Tewantin-Noosa RSL club’s bitter civil war ends in ceasefire

A Queensland RSL club that endured a bitter civil war has made a dramatic decision about its future.

Tewantin Noosa RSL Club, including member Dean Harlow, were involved in a bitter battle. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen / Courier Mail

A ceasefire has been reached in a long-running civil war at a Queensland RSL club where hostilities got so bad that Anzac Day events were moved to the local pub.

The Tewantin-Noosa RSL club has been riven by months of infighting between the local RSL sub-branch and the club itself.

The bitter battle saw this year’s official Anzac Day activities moved from the RSL club to Tewantin’s Royal Mail Hotel and a war of words erupted on social media.

A popular “Diggers Bar” operated by the RSL club closed earlier this year after the sub-branch moved to hike the rent, while the club was accused of cancelling life memberships of more than 450 sub-branch members.

The sub-branch, which launched failed attempts to overthrow the club board, rallied its troops to donate to a planned $80,000 “fighting fund” to take the club to the Supreme Court.

The Tewantin Noosa RSL Club. Picture: Supplied

Police were called to a special meeting of the RSL club in July when a proposed new constitution was rejected, and warring factions fired potshots on Facebook ahead of a second meeting in August.

But the recent resignations of the warring chairmen of the RSL club and sub-branch, Tim Bassett and Clinton Ware respectively, have paved the way for a truce.

Mr Bassett had accused the sub-branch of a “hate campaign” against him and his board, saying he had been falsely branded “a bully” and claimed the sub-branch was trying to “take over” the club.

Mr Ware also hit out at “online trolls” who he said were questioning his military service record and the medals he wore.

Tewantin Noosa RSL Club chairman Tim Bassett with veterans (L-R) Dean Harlow and Trevor Clarey in July. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen / Courier Mail

The RSL club held a special general meeting at the weekend, with a temporary board elected until next month’s annual general meeting.

“All previously banned members were welcomed back with a standing ovation,” sub-branch supporters group the Tewantin Noosa Member Group posted on Facebook.

“It was an emotional and proud moment for everyone.”

The post said the Diggers Bar was on-track to reopen while former RSL club secretary-general Kevin Graham had been appointed interim chairman.

“It’s a turning point for the club and the future looks bright for all involved,” the member group said.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this monumental day. Let’s move forward together as a stronger, united club!”