfast in its determination to carry out what we've always said we would do: rebuild and create a welcoming, inclusive space that honours our legacy and serves the broader community.

While we cannot yet confirm exact timelines for what comes next, either at Barton or Manuka, we will do everything in our power to bring the Canberra Services Club back stronger than ever.

Join the Legacy

Whether you're a veteran, a volunteer, a first responder, or simply someone who believes in supporting those who serve, the Servo is your Club.

We're actually more than a club. We're a living legacy, where the past is honoured, the present is valued, and the future will be built, brick by brick (quite literally) once again.

Now more than ever, we need your support. Whether you're a long-time member or just discovering our story, your involvement matters.

Our story is one of grit, mateship, and rebuilding, and we'd love for you to be part of what comes next.

Help us ensure our proud legacy continues.
#ServoStrong | #SpiritOfTheServo

Canberra Services Club

51 Blackall Street, Barton