Members of the Paddington-Woollahra RSL Memorial & Community Club are considering a proposal to amalgamate with Coogee Diggers after both clubs released documentation outlining the plan.
According to a notice from Coogee Diggers, the club would be the continuing organisation and Paddington-Woollahra would be the dissolving club under the proposed amalgamation. The public notice for members stated that a general meeting was held on Sunday, 9 November 2025, and that a special postal ballot on the proposal will run from 17 to 27 November 2025.
Key points of the proposal
According to the memorandum of understanding (MOU), all assets of Paddington-Woollahra RSL would transfer to Coogee Diggers, and Coogee’s existing board and management would take charge of the combined operations.
Coogee Diggers’ published material presents the amalgamation as a way to reinvest in facilities, expand services for members, strengthen community links and maintain veterans’ welfare support, describing the plan as vital for long-term stability.
However, North Bondi RSL and some local business figures have raised concerns about transparency and whether an alternative rescue proposal was fully presented to Paddington-Woollahra members.
Community and membership impact
The decision affects members of Paddington-Woollahra RSL and residents in Sydney’s eastern suburbs who support or use the club. If the amalgamation is approved and the regulatory requirements are met, Coogee Diggers would become the continuing club, and Paddington-Woollahra would be dissolved, with its assets transferred under the MOU.
Paddington-Woollahra has made documents such as the MOU, financial statement and letters to members available on its official website and has notified members of the meeting and postal ballot dates.
Next steps and timing
The general meeting has concluded, and the postal ballot will open on 17 November and close on 27 November. The outcome will determine whether the amalgamation proceeds under the terms set out in the MOU.
Questions about veterans’ welfare support, the future of the Paddington premises and consideration of alternative proposals remain linked to whether members approve the amalgamation.
Published 10-Nov-2025
