History 65 years
Celebrating Over 65 Years Community Strong
1950
Western Suburbs Leagues Club officially opened for business in its £50,000 premises on 28 January, 1956.
Local landowner Stanis Cook provided the first premises, situated fronting the Princes Highway at Unanderra.
The original application for a licensed football club was rejected, but the committee was told they could establish a Leagues Club involving other sports.
200 Foundation members were needed to obtain a licence, who paid a £1 membership to the Western Suburbs Leagues Club.
The Wests Devils won the 1957 Illawarra premiership.
1960
Wests quickly outgrew its rented Princes Highway premises and purchased a block of land on Maynes Parade in 1962.
Building started in 1963, construction started in 1964 and Geoff Fulcher officially opened the building on 11 December, 1965.
The newly opened building cost around $250,000 to build.
Facilities included a Members bar with adjoining billiards room, undercover iron quoits area and snack bar, a Mixed Lounge with adjoining kitchen and dining room and a non-drinking lounge for use as a television room and for meetings by the club’s committee and affiliated sporting organisations.
Membership stood at 2082 when the new building opened.
1970
The first-floor additions opened in December 1970 including a large auditorium, dining room, poker machine room (i.e. where the administration offices are now located), kitchen, bar and offices.
1980
1990 – A barber’s shop, video store and new bottle shop were added to the foyer area.
1990
1990 – A barber’s shop, video store and new bottle shop were added to the foyer area.
Wests purchased the adjacent arcade of shops, which eventually became part of the carpark extension.
2000
A name change in 2000 to “Wests Illawarra” provided a symbolic start to the new era.
By 2004 membership had climbed over the 18,000 mark in response to a new round of renovations, including the introduction of the Buffetpalace Family Restaurant.
2010
2014 – The amalgamation process started with Corrimal Leagues Club and Port Kembla Golf Club.
2016 – Wests Illawarra celebrated 60 years.
2016 – These renovations included the introduction of The Craft Cafe, Bask Lounge, Bask Terrace and Reception.
2019 – Extensive renovation completed for the creation of Artisan Eatery + Bar + Lounge.
2019 – Wests Devils and Wests Illawarra Cricket Club celebrated their 70th anniversaries.
2020
2020 – March 23rd – With less than 24 hours’ notice the club closed due to Covid-19.
Today
Wests Illawarra remains committed to supporting the local community through its #CommunityStrong initiative.
The team at Wests Illawarra looks forward to welcoming you back soon!
