Club Rose Bay Archives - Rose Bay Today

Anzac Unease Grows in Rose Bay as Veterans Question Club Revamp

Club Rose Bay was once relied on by veterans and older locals for a drink, a catch-up and Anzac commemorations, but it has become the centre of disagreement within the community, with long-time members saying the revamped venue no longer feels built for the people it was meant to serve.

The dispute has flared in the lead-up to Anzac Day, when Rose Bay’s RSL sub-Branch is preparing its annual service and community gathering. On its own public schedule, the sub-Branch lists an ANZAC Sunday Service for April 19, 2026, while Merivale is promoting Anzac Day trading and two-up at Club Rose Bay on April 25.

The overlap has sharpened a local question: can the new-look venue still meet the expectations many veterans and older members have of an RSL at the most important time of the year?

Rose Bay’s Anzac Focus Meets a New Club Identity

Club Rose Bay was brought back from administration after members voted 147 to one in January 2025 to proceed with a Merivale management deal. Reports at the time described the club as being under major financial strain, with the site having closed in 2024 before the rescue package was backed by members. The vote gave Merivale, led by Justin Hemmes, control of food and beverage operations, while the club itself continued as a registered club.

Since then, the venue has been repositioned as Club Rose Bay and reopened after a year-long refurbishment in December 2025. Merivale and design coverage around the reopening described a broad remake of the site, presenting it as a renewed local destination with hospitality, outdoor trading and updated social spaces. Lifestyle coverage also cast the project as the venue’s biggest refresh in decades.

This fresh start has not landed the same way with everyone. The central complaint from critics is not simply that the club looks different, but that its role in community life has shifted. Veterans and older members argued the atmosphere now feels more suited to younger patrons arriving for food, drinks and entertainment than to ex-service people wanting the familiar club culture associated with an RSL, especially ahead of Anzac Day.

A Club Saved for Some, But Harder to Use for Others

The strongest concern is practical as much as symbolic. The loss of the car park and the move toward a busier outdoor venue had made the site harder for older patrons to use. Old-time patrons pointed to parking pressure, access issues and long waits for service as signs the club’s daily rhythm had changed.

For older veterans, it’s more than just comfort. Rose Bay RSL describes its Anzac service as one of the most significant events organized by the sub-Branch each year. This means that concerns about queues, noise, access, and crowd mix are not just practical issues. These concerns reflect a belief that a place linked to service and memory is changing too quickly for them to keep up with.

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Supporters of the revamp make a different case. Their argument begins with the fact that the club was in serious trouble before the Merivale deal. Seen through that lens, the new Club Rose Bay is not a takeover of a healthy institution but an attempt to stop one from failing.

The debate around Club Rose Bay is no longer just about outdoor trading, crowd noise or planning rules. At the centre of that divide is a simple question: who is the club really for?

Published 16-April-2026

Club Rose Bay Installs 4-Metre Noise Wall Amidst Community Concerns

Photo Credit: Merivale

Club Rose Bay has built a 4-metre-high noise control wall around part of its outdoor area, as the revived Rose Bay venue tries to respond to community concerns about sound from late-night crowds, pickleball and basketball in the former car park space.

A Local Venue Back in Use

The former Rose Bay RSL reopened late 2025 after a major refurbishment led by Merivale. The club had served veterans and local residents for decades, and its return was seen by many as a chance to restore activity to an important local meeting place after financial strain and voluntary administration.

Renovation in 2025
Photo Credit: Club Rose Bay/Facebook

The redevelopment brought new kitchens, redesigned indoor spaces and an upgraded sports bar. Outside, the former car park was turned into a large open-air area with dining tables, drinking spaces, a full-size pickleball court, a half basketball court and an Airstream bar. The outdoor section quickly became one of the venue’s main drawcards.

Noise Becomes the Main Issue

As crowds grew, so did concern from people living nearby. Residents complained about the sound of pickleballs and basketballs carrying into the evening, along with noise from patrons using the outdoor area. Some complaints referred to activity stretching close to midnight, while police were also called to alcohol-related incidents.

The noise wall indicates that the venue aims to reduce the impact on nearby homes. Made of sound-control panels, it lines part of the outdoor area involved in the dispute.

Planning Questions Still Unresolved

While the wall addresses one part of the problem, it does not settle the planning dispute around the outdoor area.

Woollahra Council has stated that the space requires development consent before it can be used for outdoor dining and drinking. Council became aware in November 2025 that the venue planned to use the area without first obtaining that approval.

The club believed that the space could operate under an exemption in NSW planning rules but Council disagreed and later issued a formal notice requiring the venue to stop using the area for outdoor dining and drinking. The warning period expired in early February, leaving the matter open to further compliance action.

Complications and Debates

This has kept the outdoor section in a state of uncertainty. The venue continues to attract attention and trade, but the long-term future of that part of the site remains under review.

One reason the issue has become more complex is the status of the land itself. Reports have said the disputed area is on Crown land, which means the process does not sit neatly within a normal planning pathway.

