The Seymour RSL Sub-branch has put its Victorian Government funding to good use.
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The sub-branch received $40,430 to upgrade its hall in Station St thanks to the latest round of the Veterans Capital Works Grant program.
Announcing the funding, State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said Seymour RSL was an important part of the community, providing vital support for veterans and their families.
The sub-branch has used the money for new flooring, a new ceiling and new lights to make the hall a more welcoming space.
Seymour RSL Sub-branch president Andrew Cox said it was a community effort to get the hall updated.
“Ridd Builders owner Nick Ridd donated his time to pull out the ceiling and remove the old ducted heating and cooling, which was very generous,” he said.
“Chuck E. Electrical removed the old fluorescent tube lights and replaced them with modern LED strips purchased from Seymour Industrial Supplies.
“We then had Choices Flooring put down a new floor that has dramatically improved the appearance and the acoustics of the hall.”
Vice-president Matt McLaughlin said the improvements were part of a push to modernise the RSL and have more events for members.
“The RSL is one of the oldest organisations in Australia and we want it to stay for the benefit of veterans and the general public,” he said.
“But that’s only possible with a welcoming and vibrant space that people want to come to.
“Thanks to this funding, the new space has got everything we need to get members coming back and to get the public in here mixing with veterans.
“We want to encourage more people to bring their kids in so a new generation can understand what the RSL is and who the members are.”
Mr Cox said the RSL was also important for the mental health of veterans and emergency service personnel.
“It’s a place where young and old veterans can come and talk to someone who knows what they’ve been through,” he said.
“We’re also looking at having regular events for the CFA, SES, police and ambulance members to give them a place to defrag and relax.
“The RSL means a lot to a lot of people and we’re very thankful to the Victorian Government for giving us the money to modernise the hall and keep it going.”
The Seymour RSL Sub-branch runs a morning tea on Thursdays from 9.30 am and is open Friday nights from 5 pm.
For more information, phone Andrew Cox on 0435 107 599 or email seymourrslsubbranch@bigpond.com
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