The Queensland Club and hotel industry is expanding faster than ever. Clubs like Cazalys in Cairns, Frenchville in Rockhampton, Magpies in Mackay, Bribie Island RSL, Greenbank RSL, Carina Leagues Club, Club Helensvale on the Gold Coast, and City Golf Club in Toowoomba are setting the pace with multi-million-dollar expansions and renovations. These are just a few examples of the exciting developments happening across the state!
In today’s highly competitive environment, Clubs that haven’t undertaken renovations in recent years may struggle to keep up as the industry continuously raises the bar in amenities, design, and member experiences. As we enter 2025, there is no better time to consider redevelopment opportunities. The current buoyancy of the industry presents a unique opportunity to invest in substantial projects that could shape your Club’s future.
Why now?
Queensland’s Clubs are thriving, not just because of population growth, but because they consistently enhance their offerings. Every redevelopment attracts more members, increases patronage, and generates greater funds that can be reinvested into the community. This cycle of improvement and reinvestment is what makes Clubs central to the communities they serve.
Image credit: Easts Leagues Club, who have recently undergone major renovations throughout the venue to redefine and enhance the member experience. Fine dining options, exclusive member spaces and state of the art leisure and function facilities have transformed this venue into a central hub for the entire community.
As community organisations, Clubs exist to support their members and the wider community through sport, camaraderie, charity, and welfare. The Community Clubs industry collectively contributed $509 million in cash and in-kind support to community organisations annually, based on 23-24 FY data. This remarkable contribution reflects the critical role Clubs play in supporting local causes, sports, and economic growth.
Future-Proof Your Club
To sustain this momentum, Clubs must evolve. Members’ expectations for amenities, services, and atmosphere are higher than ever, and failing to meet these demands risks losing patronage. A decrease in engagement ultimately impacts a club’s ability to fulfill its purpose and support its community.
Start Planning Today
At DWS Hospitality Specialists, we understand the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. We specialise in strategic planning to help Clubs identify and seize the right opportunities for growth and development. Together, we can create a future-proof vision for your Club, ensuring its relevance, sustainability, and success in 2025 and beyond.
Don’t wait, talk to us today about strategic planning your Club’s evolution.
About the Author
John Dickson is the founder and Executive Chairman of DWS Hospitality Specialists,. With over 40 years of senior management and consulting experience in the hospitality and leisure sectors, John specialises in the areas of strategic planning, corporate governance, business structure and workshop and training facilitation.
Learn more about John here, or please reach out to John if you would like to discuss any upcoming projects you need assistance with via email at info@dws.net.au.
