For 35 years Griffith's John Sergi and the Yoogali Club were synonymous.
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Mr Sergi first started working as a bar steward in 1982 and years later was one the club's strongest supporters and advocates.
In 1990 Mr Sergi joined Rennato Vico in running the club's catering before Mr Sergi's wife Rosa joined him as Mr Vico left to focus on his restaurant.
"When you think of the Yoogali Club, the name John Sergi comes to mind," Yoogali Club president and Mr Sergi's friend Joe Romeo said.
"In his later years he decided he was there so often he took over the management of the club as well as the catering," he said.
To make sure Mr Sergi's name is linked with the club forever, the newly renovated auditorium and bar has been dedicated in his honour.
He would always put the club and its patrons first and was always looking for new ways to get people interested in the club.
- Yoogali Club president Joe Romeo
"John was involved in every aspect of the club from being president of the Soccer Club YFC and being the president of the Calabrese community," Mr Romeo said.
"He would always put the club and its patrons first and was always looking for new ways to get people interested in the club.
"John always said the bigger the party the better, and nothing made him happier than having an 800 plus person event."
Mr Romeo said Mr Sergi's dream was to see the club at the centre of community life in Griffith and had been planning major work to update the venue.
The first stage of that project has been finished and Mr Romeo said the club's committee and staff weren't done yet.
"We're looking into the future, we want the club here for our kids and grandkids and the community," he said.
The improvements have seen the auditorium refreshed and the club's bar area improved, further work is planned inside the club before moving out to the beer garden.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has been a frustration for many hospitality venues, Mr Romeo said it had provided some time for the work to be done.
And once COVID is no longer a worry the club would be ready to host the grand events it's been known for.
Mr Romeo said the work done in the club was finished by Griffith tradesmen.
A black-tie ball is being planned once COVID restrictions have been lifted.
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Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
