Almost two years since it was destroyed by electrical fire, the rebuilding of the Broadford RSL is one step closer with a $100,836 grant announced today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin. Standing at the site of the original RSL, Minister Griffin said he was pleased the Australian Government could help the community rebuild an important meeting place for local veterans.

“RSL facilities play a vital role in many regional communities across Australia. Broadford is no different and the RSL club has been sorely missed by the community,” Mr Griffin said. “It also gives me great pleasure to announce this just before Christmas. Today’s funding will help install air-conditioning, insulation, disabled bathroom facilities and floor coverings at the club and purchase tables, kitchen facilities and kitchenware.”

Mr Griffin commended the community on their efforts to rebuild the Broadford RSL, with significant fundraising over the past two years. Broadford RSL Secretary Des Callaghan said the Australian Government funding meant that the rebuilding of the club was well within their sights.

“This is a fantastic boost to the sub-branch; paving the way forward for rebuilding and allowing us – in conjunction with Anzac House – to release a tender for construction works,” Mr Callaghan said. “The loss of not only the building, but also the memorabilia, had a devastating effect on our members – especially our World War Two veterans. Now there is hope that we can hold our 80th anniversary in a new hall on 30 November 2010. The RSL Hall has always been and will continue to be a community facility and I know all the organisations who used it will also be excited with this announcement.”

Mr Griffin said the funding was made available through the Veteran & Community Grants program which helps fund local initiatives that improve access to community care services and encourage social interaction among members of the ex-service community. “It is important for veterans, war widows, widowers and their families to become involved in local health and wellbeing activities, which take place in facilities like the Broadford RSL across the country,” he said. Veteran & Community Grants are available to ex-service and community organisations, veteran representative groups and private organisations that contribute to the health and welfare of the veteran community.