LONG-SERVING Bacchus Marsh RSL president Stan Franklin has been voted out after a 10-year tenure.
The veteran said he felt “gutted” that he had been replaced by Hilmar ‘Irish’ Kummerlowe by a vote of 15-22.
Mr Franklin was a prominent supporter of controversial roadworks along the Avenue of Honour.
He said his four years as secretary and six as president had been peppered with many highs, and a few lows.
Sub-branch secretary Kaye Godkin said it was the first time in many years that more than one candidate had stood for the yearly elections.
But Mr Franklin said he had concerns about the process of the election held on March 9.
“It wasn’t a level playing field and was set up for me to lose,” he said.
Mr Franklin said the sub-branch had 134 members and a postal vote should have been made available.
“I spent a lot of time, four or five hours a day, on RSL-related work, so I’ll certainly feel empty now,” Mr Franklin said.
“It was certainly a shock.”
The Avenue of Honour remained a prominent topic throughout Mr Franklin’s time at the helm.
He said a highlight was working with councillors, management and parks and garden staff to nurture the elm-lined road during years of drought.
Another was the RSL’s involvement with the council’s heritage advisory committee.
Mr Franklin said he had relished the chance to work with local emergency services, politicians and war widows through his role.
Incumbent president Mr Kummerlowe, who has been a sub-branch member for two years and joined the committee last year, said he would aim to take a fresh approach.
“I think we need to move on. The town is getting bigger, people want new ideas,” he said.
“Things are changing and we need fresh ideas, a fresh approach.”
The Vietnam war veteran, 63, said he wanted to attract more members.
Mrs Godkin praised Mr Franklin for his contribution to the sub-branch.
“Stan has been a wonderful president of our RSL; he has shown great process, and every mayor and CEO has had a strong relationship with him,” she said.
“We thank him for all his services and hopefully can continue that with the new president.”
