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SUNDAY will mark two years since the Broadford RSL sub-branch hall was destroyed in an early morning electrical fire.
The tireless efforts of its members to raise the funds to rebuild have received a huge boost, with the announcement in late December of a $100,836 grant from the federal government.
Veterans’ affairs minister Alan Griffin met with sub-branch members and councillors at the site of the burnt hall in Murchison Street, where the new building will also be situated, just prior to Christmas.
“RSL facilities play a vital role in many regional communities across Australia,” Mr Griffin said.
“Broadford is no different and the RSL club has been sorely missed by the community.”
The funding announced by Mr Griffin will provide for air-conditioning, insulation, disabled bathroom facilities and floor coverings, as well as allowing for the purchase of tables, kitchen facilities, and kitchenware.
Looking to the future
The newly announced funding is some good news for the sub-branch, after it received the devastating confirmation that its donations are not eligible for tax-deductibility.
Sub-branch secretary Des Callaghan said the members are pleased that a new building is now foreseeable.
“This funding is a fantastic boost to the sub-branch; paving the way forward for rebuilding and allowing us – in conjunction with Anzac House – to release a tender for construction works,” Cr Callaghan said.
“The plans for the new hall are at Anzac House, and we expect they will go to council early in the year.
“We hope to go to tender by April or May.”
* See this week's edition of The Free Press for full article.