By Peter Douglas
If there is one organisation that represents the resilience and community spirit synonymous with the Dandenong Ranges, it’s the Upwey-Belgrave RSL Sub-branch.
Earlier this year the community hub – affectionately known as the ‘heart of the hills’ – looked to be dead in the water after falling victim to substantial thefts.
But instead of giving up and shutting the doors, or succumbing to the appeal of poker machines, members of the committee of management dug in their heels and called on the community to join their fight for survival.
What ensued has been nothing short of incredible.
Spurred on by a rejuvenated bistro – as well as assistance from local politicians and the Healesville RSL Sub-branch – the Dandenong Ranges community has thrown its weight behind the popular icon.
Most recently, on Sunday 6 August, the Sub-branch held a special event to call on the community for support.
According to RSL member Annie Ashton, visitors turned out in record numbers with many signing up for membership on the day.
“This is not your average RSL; it’s also a community and social hub,” Ms Ashton said.
“There’s a sign near the door which reads, ‘You enter a stranger but once’, and it’s true.
“The patrons know the staff by name, and often vice-versa, and being a member here is like belonging to a big extended family.”
Ms Ashton said many of the volunteers give their time and expertise just to keep the RSL ticking over.
“It’s a little secret which the members don’t mind sharing. They call it the ‘heart of the hills’,” she said.
“Many community and sporting groups use this RSL as a base, including music groups, golf, darts and cricket and football teams.
“Poppies Restaurant serves delicious local produce cooked by dedicated chefs.”
Ms Ashton said the range of entertainment and social options had been the key to the RSL’s rejuvenation.
In fact, there is free live music every Friday night, showcasing some of the area’s best artists in The Opal Room, and many special music events.
Every Sunday evening there is a free open mic night and on the first Sunday of each month the free music runs from noon until closing.
In addition, there is the Running Rabbits Military Museum, with more than 2500 items, including trench art and a library.
Initially, there were fears that after the Anzac Day influx in April died down, the RSL would be forced to close its doors.
In January this year, the committee of management urged the community to make a determined effort to show its support saying that the club may be forced to turn over management to head body, RSL House.
If that scenario became a reality, a risk that still exists, RSL House may consider introducing poker machines in order to save the venue.
The great irony is there was a poker machine addiction element to the thefts that almost brought down the RSL.
On 24 April this year, Bayswater woman Marion Myra Mills – a former Upwey-Belgrave RSL Sub-branch treasurer – was sentenced to four months’ jail, wholly suspended for two years, after she pleaded guilty to obtaining financial advantage by deception.
Over an almost three-year period – from 26 November 2010 to 5 August 2013 – Mills made 80 fraudulent payments totalling $28,918.
Mills had issued fake RSL gift vouchers to pay back the tab.
However, a recent News Corp report has suggested the RSL was left in the red to a figure of around $400,000 after Mills failed to pay bills or staff superannuation.
The report also said Mills had been ordered to pay back the stolen funds at $50 per week, but that the RSL had not seen a cent of that money.
In a court recording obtained by the Mail, defence lawyer Beth Warnock said around the time of offending, Mills had stopped work due to eyesight issues.
Mills also reported a history of heavy drinking and a gambling addiction.
Mills’ fraudulent actions were uncovered after an audit was ordered on the sub-branch, due to financial difficulties.
Meanwhile, though many hurdles lie throughout their journey towards financial sustainability, the committee of management has made a good fist of the fight.
In April the RSL Sub-branch announced it would continue on until at least the end of this year, paying tribute to support from local MPs Edward O’Donohue, Jason Wood and James Merlino – in addition to assistance from the Healesville RSL Sub-branch.
The revamped bistro has proved to be a masterstroke, with the community getting right behind the initiative.
Sub-branch president David Eaton said the response had been encouraging.
“The bistro has been going crazy since the story was published; we’re not out of the woods but in a much more positive spot.”
Visit Upwey-Belgrave RSL at 1 Mast Gully Road, Upwey, or phone 9754 3665.
