Kew and Tramways RSL sub-branch merger sparked by debt, young veterans say
Veterans have hit out at what they say is a lack of direction, financial mismanagement and hostile approach by some older RSL sub-branch members towards younger veterans, causing sub-branches, including Kew, to be driven into the ground.
Inner East
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Kew RSL sub-branch has been plunged into crippling debt due in part to its failed on-site restaurant, a veteran claims amid allegations of disrespect between older and younger veterans.
David Petersen, 33, an Afghanistan veteran, alleged financial mismanagement of the club, which underwent extensive renovations in 2017, pushed it into the red, causing it to become insolvent. He said the sub-branch owed about $800,000 to creditors according to internal financial reports and its proposed amalgamation with the Tramways/East Melbourne RSL sub-branch would result in the Tramways’ site being sold to try to dig it out of its financial hole.
RSL Victoria confirmed the restaurant had not operated since June 8, but RSL Victoria president Dr Robert Webster refused to say if the sub-branch was in debt. In a statement, he said the sub-branch was “considering its options”, and while the restaurant was closed, the sub-branch continued to offer welfare support.
Afghanistan and Iraq veteran Malcolm Moore, 32, (not his real name) said the merger was needed to save Tramways.
Tramways had a dwindling membership due to clashes between older Vietnam War veterans and other members, particularly younger veterans, he said, which caused a mass exodus to the Hawthorn RSL sub-branch.
Mr Moore stressed many Vietnam veterans accepted their younger peers but a minority, particularly older veterans in management roles, made the younger veterans feel they didn’t belong.
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Tramways president Peter Fraser confirmed his sub-branch had lost members to Hawthorn RSL sub-branch following a failed attempt by young members to gain leadership roles, but he stressed younger members were not told to leave.
Mr Fraser would not confirm if there were plans to sell the Tramways site, but he said the proposed amalgamation of the Kew and Tramways sub-branches would be voted on by members.
Calls to the Kew RSL sub-branch by the Progress Leader were not returned.