By Matthew Sims
Newport community members are encouraged to dig deep in support of the Newport Returned and Services League’s [RSL] plans for the refurbishment of its kitchen and a complete rebuild of the building’s flooring.
A GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $100,000 is continuing to gain traction in the community, with the total close to $10,000 at the time of publication.
Newport RSL treasurer and former secretary Ian Nicholls said the sub-branch appreciated the support.
“We are forever grateful to our community,” he said.
The sub-branch closed down for a period of time in 2018 due to financial mismanagement and welcomed veterans left behind after the closure of the Williamstown RSL sub-branch in January 2017.
With the help of a team of dedicated volunteers, Mr Nicholls is working hard to get the place up and running again.
“Newport RSL wants to and deserves to be a fully functioning RSL sub-branch,” he said.
“The building has been sadly neglected.
“We don’t want it to be a chrome and glass establishment, we just need the bones of the building to be in the right order.”
Mr Nicholls said that the funds raised will complement the $36,000 allocated to the sub-branch as part of the state government’s Veterans Capital Works grant program, but the scope of the works and ongoing expenses to host funerals for lost veterans made it difficult to raise the necessary funds.
“We absorb that cost,” he said.
Williamstown resident Gavin Scholes launched the GoFundMe campaign to support the much-needed works.
“Newport RSL needs our urgent help; please donate, and let’s create a venue we can, and should be proud of,” he said.
Details: www.gofundme.com/f/newport-rsl-needs-your-help
