Rhett Burnie and Alexandra Falls
CONSTRUCTION of the new Broadford RSL Hall began yesterday as the State Government announced it would contribute $100,000 to assist with the project.
Speaking at the site of the club’s former hall, which was destroyed by an electrical fire in January 2008, Member for Seymour Ben Hardman said the entire community would benefit from the new building.
“The RSL Hall was used as a meeting place for veterans, as well as other community groups, and many have been feeling the loss of this important community space,” he said.
“While the fire destroyed this site in January 2008, I am proud to say that what we are about to rebuild will be an even better version – one that will serve as a multi-purpose facility to the whole community.”
He said the fire had devastated RSL members and the entire community with irreplaceable war relics and memorabilia lost in the blaze.
“The fire at the Broadford RSL was a devastating blow, particularly for local veterans and their families, and we lost irreplaceable war memorabilia including World War I service medals and a plaque commemorating the Rats of Tobruk.
Mr Hardman, who attended the blaze as a fire fighter, also took the time to praise members of the RSL and the wider community who had banded together to raise money to rebuild.
After several community fundraisers and a Federal Government grant of $100,000 that was received earlier this year, yesterday’s announcement takes the fund to rebuild the Murchison Street premises to $250,000.
Members of the Broadford RSL as well as CEO for Victorian branch of the RSL, Michael Annett, also attended the announcement.
Mr Annett praised the Broadford RSL sub branch saying they deserved ‘great credit’ for continuing their meetings and membership numbers even though they had no permanent meeting place.
Broadford sub-branch President Gordon Hastie said while the 2008 fire was devastating, it had revealed the town’s ‘tremendous community’.
“We had barbeques, we had chook raffles, the football and netball clubs got involved, it really has been a community effort,” he said.
“The new RSL hall will be a modern, multipurpose building with better facilities and disability access,” he added.
Builders began work on the new hall yesterday as the club prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary next month.
Currently the sub chapter is meeting in Gavan Hall in Broadford, where they first gathered together in 1930.
Mr Hardman and Mr Annett both said they believe the new and improved premises will help bring the organisation forward.
Broadford RSL Vice President Mandy Fing said the club hopes to be in the new hall by ANZAC day next year.
“That would be really fantastic,” she said.
