Goodna RSL re-opening set to revitalise area

GOODNA will be revived when the RSL Services Club reopens its doors for the first time since the precinct was fully submerged in the 2011 floods.

The former hub of the suburb will get it's buzz back next month, but also boost employment for Ipswich with more than 30 jobs up for grabs.

Cr Paul Tully said although it had been a long time coming, the re-opening of the RSL would revitalise Goodna.

"I remember the 11th of January and watching the flood waters coming up and entering the building," he said.

"The RSL was a real focal point of the suburb. It was one of the biggest clubs in Ipswich with over 50,000 members.

"We've got high unemployment rates around Ipswich, so 30 jobs will great for the individuals and families of Goodna."

RSL general manager Debra Colbert said they were recruiting for a variety of positions.

"We have openings for everything from bus drivers to bar work, gaming, supervisors, duty managers and administration," she said.

Mrs Colbert said refurbishment began in February 2012, and after several set backs, she was looking forward to the RSL officially opening its doors on July 5.

"We had to secure funding to complete the refurbishment because there was no flood cover in our insurance," she said.

Among the changes are an all new sports bar, a large gaming bar, as well as the RSL's shiny new face.

"We are very thankful for the people who have fought under our flag, so we decided to put the flag on our building," Mrs Cobert said.

"When the flood in January 2011 decimated the club, an amazing number of people came together to help us and our community.

"We came together as Australians. We are proud and not ashamed to show it."

Mrs Colbert said interested applicants could pick up an application from at the RSL's function centre.