For Townsville RSL Management’s General Manager Peter Ehlen, bringing his venue on board as a member of Clubs Queensland just made sense.
Peter, who started at Townsville in February, just weeks before COVID-19 restrictions closed the doors on hospitality venues throughout the state, said the ability to access legal and industrial relations support had been one element of the decision.
The opportunity to network with other Clubs Queensland members played a part too, as did his passion for the club industry as a whole.
“We need make sure that as a collective we have a common voice and representation – and the strength we need to have a viable industry going forward,” Peter said. “We do need that representation at a higher level.”
Peter came to Queensland after more than 15 years in clubs, including 10 years with Rooty Hill RSL in New South Wales. More recently he spent nearly two years at Skycity Casino in Adelaide.
He said the chance to become involved in returning an iconic RSL Club, in one of Queensland’s biggest garrison cities, to its rightful position as a leading club in the community had driven him to make the move north.
Peter said the COVID-19 shutdowns had provided the opportunity to complete some building work at the venue and “we’re profitable again”.
“The club community has been very good to us and very supportive.
“Licensed clubs and hospitality are my passion and I like to see a healthy club industry.”