A giant of western Sydney’s community has grown, and evolved, transforming the 100-year-old Cabravale Diggers and launching the “bold” new Cabravale Club Resort.
Cabravale’s Diggers club was founded 100 years ago in the wake of WWI by twenty returned servicemen seeking both camaraderie and purpose.
The first clubhouse came in 1946, and since then the entity has grown to count 80,000 members and play a pivotal role in the social fabric for generations of Sydney-siders.
Aiming to be more than an RSL the club embarked on a $230 million masterplan to transform what was already a very large-format venue into even more of a destination, and become Australia’s first integrated club ‘resort’.
After years of work a gala dinner took place on 16 July, bringing together dignitaries, community leaders, media and VIP guests. Billed as ‘more than a milestone celebration’ to mark its Centenary, the event signified the culmination of its vision for redevelopment, and a rebrand.
“From the beginning, this Club was built on the values of service, courage and community,” says President Walter Robinson OAM.
“While our name is evolving, that spirit remains at the heart of Cabravale Club Resort. ‘Diggers’ carries deep meaning – it honours our founders and our legacy. We’re not leaving that behind; we’re carrying it forward into a new era of greater opportunity, inclusion and connection.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns submitted a video message screened at the Gala Dinner congratulating the Club on its incredible legacy.
“For a century now you’ve been a fixture of the local community from solemn dawn services to family nights out to backing local charities and community groups. You’ve helped people come together while giving back to the local community that supports you so congratulations on an incredible milestone.”
A primary goal of the changes was to shift the club’s reliance on gaming and pivot toward more culinary offerings, providing greater options for people who might otherwise head into the city.
Construction on the staged works, designed by Altis Architects, began late 2021. Stage 1 incorporates a Novotel hotel, with resort-style pool and premium guest amenities, along with a hairdresser, café and a convenience store.
There will be a new gaming room spanning 1,500sqm, with 450 EGMs, and the main lobby will feature a massive aquarium packed with tropical marine life.
The following stages bring multiple dining options, with a Mediterranean restaurant providing all-day dining, and two outlets operated by acclaimed chef Dany Karam; the Italian restaurant will seat 300 patrons, and the upmarket steakhouse will feature an open kitchen showcasing wood-fired cooking, plus a private dining room, whisky bar and expansive cellar.
Stage 3 also ushers in a convention hall with capacity for 800, and repurposing of the existing gaming space. Completion will see members enjoying a fully reimagined, state-of-the-art entertainment floor.
Guests at the dinner were treated to live entertainment and stirring tributes that heralded the unveiling of Cabravale Club Resort (CCR) and its “next chapter”.
Every guest received a signed copy of Heritage & Heart – a commemorative book capturing the Club’s 100-year journey through stories, reflections and rare photographs.
The event also ushered an evolution of the Club’s community work, launching Cabravale Community. This builds on the work of the Cabravale Members Care Program, which since 2017 has offered discreet support for people facing mental health, financial stress, gambling, family or isolation challenges. It has contributed over $1.75 million to local causes, and the new banner brings a headline partnership with the Sebastian Foundation, tackling youth mental health.
And the night saw the ceremonial reveal of a time capsule filled with memorabilia and community stories, scheduled to be opened in 2050.
CCR chief commercial officer Vicki Le says the rebrand is far more than a name change, it’s a “bold step forward” for the club.
“As Western Sydney grows into a major hub for tourism and culture, we’re redefining what a modern club can be.
“This new identity reflects our ambition to lead and welcome, while staying true to our community roots.”
The gala evening concluded with a charity auction to support the new community partners, followed by a powerful closing address from CEO Boris Belevski, who laments that the CCR cannot survive on food & bev alone, without gaming, but hopes they can re-shape what people imagine a club to be.
“This anniversary wasn’t just about marking the passage of time, it was about celebrating the incredible journey we’ve shared as a community, and unveiling a future filled with bold ambition, world-class experiences and deep-rooted connection.”
CCR is now open to members and the public, although final touches are still being completed. The full vision will be unveiled at an official Grand Opening later in 2025.
