Darwin RSL to ‘discuss alternative proposals’ for new clubhouse after council decision to green over planned site

THE Darwin RSL president says he will discuss alternative location options for a clubhouse with members after the Darwin Council decided on Tuesday night to green over the proposed site of the new venue.

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THE Darwin RSL president says he will discuss alternative location options for a clubhouse with members after the Darwin Council decided on Tuesday night to green over the proposed site of the new venue.

The City of Darwin passed a motion to green over the Darwin Cenotaph car park on the Esplanade, putting the RSL’s proposition to build its new clubhouse on that site to bed.

The City of Darwin last night passed a motion to green over the Darwin Cenotaph carpark on the Esplanade, pictured. Picture: Che Chorley

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“City of Darwin last night made a decision to decline progressing our proposal to transform the Esplanade carpark into a venue for reflection and social interaction at the site where anti-aircraft installations were involved in resisting the largest ever attack on Australian shores,” Darwin RSL Sub-Branch president Stephen Gloster said in a statement today.

“The proposed location had obvious synergy with the adjacent Darwin Cenotaph and newly installed Eternal Flame.”

Mr Gloster said the RSL would begin discussing other options.

An artist’s impression of the Darwin RSL clubhouse that was planned for the Esplanade. A decision by Darwin council last night to green over the site has effectively put the proposition to bed. Picture: Supplied

“As one of the Northern Territory’s oldest continuing community organisations, we will discuss with our members alternative proposals that will continue to embrace our significant past and sustain a future within a modern environment,” he said.

One of the proposition’s most vocal opponents was the Darwin Deckchair Cinema, which is located about 80m from the carpark.

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“Last night the council voted to green the carpark at the top of the stairs behind our screen,” Deckchair Cinema said in a Facebook post today.

“Everyone here is very relieved that the Deckchair Cinema has been protected and grateful for the fantastic support from the local community.”

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