Weston Workers Club: History

On 17 Jun 1945, a meeting was held in the Weston School of Arts reading room for the purpose of starting a Workers Club in Weston, New South Wales.  The Weston Workers Club  was eventually established as a social and recreational hub for local coal miners and their families. It was created to provide a space for workers to gather, socialise, and support one another. From its inception, the club aimed to foster a sense of community among the miners, offering various activities and events that catered to their needs. Eighty years later, Weston Workers Club stands as a significant institution in the region,  reflecting the history and evolution of the community it serves.

EARLY BEGINNINGS

The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1954) / Fri 14 Sept 1945 reported:

Weston Workers

Club.

The Secretary of the Provisional Board of Directors of Weston Workmen's Club (Mr. J. Comerford) reported that, as a result of a personal interview with the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (Mr. A. B. Sheldon), the society was registered on September 1 as the Weston District Workers' Club and Investment Society Ltd.

It was decided to complete negotiations to acquire premises and hold one more meeting of the Provisional Board, then issue share capital and call for nominations for a permanent executive and board of directors.

A donation of 10/6 was received from Weston branch of the Labor Party.

By April 1946, the temporary Weston Workers' Club building was being erected while plans for  permanent premises were  being discussed. 

The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1954) / Tue 9 Apr 1946 gave this account:

Weston Workers

Club.

At a special meeting of the Board of Directors of Weston Workers' Club it was decided that public support of the club was sufficiently encouraging as to warrant plans being prepared for permanent premises. The building at present in course of erection is only intended as temporary premises by the board.

It was decided to commission an architect to prepare plans for a two-storey building.

After a discussion on the provisions in the Liquor Bill now before Parliament, it was decided to oppose the proposed method of licensing clubs on the basis of a fee equal to £1 per club member, and the increase in re-registration fees from 2 per cent to 5 per cent.

The provision for compulsory contributions annually from club members was also opposed.

Messrs. J. Hewitt and G. Robinson were deputed to wait on the Chief Secretary (Mr. Baddeley) and place the board's views before him.

It was decided to ask the Newcastle and Coalfields Workers' Clubs Union to take a similar stand.

The Secretary (Mr. J. Comerford), who is also Secretary of the Clubs Union, said that the President of the Union (Mr. R. James Junr.) and himself would get into touch with members of the State Parliament, the Newcastle Trades Hall Council, and the Northern Miners’ Executive.

The Maitland Mercury (NSW: 1939 - 1955) / Wed 7 Aug 1946 reported:

WESTON WORKERS' 

CLUB

CESSNOCK, Wed.-The Department of Lands advised Kearsley Shire Council relative to a request by the Weston Workers' Club to secure a site for club premises on the reserve, that, provided the council offered no objection to the revocation of half an acre, the Minister would consider an application for a special lease at a nominal rental for 21 years.

The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW: 1913 - 1954) / Fri 29 Aug 1947:

Weston Workers

Club.

The Minister for Lands (Mr. Sheahan) advised Kearsley Council on Tuesday night that he has granted an application by the committee of the Weston Workers Club for a special lease of a block of land near the Weston Railway bridge as a site for club premises .

The granting of the lease could not be notified in the Government Gazette  until the covering reserves from sale and lease for public recreation had been revoked, he added. Action to have the reserves revoked was being expedited.

 The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1954) / Tue 7 Dec 1948:

Not Only Amenity, 

But Model.

WESTON WORKERS CLUB CLAIM.

Outlining the progress of the Weston District Workers Club over its three years' existence, the Secretary (Mr. Comerford) said the club had become not only an amenity of which the town was proud, but had set a model for the rest of the district.

He added that although Weston Club was the last to enter the field they were the first in the district to be licenced under the amended Liquor Act.

This was due to the constant hard work of the Provisional Board.

He suggested that a tablet be set in the club to commemorate the pioneers who had sacrificed their Xmas holidays to erect the club-rooms, three years ago.

Mr. Comerford said, at the request of Weston Club, a club union was to be formed in Sydney early next year, intending to set up a co-operative brewery.

During the club's existence it had spent £1.537/5/3, it was revealed, including £580 for buildings, £182 for furniture, and £635 for a chill room.

It finished the year with a credit balance of £367.

Officers elected were as follows:-President, Mr. J. Comerford; secretary, Mr. G. Robinson; treasurer, Mr. J. Snell: Weston delegate to club union, Mr. J. Comerford, returning officer to supervise election of Board officers, Mr. G. Mather.

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954)/ Mon 14 Feb 1949:

"Ample Scope"

For New

Workers' Club

The Weston District Workers’ Club would form the basis of a community centre, the Secretary of the Northern Miners' Federation (Mr. J. B. Simpson) said at the official opening of the club on Saturday.

He said there were ample grounds, giving scope for development on an ambitious scale. The committee, as it accumulated funds, would construct imposing buildings, providing for the entertainment and recreation of women and children, as well as men.

The committee had shown foresight, energy and enthusiasm.

"We may succeed in getting increases in wages, but these are cancelled by taxation and increased costs of living,"  Mr. Simpson said. "But  here is an achievement that is a distinct gain, and a social benefit."

The Northern District Vice-president (Mr. H. Cockerill) said the club was a tribute to the voluntary effort spent upon it. Every member of the miners' Northern Board of Management was behind the workers' club movement.

"Begun Well"

The club President (Mr. J. Comerford) said the committee had begun well by insisting on a high standard of conduct.

Mr. W. A. Enright congratulated the executive on its initiative and organisation. 

The Secretary (Mr. G. Robinson) said the premises were only temporary. In a few years they hoped to have a club which would be a monument to their industry vand enterprise.

The club has a membership of 220, with 100 on the waiting list. The recretion room is 100 feet long and 18 feet wide, with 36ft. by 18ft. wings on either end, providing for a reading room, card room and concert room. The club has its own cricket and Soccer teams, and male voice choir.

The musical programme included items from the Weston Male Voice Choir, Weston Workers' Club Choir, Weston male quartette, and solos by Messrs. G. Woodcock, J. Farry, W. Grant, G. Grant, J. Ord, R. Curry, P. Bartlett, J. Deane, R. O'Neill. K. Murnane, J. Woods and J. Bailey.

Over the years, the Weston Workers Club expanded its facilities to accommodate a growing membership. This included the addition of dining areas, entertainment spaces, and recreational facilities. The club became a cultural landmark in Weston, hosting events such as live music, community gatherings, and sporting activities, further solidifying its role in the local community.

In 1970, members helped celebrate the club's 25th Anniversary. On that occasion, Secretary-Manager George Robinson wrote a history of the club for a souvenir booklet.  For Weston Workers' Club members, past and present, we have reproduced the souvenir booklet here.

Located at  No.1 Government Road, Weston,  the Weston Workers' Club provides affordable membership benefits, dining, and entertainment options while maintaining its historical ties to the region’s coal-mining heritage.

From its inception in 1945,  Weston Workers Club has grown into a favourite community hub, offering a welcoming atmosphere with a bistro, café, and sports lounge featuring a 100-inch high-definition TV for sports enthusiasts. 

The club hosts regular events like bingo and supports local initiatives through sponsorships, fostering community engagement. Its Miner’s Lamp Restaurant is known for Australian and Asian cuisine, and recent refurbishments have enhanced its bistro, earning high praise for quality and service.  

Weston Workers Club committee has always looked to the future, as their history illustrates, and now big changes are planned in the club precinct over the coming year. The community looks forward to the next chapter!:    

See: Weston Bears Facility Upgrade