The Premier Family Club

When the army took over the town in 1940, they established a large camp at the northern end of town.Two Sydney Williams huts were erected at the foot of Anzac Hill, it became the first Memorial Club in 1947.

The Second World War put Alice Springs on the map. It became one of Australia’s most significant military centres. More than 50 trains a week were coming into town in 1942/43. Apart from Darwin there was probably no place in Australia changed by the war as much as Alice.

The population was approaching 2,000 in 1946 when the town’s ex-servicemen commenced proceedings to form a licensed club. Initially membership was to be restricted to ex-servicemen and the liquor licence granted in the name of the RSL. However, they recognised the need to also admit men who hadn’t served with the armed forces in order to trade profitably. So evolved the concept of the Alice Springs Memorial Club made up of exservicemen and associate members. The club was officially opened on Anzac day in 1947 at the foot of Anzac Hill.

Club History

1947   The original club opens at the foot of Anzac Hill.

1951   The club movess to its present site 127 Todd Street.

1952   Manager's cottage is constructed and a beer garden is built at the rear of the club.

1953   Alf Smith begins a 28 year term as manager.  The idea of a bowling green is floated.

1954   Extensions for billiards and table tennis.

1957   New bar facilities are built and air conditioning is installed in the members lounge.

1958   The bowling green is opened on 1 November.

1959   Finance is sought for a hall and a new front office.

1960   Jock Nelson MHR opens the new hall on 22 April.  Alf Smith starts screening feature length films.  RSL members decide to form a club of their own.

1962   Barber shop begins operating.

1966   The popular serial The Untouchables becomes a regular Saturday night feature.

1970   Upgrade of bar facilities.

1972   Women allowed to become associate members but are not entitled to speak or vote at      meetings.

1976   Construction of a new manager's residence.

1979   A new kitchen is completed.

1981   Alf Smith retires on 7 August.  Major toilet renovations, a new front fence and a covered entrance way.

1982   The club votes NO to a proposal that would grant full membership rights to women.  The dining room is expanded with the enclosure of the patio between the new kitchen and the hall.

1983   The first draw poker machines are installed.

1984   The sportsman's bar is completed in March and named in honour of Alf Smith.  Gymnasiam, squash courts, sauna and spa opened in December.

1985   Passage of the Sexual Discrimination Act requires that women be granted full membership rights.

1986   Renovations to the bowling green.

2001   The club celebrated its 50th anniversary with major bar renovations.