Merivale has argued that this changes how approval should be handled, while Council has continued to push its own position.

With no final resolution yet announced, the venue has remained caught between community concern, pressure, and a wider review of how the site should be managed. Liquor authorities are reviewing complaints linked to the venue, adding another layer of pressure. This will have implications on the decision about the outdoor area, as it could also affect licensing issues.

The new noise wall may help ease some of the frustration felt by nearby residents, but it does not remove the larger questions hanging over the club.

Published 8-April-2026

Swans Midfielder Adams Making Strong Recovery After Rose Bay Incident

Photo Credit: Sydney Swans

Sydney Swans midfielder Taylor Adams is progressing well in his recovery following an incident outside Club Rose Bay last month, with teammates reporting the 32-year-old is training strongly and in good spirits.

Adams was knocked unconscious and hospitalised at St Vincent’s after an altercation near the Vickery Avenue venue on 24 January. Police were called to the scene just after 10pm, where Adams had been allegedly struck during an argument with two men he did not know. The incident occurred as he was attempting to leave the area after an evening out with teammates.

According to The Nightly, NSW Police reported that Adams sustained a small cut to his cheek and briefly lost consciousness after being knocked to the ground. He was treated by paramedics at the scene before being transported to hospital, where he was released the following morning at 7am.

Star teammate Isaac Heeney, speaking at the launch of the Swans’ partnership with Nike, said the incident had been difficult for Adams and his pregnant partner Ellie, but that his friend has moved forward positively.

Heeney described the circumstances of the assault as shocking, noting it serves as a reminder to be cautious. He confirmed that Adams is nearly back to full training and praised his teammate’s work ethic, according to reporting from the source article.

Sydney CEO Matthew Pavlich told media the club has provided comprehensive support to Adams during what has been a mentally challenging period. The club released a statement at the time condemning violence and confirming they are working with NSW Police to identify the offender, according to coverage by ESPN.

The incident investigation remains ongoing, with Adams considering what further action to pursue.

Adams had already been facing a delayed start to the 2026 season after suffering a partial tear to his Achilles tendon during training in December. The former Collingwood player has now resumed modified training as he works towards an early-season return.

Swans coach Dean Cox told media in January that Adams was simply trying to go home when the incident occurred, according to reporting by AFL.com.au. Cox emphasised the club’s commitment to supporting Adams and his family through the situation.

Club Rose Bay, which is owned by Justin Hemmes’ Merivale group, recently underwent a revamp and reopened in December 2024, according to The Nightly.

The Swans are preparing for their opening round match in March, with hopes that Adams will be available for selection after working through both his physical recovery and the aftermath of the incident.

Published 12-February-2026

Swans Player Hospitalised After Alleged Assault Outside Rose Bay Venue

Photo Credit: Sydney Swans

A Sydney Swans player was taken to hospital after being knocked unconscious during an alleged assault outside a Rose Bay venue on Saturday night.

Taylor Adams, a 32-year-old midfielder, was attending Club Rose Bay on Vickery Avenue when the incident occurred just after 10pm, according to NSW Police. The venue, which recently underwent a major redevelopment by hospitality group Merivale, has been operating as a reimagined RSL club overlooking Rose Bay Harbour.

Police from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command responded to reports of an assault near the licensed premises. According to their statement, Adams became involved in an argument with two men who were unknown to him. During the altercation, he was allegedly punched in the face, causing a small cut to his cheek, before being knocked to the ground where he briefly lost consciousness.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended the scene and transported Adams to St Vincent’s Hospital. He was released from hospital at 7am on Sunday morning, according to a statement from the Sydney Swans.

The two men involved had left the scene before police arrived. Police investigations are continuing.

Adams addressed the incident briefly on his Instagram account on Sunday. He thanked supporters for their messages and confirmed he was doing well, but said he would not be commenting further as the matter is now with police.

Sydney Swans head coach Dean Cox later told media that Adams had been trying to leave the venue when the incident occurred. Cox said the club does not tolerate violence in any form and is working with Adams and NSW Police to identify the offender. He added that the club regularly discusses player safety and community responsibilities with the team.

The veteran midfielder, who joined the Swans from Collingwood at the end of 2023, has been training in rehabilitation during the pre-season after suffering a partial tear to his Achilles tendon in December. He played just four games last season due to recurring hamstring injuries. Cox indicated Adams should still be available for the club’s opening round match against Carlton in March.

Published 27-January-2026

Club Rose Bay Restoration Progresses Under Merivale Management

Photo Credit: Club Rose Bay/Facebook

Club Rose Bay in Rose Bay is undergoing a full restoration under a management agreement with Merivale after entering administration in August 2024.

Background And Financial Position

Club Rose Bay entered voluntary administration at the end of August 2024 after reporting financial losses in consecutive years. The club recorded a loss of around $350,000 in 2022, followed by just over $40,000 in 2023.

At a members’ meeting in January 2025, the RSL membership voted almost unanimously to proceed with an operations management agreement with Merivale to support the venue’s recovery.

