The Lesmurdie Club

The Lesmurdie Club had its beginnings in the late 1950s when a dedicated group of mainly Italian orchardists and timber industry people used to gather at the old Lesmurdie Sawmill in Canning Road (now the site of the Church of Christ) to play bocce, socialise and maintain close ties with their fellow countrymen. A bocce court had been constructed from old railway sleepers. The sawmilling operations transferred to Pickering Brook in 1962 and it was decided to form a club at the vacated Lesmurdie Sawmill and surrounding orchard lease. A meeting was called and a steering committee formed. The original name was the Lesmurdie Agricultural Club. It was felt this name reflected the nature of the Club as a place to meet and socialise for the whole community. The Club commenced trading at the Canning Road site on a temporary licensing permit and an official licence was granted by the Liquor Licensing Court in December 1963. The licence fee was assessed on trading from the previous two months. The Club traded at this site for the next 14 years but experienced financial difficulties for most of this time. In 1975 it was decided to purchase the current site in Boronia Road. It was felt that a new Club was a better option than continuing in rented premises which were in dire need of repair. It was at this time that the name Lesmurdie Club was adopted. The Shire of Kalamunda refused to fund the Club in any way as it claimed the Club’s then poor financial record was not an attractive vehicle for Shire assistance even though the Kalamunda and Pickering Brook Clubs were both being assisted by low-interest-bearing Shire loans. The purchase price of the 1.5 acre Boronia Road site, which was Railway Reserve vested with the Crown, was $12,000. The Club was able to secure a $40,000 bank loan and a further $7,000 in debentures from about 120 members for construction of the new premises. Lesmurdie Club moved into its new premises in May 1977. The Club was an immediate success and membership increased dramatically. The Club was incorporated as Lesmurdie Club Inc in May 1981. Extensive renovations were carried out in 1985, with the addition of a larger function room and extension of the main bar. The Club logo was designed by Club stalwart Mary Hutchison in 1988. It depicts a sawmill blade, representing the original site; a fruit tree, representing the surrounding orchards; and the Italian flag for the Italian roots the Club proudly bears.. A major redevelopment of the site was started in 1991 with a new building to be built over the top of the old building before the old building was demolished. This $550,000 project was completed in January 1995 with the completion of the Boronia Room function centre, new car parks and kitchen. A major upgrade of the Sports Bar was completed in 1999 and extensions to the outdoor areas in 2003. Lesmurdie Club has secured adjoining land to expand its amenities and facilities in its ongoing commitment to maintain its reputation as “The Ultimate Hills Social Club”. ... And Now Lesmurdie Club is continuing its ongoing program of improving facilities for the benefit of members with planning well advanced for additional dining sections and family-friendly areas to encourage the community to make Lesmurdie Club the home base for social life. The acquisition of additional land will allow for controlled and sensible development in an expanded premises.