A motion to allow women to join the club as members was put to the annual general meeting, but did not receive the required three-quarter majority.

Members met at the Sandhurst Club in View Street about 7.30pm last night and made the decision to leave the club's constitution unchanged.

Immediate past president Stephen Iser confirmed the decision with The Advertiser just before 9.30 m.

"Matters relevant to membership were resolved at a well attended meeting where a wide range of views were considered," Mr Iser said.

"It was determined the status quo shall remain," he said.

The decision comes after a week of discussion on the issue, prompted by an e-mail leaked to The Advertiser.

The e-mail outlined the committee's opinion that allowing women to join would have "serious ramifications... for the sound, successful and harmonious functioning of the Club".

During the week, a number of female business and community leaders expressed their opposition to the club's men-only rule.

Among those was Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan, who described the rule as "archaic".

Last night, she said the decision to retain the men-only rule was disappointing.

But she said the issue would not go away.

"Men and women across Bendigo recognise this as a very out-of-date concept that really has no place in Bendigo in 2005," she said.

"In time I think this rule will change, it is just disappointing it hasn't changed tonight."

The Sandhurst Club, which opened in 1858, has about 300 members.

Those wanting to join must be nominated by an existing member, and membership is believed to cost upwards of $700.

It is believed a similar vote has taken place in the past, and last night's vote ensures the rule will again remain unchanged.

Women are allowed to attend the venue with their partners, with some access restrictions, but are not permitted to become members in their own right.