By REBECCA BILLS
LAST Sunday, members of the Lilydale RSL voted in a new president and committee at their annual general meeting.
The new line-up for 2014 includes president Don Parsons, vice-president Paul Payne, secretary Chris Newell, treasurer Dorothy Healy and committee members Arthur Ford, Terry Hickey, Alan Jackson, Robert Richardson, Pat Seed and James Slattery.
Mr Parson comes to the job after 34 years of experience serving the country in the Royal Australian Navy and said he was honoured to hold his new position.
“I enlisted in 1963 at the age of 15 and served as a submariner for 17 years and as a reservist for 14 years,” he said.
Mr Parsons said the aim of the RSL in this new chapter was to be more approachable and involved in the community.
“We want to be more involved, especially with the local schools and charitable organisations where we can be of assistance in educating more people in the history of the RSL,” he said.
“We want to move forward within the community and get the message of Anzac to everybody because it is our history and it’s so important it is understood.”
“I am honoured to be elected president by my fellow peers and with this completely new committee we’ve got a lot of younger members whose focus is towards building the club and the values of the RSL.”
Mr Parsons said the club’s priority was the welfare of ex-servicemen, women and their dependents and he encouraged any veterans who needed assistance to contact the sub-branch.
He also noted that the Lilydale RSL sub-branch was one of the oldest in Victoria, with its centenary coming up in 2018.
“As we move closer to this anniversary the committee want to herald in a new era for the club,” she said.
