THE primary RSL for the region\u2019s south is seeing an overhaul in its home base, starting with the installation of a new bar fixture and memorial wall.<\/p>\n
With a new bar in place since March and their wall updated for the first time in eight years, Inverleigh RSL Sub-Branch president Deema Johnston said both additions are bringing much-needed updates to their space.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe old bar especially was just a hazard,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was very flimsily made, to the stage where I lost balance and actually fell into it.<\/p>\n
\u201cServicemen and police, we\u2019ve always got our heads on a swivel because the majority of us have been in conflict zones and we\u2019re forever vigilant. I don\u2019t go to pubs for beers anymore.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis bar would bring a shared, relaxed atmosphere you wouldn\u2019t get at a regular pub.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bar was made by Inverleigh RSL Sub-Branch treasurer Andy Tepper and features corrugated iron panelling and ammunition crate replicas made from recycled pallets which are fixed into the structure.<\/p>\n
The updated memorial wall features nearly 50 portraits of deceased Inverleigh servicemen and police flanked by two cardboard cut-outs of soldiers standing in the catafalque party\u2019s \u2018attention\u2019 pose.<\/p>\n
Mr Johnston said the new layout brings a greater clarity to the town\u2019s service history.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore, everything was placed ad hoc,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is to better represent the men. We\u2019ve grouped brothers like the Wilsons and McDonalds together to achieve a uniform placement.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt shows there\u2019s still a direct connection to these men with this town. George Stewart on the wall for example, his daughter is still a member of this RSL, who comes every Anzac Day.\u201d<\/p>\n
The local branch previously operated out of the Inverleigh Public Hall before their current location, a former homestead, was donated to them by the Hutchins family on land from the McDonalds.<\/p>\n
Mr Johnston said their recent renovations are about bringing new life back to their old building.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to bring a lot of life back into the RSL,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got plans to have a table commemorating the Battle of Beersheba and a section for the nurses.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to create a webpage for the history of this RSL for people to have a look at these deceased members. We\u2019re going to be putting in a ramp entrance and doubling the space here as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s the inscription at the top that really seals it which says \u2018this Sub-Branch will forever remain,\u2019 which is true. We want to keep that alive so people don\u2019t forget.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new bar and memorial wall will be launched as part of a public event on Sunday, 4 June.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE primary RSL for the region\u2019s south is seeing an overhaul in its home base, starting with the installation of a new bar fixture and memorial wall. With a new bar in place since March and their wall updated for the first time in eight years, Inverleigh RSL Sub-Branch president Deema Johnston said both additions […]<\/p>\n