People are being urged to show their support for Williamstown RSL by turning up in record numbers for the Anzac Day dawn service.
Star Weekly revealed last week that the dawn service was in doubt after Williamstown RSL was put in to voluntary administration, tying up its funds and leaving creditors owed about $1.4million.
However, following queries from Star Weekly, RSL Victoria provided assurances that the sub-branch would be covered by insurance, and could apply to administrators Rodgers Reidy for patriotic funds. RSL state secretary Michael Annett said Anzac House was committed to ensuring Williamstown has the opportunity to mark Anzac Day.
“You can do an awful lot in terms of a commemorative occasion without necessarily spending a lot of money, but if there is financial support required, there is still the ability for the sub-branch committee to access patriotic funds – welfare funds,” he said.
“If a dawn service has been a long-standing feature of the Williamstown community’s observance of Anzac Day, and if the Williamstown RSL sub-branch committee – which is still in place – if they have the wherewithal to put together that occasion, then yes, of course we support it.
“We do hope that the Williamstown community will still have an opportunity to mark appropriately … Anzac Day this year.”
Williamstown RSL sub-branch president Rob Rowe said he was asking interested members of the community to start gathering at Williamstown’s cenotaph at 5.30am for a 6am service on Anzac Day.
“We are currently working with the Hobsons Bay Yacht Club to be able to use their facilities after the service,” he said.
“My committee and I are extremely pleased with the community support we are receiving to ensure we have a march and dawn service.
“It is indeed heartening to be a member of such a giving and caring community.”
Williamstown MP Wade Noonan urged the community to show its support for the Williamstown RSL.
“I’ve got to hand it to our local RSL,” he said.
“Despite the challenges, they’re determined to conduct a dawn service on Anzac Day.
“The best way for the community to demonstrate their support is to turn out to the Anzac services in record numbers.”
