OUR STORY
Kogarah is an indigenous word meaning “Place of Reeds”. The traditional custodians of the area are the Durag-speaking Kameygal and Bediagal people from around Botany Bay, between the Cooks and Georges Rivers.
1808
The first grants of land were taken up by the Townson Brothers and then James Chandler. Access improved in the 1840’s with the next wave of settlers establishing market gardens, orchards and vineyards. The suburb grew around the Church and the Gardner’s Arms Hotel
1884 • THE RAILWAY
By 1890 the railway station and tramway terminal has reshaped Kogarah. Railway Parade soon grew from just two houses to a hotel, bank, butcher, post office and many more shops and homes.
1923 • THE SUB-BRANCH IS ESTABLISHED
The Great War saw servicemen from the Kogarah District return home and begin to band together, resulting in the Sub-Branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia. For the first few years they met in various buildings including the Council Chambers and School of Arts. On Armistice Day, 11th November 1923, Major-General C. H. Brand unveiled the Kogarah Cenotaph, originally located on Gray Street. It was moved to Kogarah Park in 1968.
1932 • THE OLD COTTAGE: A NEW HOME
The Kogarah Sub-Branch was proud to purchase a home of its own, and on 23rd April 1932 the Governor of NSW Sir Phillip Game officially opened the premises. Despite the difficulties of the Depression era the comradeship of these men held strong, with the Old Cottage legacy carrying well in to the 1950’s.
1947 • KOGARAH RSL CLUB ESTABLISHED
The Kogarah RSL Club was officially established in the years following World War II. Young diggers and new members invigorated the “old brigade”.
1955 • KOGARAH RSL MEMORIAL CLUB
It was a grand affair when the Governor of New South Wales, Lieut. General Sir John Northcott opened the Kogarah RSL Memorial Club. The new Club brought financial support for the Branch and projects in the community.
1957 • THE FIRST OLD COTTAGE CLUB SMOKO
The Old Cottage Club Smoko became an annual tradition unique to Kogarah. The idea was to hold a get-together to honour the Old Cottage and encourage new members to gather socially in the lead up to ANZAC Day activities.
1973 • THE RSL SUB-BRANCH GOLDEN JUBILEE
The Kogarah RSL Sub Branch celebrated 50 years with congratulations sent by Prime Minister Edward Gough Whitlam.
1991 • STRICTLY KOGARAH
Did you know that the scenes of Strictly Ballroom were filmed in the Kogarah RSL dining room and auditorium? Plus dancer and choreographer Keith Bain, an inspiration for the film, was a teacher at Kogarah Boys High in the post-war years.
2012 • THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE TO HONOUR THE PAST
In 2012, Kogarah RSL Ltd looked to the future and a way to revitalise the Club and ensure its continuity. The Club chose property development company Capital Bluestone to help transform the Club site. The new development now includes brand new facilities for the newly named Kogarah Clubhouse, while above, residents have created a new community in the resort style apartments known as Veridian.