RSL backed to bring community together

BALLAN RSL Sub-branch has secured a State Government grant for a new storage shed.

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle announced details of the $49,591 grant from The Veterans Capital Works program in the lead-up to Anzac Day today.

Ballan RSL Sub-branch president Pippa Morris welcomed the funding and said the new shed would provide the club with additional storage capacity.

It will have a wide verandah to enhance the ability to undertake outside activities.

“We had one, but we had to knock it down as it was falling down, so it’s a replacement shed,” Ms Morris said.

The shed project is one of 26 to share in more than $780,000 to upgrade or develop facilities for veterans and their families.

Ms Settle said by upgrading veteran facilities, the Government was helping future generations understand the legacy of service.

“These projects make sure that the local community has the space needed to preserve the stories of our veterans so that they live on, not just in memory, but in every community they helped shape,” she said.

“[It is] creating spaces to bring communities together.”

Ms Morris said the RSL was expecting about 800 people to attend its 6am dawn services at Ballan, Blackwood and Myrniong, including about 400 at Ballan.

Between 400 and 500 people are expected at the afternoon service in Ballan.

“We march from the Ballan RSL Hall down to the Cenotaph and then we have our afternoon, or Cenotaph service, at 1.15pm,” Ms Morris said.

“People are invited back to the RSL hall afterwards, where we have afternoon tea, put on by the local CWA ladies. “We also incorporate into our services all the local primary schools in our area.

“There are six primary schools and every one of the schools has a job in the service, be it presentations on relevant subjects, or helping with our wreath laying.

“This year one of the schools has put a choir together and will lead the national anthem.”

Bolstering the community involvement, the 1st Ballan Scouts will lead the flag party and march in the afternoon, and the Ballan, Blackwood and Myrniong fire brigades will put on a gunfire breakfast following their respective dawn services.

Ms Morris said the RSL was always grateful for the contributions of community groups and the support of the towns.

“Our services are well-attended and well-supported and because our populations are relatively small, it’s easier to bring everyone together,” she said.