RSL: Fitzroy sub-branch building that was to be refuge for sale
Plans to create a refuge for at-risk veterans and domestic violence survivors have been scrapped by RSL Victoria as it opts to sell the prime real estate, causing outcry among concerned members.
RSL Victoria has scrapped plans to create a refuge for at-risk veterans and domestic violence survivors at a Fitzroy property, instead opting to sell it for a million-dollar sum.
The listing of the Combined Tramways/East Melbourne sub-branch building, with a $1-$1.1m price guide, has caused outcry among veterans desperate for more support.
Hawthorn RSL president Lucas Moon said sub-branch members were “kicked out” of the 391 Gore St building — one of the last traditional, pokies- and restaurant-free outposts in Melbourne — about 18 months ago.
RELATED: Kew and Tramways RSL merger sparked by debt, young veterans say
Veterans’ call to open up empty flats at RSL complex for homeless
Veterans’ shock as RSL moves to sell aged care homes
He said the unexpected eviction came amid state government-funded renovations to transform it into a support hub for veterans and women fleeing domestic violence.
An RSL Reform team, comprised of mostly younger veterans including Mr Moon, has voiced concerns the profits of the sale would go toward paying off “commercial debts … related to trying to run commercial facilities” rather than veteran support.
Internal documents seen by the Herald Sun show RSL Victoria proposed a merger between the Fitzroy-based group and the Kew sub-branch — the latter of which operates a restaurant and was about $800,000 in debt to creditors late last year.
“We’re not totally against using assets smartly, but what we’re against is these buildings being sold to pay out commercial debts,” Mr Moon said.
“We haven’t seen much money from 18 other sub-branches sold in the past nine years go toward veteran welfare.”
He said the vast majority of the Tramways/East Melbourne group had joined the traditional Hawthorn club instead of moving to Kew, because they didn’t want to belong to a venue where “the Xavier College parents’ club have their wine paid for out of our charity funds”.
“They’ve basically sold our building so the Kew elite can continue to hang out in their country club,” Mr Moon said.
RSL Victoria chief executive Jamie Twidale said Tramways/East Melbourne group had agreed the Fitzroy building was “no longer suitable” and was “in discussions about a potential merger” with Kew, while also considering other venues.
Proceeds from the sale would remain in the sub-branch’s patriotic fund until a decision was made about how to spend it in accordance with the Veterans Act, he added.
Combined Tramways/East Melbourne president Peter Fraser and secretary John Dobeli were contacted for comment.
Afghanistan veteran and RSL member Dave Petersen said the building could have helped solve rampant issues of veteran suicide and homelessness, being near RSL’s head office and “many healthcare facilities”.
“It would have been cheaply converted into temporary accommodation and used as a drop-in centre for those experiencing ill-health or suicidal thoughts,” he said.
Nelson Alexander Fitzroy agent Luke Sacco said most buyers were “looking to turn the double-storey building into a residence”. It’s due to be auctioned on November 7.
RSL Victoria has been forced to close 52 pokies venues, which usually make more than $200m a year, during the pandemic.
The organisation is also looking to offload its Vasey aged care network, which cares for more than 700 residents in five homes and eight independent living units across Melbourne.
READ MORE: Strathmore dream home to top Trent Cotchin’s sale price
Melbourne’s most popular suburbs: Lifestyle suburbs rise, east falls
Building industry job-saving plan could cost mum and dad investors
Originally published as RSL: Fitzroy sub-branch building that was to be refuge for sale