Founded in 1945, Serving Ever Since

The Sub Branch is Founded

The Terrigal Wamberal RSL Sub-Branch was inaugurated as a member of the Returned Sailors' & Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia (NSW Branch) on 8 August 1945. Mr G.F. Stewart was elected President, with Mr I.E. Brown as Secretary and Mr M. Hobson as Treasurer.

The RSL name was later changed to the Returned & Services League of Australia. A converted military hut near the current location of the Terrigal Bowling Club served as the initial Sub-Branch premises, known as the Terrigal Soldiers' Hall. The Bowling Club became the preferred venue for post-meeting 'smokos'.

A Woman Appointed as Patron

In 1949, and reported in the local media as being "unique for the times", the Sub-Branch appointed a woman as Patron. Mrs P. Sheean was elected to the role in recognition of the vast amount of work she had done for the Sub-Branch and her tireless efforts in raising funds.

Women's Auxiliary Formed

A Women's Auxiliary was formed in 1953 and assisted in fundraising activities over many years until it disbanded in 1998.

Nine Acres Purchased at Wamberal

In 1964 the Sub-Branch purchased nine acres of land in Dover Road, Wamberal, from a local builder for 1,500 pounds. The banks were initially reluctant to finance the purchase as they did not believe there was enough equity in the land to cover the loan. As a result, several members were required to underwrite the loan with their guarantees before funding was approved.

Around that time, a public meeting was called to establish an RSL Club. The meeting was well attended, and it was resolved to form a club and call it the Terrigal Wamberal RSL Club. Plans were drawn up for a large building with a construction cost of between 300,000 and 500,000 pounds. The Committee felt the cost was far too expensive given the population of the area was only around 2,000, and that there was no town water, sewerage, or suitable road access available.

First Clubhouse Built by Volunteers

Further meetings were called during 1965, but interest in the proposed Club waned. In 1966 the Sub-Branch decided to erect a small clubhouse on their 9 acres. With limited funds, they approached Gosford Brick Works and Sterland Bros. Ltd for building materials on a time payment plan. With voluntary labour from Sub-Branch members and local supporters, they erected the first stage of the clubhouse. The debt was paid off over the next 2–3 years.

On 28 November 1968, a meeting was held in the old CWA Hall Terrigal to form "The Terrigal Memorial Country Club". Forty-two people attended, and the following executives were elected: President — Harry Hall, Secretary — Peter Bosgard, and Treasurer — Geoff Milne.

Club Incorporated Under the Companies Act

In 1970, the Sub-Branch Committee called a special meeting to form a new Club under the Companies Act and register the name "Terrigal Memorial Country Club Ltd". The Club was incorporated on 23 September 1970, with a membership of 270.

Over the next few years, the Club unsuccessfully applied for a liquor licence on three occasions. Each application was rejected as the licensing authority considered the population too small and the Club's sporting activities — limited to darts and indoor bowls — insufficient to warrant licensed premises.

Golf Course Built — Liquor Licence Granted

The Sub-Branch committee decided to construct a small golf course on the existing 9 acres and applied to Gosford Council to lease 25 adjoining acres. Volunteers completed the first three holes within six months. In 1972, members played the three holes three times for their nine-hole competition.

The golf course created enormous interest in the area and membership grew dramatically. The Court granted the Club's Liquor Licence on 29 September 1973. The first greenkeeper, Bob Day, did outstanding work with the aid of volunteers. The first Secretary Manager, Sid Almond, was also appointed in 1973.

Land Expanded to 50 Acres

In 1974 a further 15 acres became available and was purchased for $15,000, giving the Club a total of 50 acres with an established clubhouse, tennis courts, bowling greens, and a golf course. In 1976, two all-weather tennis courts were built on the lakefront area. In 1978 the clubhouse was extended — adding a dining room, extra lounge area, bottom bar games room, and upstairs toilets.

Sub Branch Assets Sold to the Club

At this time, the Club had been leasing the building and grounds from the Sub-Branch. The RSL Constitution required 13 directors, 8 of whom must be Sub-Branch members — each year it became more difficult to find enough members willing to serve on the board given the considerable financial responsibility and voluntary workload involved.

In 1983, after several Sub-Branch meetings, members agreed to sell the assets of the Sub-Branch to the Club. A condition of the sale was that the Club provide a room for the Sub-Branch to conduct its activities.

Breakers Country Club & Continuing Legacy

After further redevelopments and for commercial reasons, the name of the Club was changed to the Breakers Country Club (trading as the Terrigal Memorial Country Club) in 2008. The Club remains respectful to those who served and continues to abide by RSL ceremonies and tributes. A sandstone wall and plaque opposite the entrance to the Club is registered as a War Memorial.

While the Sub-Branch no longer has any financial interests in the Club, it operates at Breakers as a not-for-profit organisation, assisting the ex-services community. The mission of the RSL and this Sub-Branch is to "provide for the wellbeing, care, compensation and commemoration of serving and ex-serving Defence Force Personnel and their dependants and promote Government and Community awareness of the need for a stable and progressive Australia."