The Ballan RSL has been saved following fears it would be forced to close its doors because of declining membership.
Member Janet Nason said the RSL could now look forward to celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019 after more than 25 people signed up at a weekend membership drive.
“There’s a commitment from those who have signed on,” Ms Nason said.
Before the weekend’s drive, the Ballan RSL had just 18 members, a handful of whom were considered “active”.
Ms Nason is hopeful the membership drive is just the beginning of new things and the Ballan community will continue supporting the RSL.
“We’ve lost 41 [Australian] soldiers to suicide just this year,” Ms Nason said.
“[Veterans] need support and the RSL can point these people in the right direction.
“It’s also a social gathering for older members, and even for younger ones, to come together when they have so much in common.
“We were approached by people who wanted to become members, to not let the memory fade of those who had gone before, and are still in battle, in Afghanistan and other places.”
Ballan RSL secretary Muriel Snaith last Friday told Star Weekly the average age of its current members was about 75, with most of the “active” members in their 80s.
Ms Snaith said she feared younger members would not realise the hours and work that were involved to keep the RSL alive.
“I hate to think what could happen to the RSL,” Ms Snaith said.
“We want more members, but what we’ve got to get is more financial members.
“Membership fees go into the club coffers and it’s the members who help with the running of the club.”
The Ballan RSL was founded in 1919 after more than 800 men and women from the area had served in World War I.
For more information about the RSL or to join, call president Bob Nason on 0431 862 899.
