For Those Who Serve Our Community and Country
Twice tested by fire. Never broken.
Canberra’s home for service-minded people — rebuilding again, stronger than ever.
On 8 August 2025, a kitchen fire caused extensive damage to our Barton premises at 51 Blackall Street. Thankfully, everyone was safely evacuated and no serious injuries occurred. The Club is currently closed until further notice while we assess the damage and determine our next steps.
This is the second time fire has struck our Club — our original Manuka home was lost in 2011. But as we proved then, the Canberra Services Club is more than a building. It is a community, a legacy, and a promise to those who serve.
We are actively working with insurers, the ACT Government, and our membership to chart the best path forward — whether at our Barton site, our long-held Manuka site, or both. We will share updates as they become available.
Contact and venue details will be published here once confirmed. In the meantime, the best way to reach Club administration is via our contact form below.
Who We Are
The Canberra Services Club — affectionately known as The Servo — has been a gathering place for service-minded Canberrans since 1939. Born from the spirit of wartime volunteerism, we've evolved into something unique in Australia: a community club built not on poker machines, but on people.
In an Australian first, we redefined what a services club can be — opening our doors to everyone who serves their community, not just those in uniform.
Who We Welcome
Under our community incentive programme, affiliated groups share in the Club's success — a model focused on giving back, not just taking in.
Our Story
From wartime canteen to community institution — over 85 years of serving those who serve.
With war looming, the Canberra Volunteers' Welfare Association is formed. The first meeting is held at Ainslie Public School, with a simple mission: look after those who serve.
The Club becomes Canberra's first venue to hold a liquor licence, operating from the Melbourne Building in Civic. It is where friendships are forged and respect for service is lived, not just spoken.
The Lady Gowrie Services Club — known as "The Hut" — is built next to Manuka Oval. Staffed entirely by volunteers, it becomes a lifeline for troops passing through Canberra. Over one million meals are served during the war years.
The Canberra Services Club officially reopens at Manuka, with the Governor-General cutting the ribbon. A new chapter begins.
The Club grows into a beloved Canberra institution. Extensions are added, the Kokoda Memorial and Bofors anti-aircraft gun installed, and generations of Canberrans make it their home — especially on Anzac Day.
A devastating fire destroys the heritage weatherboard Manuka building, along with decades of irreplaceable memorabilia. But the Club refuses to fold.
The Club acquires the former ACT Rugby Union Club at 51 Blackall Street, Barton — always intended as a temporary home while plans are developed to return to Manuka.
In a bold move, the Club redefines itself to welcome all who serve the community — an Australian first. Membership opens to ADF, police, emergency services, not-for-profits, and the wider community.
Major milestone: the ACT Planning Authority approves the removal of concessional lease status on both the Manuka and Barton sites, paving the way for long-awaited redevelopment plans.
In a cruel twist of fate, fire strikes again — this time at the Barton premises. A kitchen fire causes extensive damage, closing the Club once more. But as before, the community rallies and the Committee remains resolute.
Plans continue for a new purpose-built Club and boutique hotel at the Manuka site, in the shadow of Manuka Oval. The Canberra Services Club will rise again — not from ashes, but from the unwavering spirit of those it serves.
Latest Updates
Updates from the Club committee on our recovery and future plans.
August 2025
The Canberra Services Club is closed until further notice following a kitchen fire at our Barton premises on 8 August 2025. All patrons and staff were safely evacuated. We are assessing the extent of the damage and working with our insurers.
May 2025
In welcome news, the ACT Planning Authority conditionally approved our application to remove concessional lease status on both the Manuka and Barton sites — a seven-year effort that moves us closer to rebuilding at our spiritual home.
Ongoing
The Club committee is actively exploring all options for our future, including the long-held vision for a new Club and boutique hotel at the Manuka site. Meanwhile, information about events and activities are communicated via social media. Please see the links in the website footer.
