Bathurst RSL brief was to create a new identity for the ‘Diggers Bar’ with a brighter, fresher look and an adjacent upgraded TAB facility. The aim was to create opportunities for more diverse lounge type areas to encourage new patrons that would not have previously considered utilising this part of the Club. However it was also necessary to maintain/upgrade the ‘sports’ component and not alienate the Diggers Bar’s traditional supporters.

The Bar facility itself was tranfromed with it’s previous low ceiling and cluttered shelving layot removed and replaced with a clean crisp higher bulkhead level, new back bar joinery with backlit bottle displays and a simple bar front allowing greater connection between staff and patrons.
Seating areas were designated by use of altrnate types of furniture and joinery screening elements.

Joinery sceening located at the junctions of the TAB and seating lounges, serves a practical purpose in providing an acoustic and visual barrier whilst also giving the Diggers Bar one of it’s focal points and identity elements. While one side serves as the TAB monitors wall, the other provides a backdrop for more intimate bar lounge seating with fireplace and graphics display. The graphics display is designed so that panels are interchangeable and the Club is able to vary the graphics in accordance with major events such as the Bathurst 1000 V8 Race weekend or ANZAC Day commemorations.

RSL memorial elements are integrated within the design, in particular a recently donated collection of prints by one of the Club’s members is prominantly displayed at the heart of the facility being the juction of the TAB, lounge and snooker rooms. This acts as a backdrop from most parts of the Diggers Bar and is able to be viewed in more detail when entering and leaving this section of the Club.