Katoomba RSL Club is now little more than a slab, awaiting a new future.
The final demolition works were carried out this week, knocking down the restaurant and club offices. Most of the rubbish and debris was removed from the site and the footpath finally reopened.
Any dangerous building materials were secured and made safe in the early days after the February fire, leaving the site now ready for a rebuild.
But the absence of a club house won’t stop Anzac Day services, according to club CEO, Nick Darias.
“As far as we’re concerned, Anzac Day is as normal – you are just going to be undercover in a marquee,” he said.
The club will have two large marquees in the car park to continue the tradition of serving breakfast after the dawn service (which starts at 6am at the cenotaph at the front of the club) and lunch after the march and wreath-laying ceremony.
A bar will be operate from 1pm and, of course, the two-up ring, which will run from 3-9pm.
Mr Darias said RSL staff will set up temporary cooking facilities under the marquees, there will be tables and chairs and even luxury bathrooms, rather than plain old portaloos.
The club is already talking with council, architects, builders and insurers to ensure that the new club rises from the ashes as quickly as possible.
Mr Darias pointed out there will also be a Sunday Anzac Day service at St Hilda’s Anglican Church, Katoomba, at 10am on April 23.