Under the agreement, Merivale is responsible for managing hospitality operations, including food, beverage and events, while the club’s board retains ownership and full governance control.

Renovation Works And Planned Features In Rose Bay

Behind-the-scenes videos released in October 2025 confirmed that restoration work is well advanced. Planned features for the renewed venue include a sports bar with large screens and a games area fitted with pool tables.

The cocktail bar has been referenced differently across updates: Merivale material shared earlier in the year described a DJ record-style bar, while later plans highlighted a 1950s airport-inspired concept. Outdoor additions include a pickleball court, a half basketball court and dog-friendly dining areas. An open-plan kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven will also form part of the new layout.

RSL redevelopment — *Photo Credit: Club Rose Bay/Facebook*

Notti’s To Lead The Dining Offering

A central hospitality feature of the redevelopment is Notti’s, a casual Italian restaurant. The venue is being developed by chef Mike Eggert, known for Totti’s, and will focus on pizza as its primary offering.

Merivale noted that Notti’s is positioned as an approachable extension of its broader Italian dining concepts.

RSL Traditions And Community Connection

Despite the scale of the redevelopment, leadership from both the club and Merivale confirmed that the venue’s RSL identity will remain central. A daily moment of silence and the recitation of the Ode of Remembrance will continue, supported by a memorabilia display and honour boards.

Long-time members expressed strong interest in the reopening, including WWII veteran John Ryrie, who first visited the club in the late 1940s when it operated from a small shed. Community anticipation has been echoed by club representatives and Merivale, with acknowledgment that expectations are high.

Merivale chief executive Justin Hemmes has stated that the project is personally important, noting the pressure to meet community expectations given the club’s longstanding role in the area.

Next Steps

A confirmed reopening date has not yet been announced, although updates indicate that the venue is expected to reopen in late December. Both Merivale and the club’s leadership expect the renewed Club Rose Bay to serve as a long-term community hub, balancing new facilities with traditional RSL functions.

Published 7-Dec-2025

Hemmes to the Rescue: Hospitality Heavyweight Steps in at Rose Bay RSL Club

Rose Bay’s beloved Club Rose Bay appears to have a lifeline, with hospitality magnate Justin Hemmes poised to take over the struggling venue.

The waterfront establishment shocked locals when it abruptly closed its doors last month, just a day after the launch of its new Italian bistro, Villaggio.

The sudden closure came after the club was placed into voluntary administration on 15 August. Despite initial hopes from administrators that the club could continue to operate, a secured creditor appointed receivers, leading to the club’s shutdown and staff terminations.

Now, documents obtained by this publication reveal that Hemmes Finance Pty Ltd, the registered business of Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes, has assumed the club’s debt. This move strongly suggests that Hemmes, known for successfully revitalising numerous hospitality venues across Sydney, is planning to take the reins at Club Rose Bay.

The club has faced financial challenges recently, reporting losses exceeding $350,000 in 2022 and over $40,000 in 2023. While the future direction under Hemmes’ leadership remains unclear, his involvement brings hope for the club’s revival and the preservation of a cherished community asset.

This development follows weeks of speculation that another entity would step in to save the iconic Rose Bay institution. Hemmes’s potential acquisition marks a significant turn of events for the club, promising a new chapter in its history.

Locals and patrons alike will eagerly watch to see what transformations Hemmes has in store for this prominent Rose Bay landmark.

Published Date 28-October-2024

Club Rose Bay Shuts Down Day After Italian Bistro Grand Opening

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Prominent waterside venue Club Rose Bay shut down on Friday, August 30, 2024, just one day after the grand opening of its new Italian Bistro, Villaggio. The closure came as a shock to the community, especially given the celebratory atmosphere of Thursday night’s event, which featured complimentary pizza and pasta.

The club’s financial troubles were not publicly known until the closure. Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) documents reveal that Club Rose Bay had been placed into administration on August 15, 2024. Administrators Hugh Armenis and Jason Lloyd Porter of SV Porters were initially attempting to keep the club operational while exploring future options.

However, the situation changed dramatically on Friday when receivers Simon Cathro and Andrew Blundell of Cathro & Partners were appointed by a secured creditor. This led to the immediate closure of the club and the termination of approximately 20 casual staff members.

Financial records indicate that Club Rose Bay had been struggling for some time. The club reported a loss of over $350,000 in 2022, followed by a smaller but still significant loss of just over $40,000 in 2023.

The closure affects not only club members and staff but also the newly opened Villaggio restaurant. Villaggio, which operates independently and has locations in other Sydney clubs, has removed mentions of Rose Bay from its social media posts. The restaurant continues to operate at its other locations, and there is no indication that Villaggio itself is facing financial difficulties.

As of Sunday, September 1, Club Rose Bay’s social media pages had not acknowledged the closure. Instead, they were still promoting event bookings at the venue, highlighting features such as the “newly refreshed Deck Bar Lounge” and the “upstairs Monash Hall.”

Published 2-September-2024