Our Story
For more than a century, the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club has been part of the fabric of Nowra — a place where service, sacrifice, and community spirit come together.
Born from the vision of local returned servicemen after the First World War, the Club has grown from humble meetings in local halls to a vibrant social and sporting hub.
The Beginning
The story of the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club begins in May 1919, when a group of returned servicemen in Nowra formed an organisation to support veterans and the families of those who had fallen in service during the First World War.
The Beginning
The story of the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club begins in May 1919, when a group of returned servicemen in Nowra formed an organisation to support veterans and the families of those who had fallen in service during the First World War.
Diggers Hall
In 1932, a permanent home was built — Diggers Hall — on Junction Street, providing a venue for RSL Sub-Branch activities and broader community events. The Diggers Hall was then moved by truck when establishing the new home for their future club.
The Start of Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club
During the 1940s, the Nowra RSL Sub-Branch began working towards establishing a dedicated Ex-Servicemen’s Club. With the granting of a liquor licence (only the second in Nowra at the time), the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club commenced operations in May 1948, using Diggers Hall as its base. The Club’s official opening took place later that year in September 1948.
The Start of Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club
During the 1940s, the Nowra RSL Sub-Branch began working towards establishing a dedicated Ex-Servicemen’s Club. With the granting of a liquor licence (only the second in Nowra at the time), the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club commenced operations in May 1948, using Diggers Hall as its base. The Club’s official opening took place later that year in September 1948.
A Hub for the Shoalhaven
From the 1940s to today, the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club has been a place of camaraderie, sport, and community service. Cricket teams, golf and bowls days, darts, billiards, snooker, and card nights have all been part of its social fabric, alongside charity fundraising and support for organisations such as Legacy.
Today, the Club continues to honour its proud history while welcoming members and guests to create new memories for future generations.