Mittagong RSL Club has experienced a lot of growth over the past 65 years.
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While some things have changed, such as the venue itself, other things have stayed the same.
Catering manager Alan Cunynghame has witnessed the club's transformation in his 40-year career.
At the age of 17, Mr Cunynghame became the first ever apprentice at the club.
He said a team of five once worked out of a small kitchen and served hamburgers at a hole-in-the-wall eatery within the club during the day.
Today the team has 90 catering staff, with 140 staff in total across the whole club.
Mr Cunynghame said while the venue and teams had changed, the club's focus on the community hadn't.
"It's a community minded place. I'm exceptionally proud to have been a part of that for so long," he said.
This is particularly the case during natural disasters.
During the recent summer bushfires, the club became an evacuation centre for families and their pets.
Mr Cunynghame was one of the many staff members who gave up their annual leave to provide food, accommodation and assistance.
The club experienced an even greater influx of people when Moss Vale Services Club closed due to a nearby bushfire threat.
"I know myself if anything ever goes down, we're very quick and very willing to jump in and do what we can to help," he said.
The club has also been a place to curb loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Cunynghame said the club had always been a "central hub" for social activities, including tai chi, line dancing and bingo.
"I was talking to one of our older members who would be 95. She's found this time lonely and she has been feeling a bit depressed," he said.
"She has been meeting up for a cup of coffee and coming in for the raffle.
"It's just a safe outlet for our seniors to go. They feel such a rapport with the staff.
"It's not about getting every dollar out of someone. It's about people coming in and feeling safe and secure."
Mr Cunynghame said staff members looked out for their regulars, particularly senior citizens.
"They make friends with the staff and the staff look after them," he said.
"Some go out to do shopping for them and make phone calls for them."
To further facilitate social activities, the club provides grants to community groups and the use of its function rooms for various events.
Mr Cunynghame was awarded a life membership by the board of directors in July.
The club awards a life membership to those who have given exceptional service over a period of time.
The award coincides with the club's 65th anniversary on Wednesday, August 5.