The dynamic and growing Frenchville Sports Club in Rockhampton has announced a “significant milestone” in its continued evolution into Central Queensland’s leading hospitality and entertainment destination.
Literally building on the success of Stages One and Two, Stage 3 of major renovations has officially opened, ushering in two more spaces aiming to deliver an even greater experience for the community and the club’s more than 27,000 members.
“With Embers Bistro and the Kids Clubhouse, we’ve reimagined what it means for families to enjoy quality time together,” says chairman Graeme Brady OAM.
“Parents can relax over a premium dining experience in the new Bistro while the kids explore, play, and make memories in their own dedicated space.”
The spacious Embers Bistro has been designed with a modern, inviting feel, offering an all-new menu showcasing premium selections and elevated favourites, from mouthwatering steaks to fresh local seafood.
The “much-anticipated” Kids Clubhouse is a purpose-built play area designed for children aged 4–14, providing a fully supervised, engaging and fun environment, and complemented by FSC’s free Kids Club membership program.
Established in 1948 as Frenchville Soccer Club, the FSC has maintained an approach of catering to its community, broadening its moniker in 1966 to Frenchville Sports Club and opening an official clubhouse in 1974.
In 2023 the club became one of the founding partners of Fitzroy Community Hospice, and in the same year took home the major title of Club of the Year (Medium) at the Clubs Queensland Awards 2023.
Toward the end of 2024 FSC revealed the first stage of its transformative renovation, bringing a new reception and bottleshop, and state-of-the-art gaming room, featuring 145 machines and what is said to be Australia’s first “ladies only retreat”.
These changes followed the installation of a new covered car park, with six bays of solar panels and four bays under shade cloth. The system generates nearly 400kw of clean, renewable energy that reduces the Club’s reliance on the grid by 38 per cent, and provides significant, heat-tempering shade.
In May of this year came what Brady said reflected their goal of “bringing people together”.
Stage 2 ushered in five new socialising spaces: Aroma’s Café; Luxe Lounge, offering “a touch of elegance”; The Atrium, inside a stunning glass-enclosed space overlooking Ryan Park and the Berserker Ranges; Dusk Lounge; and a Sports Bar boasting a nine-metre screen believed to be the biggest in Central Queensland.
The third stage is described as being primarily about creating family-friendly spaces that reflect the Club’s community spirit.
In keeping with its ethos, the club hints of “more exciting developments still to come”. And reflecting its dedication to members, it has remained open and operational throughout the transition and staged development.
“Of course, none of this would be possible without our members, who continue to support us through each stage of the journey,” offers CEO Damien Massingham.
“We can’t wait to welcome families back to experience Embers Bistro and Kids Clubhouse.”
