The land on which Moorebank Sports Club proudly stands today is steeped in rich military history. During the early 20th century, the surrounding area—particularly Holsworthy—played a significant role in supporting Australia’s legendary Light Horse Brigade through its crucial remount depots.
Remount depots were vital military facilities, responsible for training, caring for, and pairing horses with soldiers before they were deployed to the front lines. Holsworthy became home to one of Australia’s largest and most important remount depots, providing a steady supply of fit, trained horses to the Light Horse regiments during World War I. The landscape, transport access, and scale of operations made it a natural location for such a key role in military logistics.
The Australian Light Horse units were mounted infantry known for their courage, endurance, and daring manoeuvres—most famously, their heroic charge at Beersheba in 1917. While these victories are celebrated, it’s also important to honour the foundation behind their success—training grounds like Holsworthy and the people who kept the gears of war turning at home.
Today, Moorebank Sports Club honours that enduring legacy through its Lighthorse Kitchen. Our restaurant is named in tribute to the Light Horse troops and the historical significance of the land we occupy. Our recent renovations drew inspiration from this heritage, incorporating military themes and storytelling throughout the venue to preserve and showcase this proud chapter of Australia’s past.
We are also incredibly proud to now display an authentic Light Horse Brigade slouch hat in our restaurant. This special piece was donated by the City of Liverpool RSL Sub-Branch and presented to us by long-time member, James Sprice. The hat features the iconic emu plume—affectionately known as the “Kangaroo Feather”—a symbol that has become synonymous with the Light Horse.
According to legend, the tradition began after the death of a pet emu belonging to officers Major Percy Ricardo and Captain Harry Chauvel. Two stockmen tucked a few of the bird’s feathers into their slouch hats. When questioned about the unique adornment, the larrikin soldiers claimed they were “Kangaroo Feathers”—a playful joke that stuck. Over 100 years on, the emu plume remains a powerful symbol of the courage and character of Australia’s mounted soldiers.
At Moorebank Sports Club, we are honoured to preserve and share this proud legacy with our members and community. Through our name, our design, and the stories we tell, we remain connected to the spirit of service, mateship, and history that defines the Light Horse and our region.
