There is an amazing milestone in Wollondilly Shire this month, with Warragamba Workers and Sporting Club celebrating their 60th birthday.

A birthday celebration night will be held on Saturday 19th June at the club and will include a three-course dinner and entertainment from the Rock City Saints. Tickets are on sale now for $50 and are sure to sell-out.

Founded in 1961, the club was originally known as the Warragamba and District Workmens Club. It operated with a committee of 17, which included a President, Vice President, Trustees and Committee members. The first 100 to join the club were classified as Foundation Members. Sixty years later, three are with us today.

The building which became the club was originally the ‘wet canteen’ built by the Water Board in the 1940’s for the workers on the construction of the Warragamba Dam. It was on the site currently occupied by Warradale Mens Shed.

The 1970’s were a time of change for clubs, with all becoming ‘Ltd’ and a Board of Directors replacing the Committee system.

Major changes were ushered in the 80’s, importantly with females now permitted to become full members, with the same benefits as male members. The name of the club also changed to Warragamba Workers and Sporting Club Ltd.

The 90’s were more settled and the 2000’s saw the consideration of renovations. Tragedy struck on 11th April in 2001, when an electrical fault caused a fire and extensive damage to the club. Sadly, the remains were bulldozed. A new club was built opposite the site (where it now stands) and was opened on Saturday 19th March in 2005.

The GFC soon hit and impacted heavily on pubs and clubs, resulting in up to 650 clubs closed or amalgamated over ten years. After weathering the storm, COVID-19 hit in 2020 and the club was closed for several months. Government grants and initiatives like Job Keeper assisted during this time.

Moving forward to 2021 and things are returning to normal for the Warragamba Workers and Sporting Club.

Membership is nearly 2,600 and growing and the club is forecast to have a good year ahead.