Call for state intervention as East Malvern RSL club to close its doors
Another suburban RSL club will close its commercial activities due to financial pressures. But a Victorian political leader wants the state government to step in and lend a helping hand.
VIC News
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The state government has been urged to help save an RSL club facing financial problems.
The East Malvern RSL sub-branch will close its bar, bistro and other commercial operations from next week.
However, it’s understood that the club will continue commemorating key events such as this week’s Remembrance Day, Anzac Day, and will keep its veterans’ welfare services.
Founded in 1933, the club has been operating from its Stanley Grose Drive premises for 64 years.
Its website said the club had been experiencing economic challenges since 1993.
Affiliate member and club regular, state Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien, said it was disappointing that the commercial side had to shut down.
“It’s very sad that a great community meeting place is cutting back,” he said.
“It’s been a good hub for the local community, but obviously there’s not commercial support there for it, and that’s very sad.”
Mr O’Brien, who’s been associated with the club since 2006, said East Malvern was a thriving community that needed a meeting place like the RSL.
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“There is more that the local council and the state government could do to support the East Malvern RSL,” he said.
“It’s a shame when you consider how much money the state government spends on things that frankly don’t deliver outcomes to the community, but they’re happy to stand by and let organisations like the RSL wither on the vine.”
It’s understood that the last day will be next Sunday.
The club was contacted for comment.