Loyal community at home at regional RSL with COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan

The country club’s usually loyal patrons were without a local destination during restrictions but a COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan meant the RSL was ready to re-open and return to its former glory.  

The loan scheme administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), provides finance of up to $250,000 for businesses and non-profit organisations impacted by COVID-19 to assist with carry-on expenses such as employee wages, rent and rates and other expenditure. 

Maryborough RSL is among the oldest of its kind in country Queensland, established in 1918 to support returned soldiers. 

Now, with its 13,000 members, Maryborough RSL is also among the biggest employers in Maryborough and is a vital contribution not only to providing welfare to returned soldiers and their families, but also a club for the local community. 

“We’re the social centre of the town and by far the biggest in that regard,” Paul said.  

At its peak, the club was responsible for serving hundreds of locals a day, many of which were waiting at the door for the popular local destination to re-open in July.  

“We were overjoyed to see our patrons return,” Paul said.  

He said the COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan allowed the organisation vital working capital to help support staff and prepare to re-open when able.  

Among that was buying 30 barrels of beer, Paul said.  

“The loan was an absolute relief. I feel a huge obligation to the employees and also the Maryborough community. For the RSL to close in a town like this, would be a disaster. JobKeeper solved the employment side and the loan solved the business side,” Paul said. 

“The loan was a lifesaver from a business point of view as we had ongoing costs. We still had costs ticking over but with no income.  

“It took the pressure off with the unknown and helped to pay all the ongoing costs plus when we started back up, we needed the working capital to go out and buy stock.  

“In simple terms the loan gave us the working capital to be able to reopen. It was the correct amount and at the correct time. The club would not be here at the moment if we had not got the loan, it’s as simple as that.” 

For important information about your loan visit the COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan page.

QRIDA is delivering the $1b COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan Scheme on behalf of the Queensland Government.