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AFTER months of speculation over the future of the Canungra RSL and Services Club, Nerang RSL and Memorial Club has taken over the reins and saved the club from closure before its biggest day of the year.
The services club closed its doors in October 2014 following months of financial hardship, despite locals banding together for fundraising and a $25,000 loan from Nerang RSL.
After purchasing the assets including liquor and gaming licences, furniture and fittings, the Canungra club will keep its staff and operate as an entity of the Nerang RSL and will be known as Canungra Services Club.
Leasing arrangements have been formalised between the Nerang and Canungra RSL for an initial period of 10 years.
Nerang RSL general manager Andrew McInnes says his club is committed to keeping the RSL presence alive in Canungra by getting it back to full capacity "well and truly" in time for ANZAC Day on April 25.
"Canungra has a strong military history and is internationally renowned for its Australian Army training establishment," he said.
"The Canungra Military Area houses the Kokoda Barracks, and the Land Warfare Centre which was established during World War II. It was revived in 1954 to train personnel through to the end of the Vietnam War and still offers extensive training courses at the base.
"The Canungra Services Club is the focal point of the community and has served as a meeting place for veterans and ex-service personnel for years.
"Members and locals can rest assured that this association with Nerang RSL will promote and retain the values of the RSL and the community of Canungra."
McInnes is confident the club can be restored to what it once was in light of local support over the past six months and what has been achieved with Nerang RSL in the past 18 months through a $7.5 million transformation (pictured right).
"The club has been a hub for the tight knit community of Canungra for over 20 years and judging by the unwavering support over the past six months from locals fighting to keep the club afloat, we have no doubt that we will be able take the club to greater heights," he says.
All Canungra RSL and Services Club memberships have been rolled over for the year and members will also be entitled to the Nerang Rewards Program.
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