Pledged by the Victorian Coalition ahead of the November Victorian election, and announced by state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland on Saturday, October 17, the sum would go towards a new events space and upgraded kitchen at the RSL’s base on Station St.
President Matt McLaughlin said the club had been advocating for the funding for about five years.
“Annabelle has always been trying to support us and get funding for us, but this is the first year the Victorian Coalition has committed something,” he said.
The investment would support Seymour RSL to continue to provide an important meeting place for local veterans, and serving Australian Defence Force personnel from Puckapunyal and their families.
Mr McLaughlin said the funding would also enable the RSL to undergo vital upgrades.
“It doubles our space capacity-wise, but it’s more about putting in disability access to the bathrooms because, at the moment, we don’t have disabled access for our ageing veterans,” he said.
“That’s the most important part of it – providing that disabled access so it’s more comfortable for them.”
The funding announcement was made at the club’s annual Black Tie Ball.
Mr McLaughlin said it was a complete surprise.
“I was a bit blown away because usually I would get a bit of a heads-up,” he said.
“I was a bit taken aback, but very, very appreciative of it.”
Ms Cleeland said the RSL was an important part of the community.
“These spaces matter. They give people the opportunity to come together, share experiences and stay connected with others who understand the unique demands of service,” she said.
“This $500,000 commitment will help deliver a new events space and an upgraded kitchen, giving the Seymour RSL more opportunities to host events and support the people who rely on it.”
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