The Club’s new Boardwalk Dining celebrates local trades, produce and its riverfront setting.
Ballina RSL’s $1.16 million renewal of The Boardwalk responds to growing demand and trade, while making the most of the Club’s remarkable Richmond River location.
The Boardwalk reopened on 16 October 2026 with refreshed interiors, new furniture, new menus and a distinctive brand identity. The investment brings the venue’s design and food and beverage offering together around its riverfront setting.
Open seven days a week, The Boardwalk’s bar and café now remain open through the afternoon, complemented by a dedicated afternoon menu. The extended hours give members and guests more opportunities for an after-school catch-up, a late coffee or a cocktail overlooking the water.
The new brand draws on the signature lamps along the boardwalk outside the Club, with coastal sunset hues reflecting the surrounding landscape. These familiar local details connect the renewed space with the waterfront beyond its doors.
Local produce is a focus of Head Chef Brad Browning’s menu, including Ballina prawns with macadamia crumble.
Designed by Altis and delivered by Bennett Constructions, the refurbishment brought together local businesses and the Club’s maintenance, marketing and food and beverage teams. Ballina RSL credits the contractors and local trades with achieving an exceptional standard of workmanship in just three weeks.
“We’re proud to have worked with local suppliers including Northern Rivers Plant Hire, Myles Burgess Electrical, Coastal Breeze Air and The Bathroom People, with Ballina business Wallace & Co supplying our team’s new uniforms,” said Ballina RSL CEO Guy Diven.
“There’s so much skill and talent in our region. It’s a pleasure to showcase that through The Boardwalk and recognise the people behind a space our members and guests can enjoy every day.”
The Club is also proud to collaborate with the Men’s Community Shed, which has handcrafted camphor laurel cutlery boxes engraved with the Shed’s name and a prawn motif. The collaboration will continue with lazy Susans for The Boardwalk’s seven large round tables.
The refurbishment also created opportunities to support the wider community. Tables, chairs and other furniture replaced during the works were rehomed with sporting clubs, community organisations and residents, keeping useful items in use.
The renewed Boardwalk brings together local produce, craftsmanship and a strong sense of place, while giving members and guests more opportunities to enjoy Ballina RSL’s riverfront location.
You can read more about the venue, here.
