Our History

Established in 1931 Nelson Bay RSL sub-Branch was originally known as Port Stephens RSL Sub-Branch until rebadging in 1951. In 1962 the sub-Branch had a membership of 32 & held their meetings in a small cottage located in Government Road, Nelson Bay. 1963/64 saw substantial lobbying of RAAF Base Williamtown personnel. Consequently, membership rose to over 100, thus allowing the formation of the Nelson Bay RSL Memorial Club.

With help from the Paddington Woollarah sub-Branch and astute investment from local businessmen, land was purchased, and a new clubhouse built on our current location. By Christmas 1966 the new memorial club was open for business with about 200 members.

In 1982 the Memorial Club began negotiations to purchase the premises from the sub-Branch. The sale was finalised in1986 and the club in its entirety was then owned by Memorial Club members.

In 2008 after completing substantial renovations, the board of the Memorial club asked for amalgamation due to the rising cost of debt. Western Suburbs Leagues Club came onboard renaming the club Wests Diggers Nelson Bay.

Our current membership is more than 200 and our sub-Branch personnel work diligently in providing welfare and advocacy services for Ex Service and serving members of Australia’s Defence Forces.

Other Information:

  • Our Patron is the Reverend Frank Duffy O.A.M.
  • Our district is the Newcastle District of RSL NSW Sub-Branches.

Meetings

Currently the sub-Branch meets monthly at 1030hrs on the 3rd Sunday of each month at Wests Diggers.

Memorials

Our War Memorial is in Apex Park Nelson Bay. It is the Focus of our ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day & Vietnam Veterans Day services.

Apex Park also features memorials for:

  • The National Service and Combined Forces Association Of Australia,
  • Anzacs Of Greece,
  • Lone Pine,
  • 100 years Column,
  • Nelson Bay Memorial Steps

Memorabilia

An extensive collection of artifacts, weapons and kit are on display on the ground floor of the Wests Diggers building.

Committee Members

Name Role
Mark Balsarini President & Trustee
Russell Durrant Senior Vice President & trustee
John Collins Junior Vice President
Vicki Redshaw Honorary Secretary
Max Ferres Honorary Treasurer & trustee
Meagan Ambrose  Welfare Officer
John Brown Committee Member
John Redmond Committee Member
Sam Gardner Committee Member
Russell Craig Committee Member
Heather King Committee Member
Kellie Rosemond  Committee Member
Lisa Lodding  Committee Member
Norm Cason Committee Member
State Congress Delegate David Rose
Alternate State Congress Delegate Vicki Redshaw