When the local RSL in Coonamble in central west New South Wales found itself in debt to the tune of $500,000, it was feared nothing could be done.

Enter Carol Stanley, a 76-year-old great-grandmother, who in 2014 had the bright idea of opening a nightclub.

Fast forward a few years, and the RSL was back on its feet, the locals were having a ball and Mrs Stanley was celebrating a major achievement while having lots of fun at the same time.

The volunteer spent countless hours running Brumbies nightclub. She was also busy at the RSL and was behind the wheel of the town's booze bus — not making a cent for her efforts.

Carol Stanley will continue to volunteer every weekend, driving Coonamble's booze bus. ( ABC Western Plains: Lucy Thackray )

Brumbies was a huge success and wiped out the debt, but business was on the slide at the RSL with an ageing customer base, the ongoing drought, and financial problems in the community contributing to the leaner times.

This led to the heartbreaking decision to close both.

"We haven't got patronage at the club itself — the old people have probably gotten too old," Ms Stanley said.

"The young ones really loved it though. It was just an outlet for them all the time.

"The nightclub was my baby — we were able to get the RSL out of debt because the nightclub was booming and from the proceeds of selling the pokies."

Starting a nightclub at 72

Ms Stanley took over the management of the RSL never having managed a club before.

"I said to my friend, 'Why don't we have a crack at a nightclub? We might be able to raise some money for the club to keep it open'," Ms Stanley said.

"We'd have well over 100 to 150 people through the door every weekend. One long weekend we had more than 500 people through the door — the young ones have loved it."

Ms Stanley sourced DJs to play for the crowds at weekends, with people traveling hundreds of kilometres to dance.

"It brought a lot of fun and music. I've always liked the latest music, I'm a great fan of Pink," Ms Stanley said.

"You've got to move with the times, you move with the young ones, you don't fight against them."

The club even let an aspiring 13-year-old DJ to the crowds.

"He was excellent, his music was really good. He was playing until 3am," Ms Stanley said.

"People asked if it was past his bed time but he plays video games til 4 o'clock in the morning so it was no problem."

Ms Stanley said there were benefits for the community.

"I think it was great for the young ones because they were not partying at home and getting into fights and things — here it was controlled, because we had security every week," she said.

"I think they needed that, they needed somewhere where they're told, 'Hey, you have a good time but you don't play up'."

Last drinks

Ms Stanley said she enjoyed the venture "immensely" and had learnt plenty from the experience.

"I'm just sorry it has to end this way," she said.

Carol Stanley opened the Brumbies nightclub to get Coonamble's RSL out of its $500,000 debt. ( ABC Western Plains: Lucy Thackray )

Although Ms Stanley was relieved the RSL eventually became debt free, she felt for the locals who loved to come and dance at Brumbies every weekend.

"It's been very, very sad, I feel sorry for the young ones because now they don't have a nightclub to go to — we're the only ones in Coonamble with a 24-hour licence."

"I don't know if I'd do it again somewhere else, my mates are telling me I'm too old."

The 76-year-old will continue to drive the town's booze bus to make sure people get home safe, with no public transport or taxis in Coonamble.

"I drive around town and pick everyone up for the sake of a $2 donation — that maintains the bus and whatever money's left I give to the RSL sub branch."

A labour of love

Ms Stanley and a group of supporters are now packing up more than 50 years of history at the RSL.

Treasured war memorabilia will remain in Coonamble, while all other assets are being sold off.

Coonamble's only nightclub has now closed. ( ABC Western Plains: Lucy Thackray )

"I've not really gone and told the ex-servicemen and women at the aged care home, I've avoided that, they're a little bit old, they're in their 90s — it would be upsetting."

The Coonamble woman has enjoyed herself immensely while bringing music and fun to Coonamble.

"We made enough to pay accounts and keep staff on but I didn't want any money," she said.

"I've enjoyed it, I've enjoyed the young people — I'll miss it."