By Parker McKenzie
In an early surprise in the lead-up to Anzac Day, RSL clubs throughout the Dandenong Ranges have received funding for projects from the Victorian State Government.
Emerald RSL has received $50,000 to upgrade the car park around their clubrooms, Upwey-Belgrave RSL has received $50,000 to repurpose an existing storage area to use for social activities training and support services, and Dandenong Ranges RSL has received $12,912 to install technology for sound reduction at their facilities.
Upwey-Belgrave RSL president Anthony Stewart said the funding was initial plans were devised 12 years ago.
“Due to not having the upfront funds to do it and looking at other things that we were trying to achieve, it sort of got put on the backburner,” he said.
“We applied for the grant with the Minister and when it came through, I’ve been telling everyone else since January it’s going to happen, just wait.”
The RSL will turn their storage room into a games room for members and the community, in a move Mr Stewart hopes will help the club attract younger veterans.
“At 53, I am one of the younger presidents. but I’m also a realist and we have to pass this onto to someone else,” he said.
“If the younger guys aren’t coming in, we need to change that. We need to create something that will bring them in.”
The projects are a part of the 50 chosen to share $1.1 million through three grant programs for veterans from the State Government.
Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane said he encourages all Victorian to reflect on the immense sacrifice of the veterans’ community this Anzac Day.
“We are ensuring veterans and their families have the assistance they need to build strong and successful lives after their service,” he said.
“These grants support local communities to remember and honour the service of our veterans.”
Upwey Belgrave RSL also received a second grant for their museum, worth $15,000.
Mr Stewart said the money has been used for display cases featuring uniforms of soldiers from recent wars Australia has participated in.
“What we’ve done is to feature younger veterans’ uniforms, more current updated stuff from after World War One and World War Two to attract the veterans,” he said.
“A lot of younger veterans would bring their children and their families in and say this is what I used to wear and things like that. It’s really a positive moving in the right direction.”
Upwey Belgrave RSL is located at 1 Mast Gully Rd, Upwey.
