For more than three decades, there were no new Returned Services League sub-branches opened around Victoria.
So when Peter Burquest and two other men decided to give it a crack and register a branch at Caroline Springs a few years ago, it seemed like a daring idea.
Two years on, there are 190 members and the branch is involved with numerous projects.
“There are quite a number of military personnel around this area, who are either still in the services or very recently out of it,” Mr Burquest said.
“We wanted to cater for those people coming from Afghanistan who would need welfare support. [But] We need the younger people to take the reins of the RSL, take it to the next level and make sure it continues on for service people into the future,” Mr Burquest added.
RSL Australia last week celebrated 100 years of service and support for ex-service members, their families and local communities.
Veterans Minister John Eren congratulated the RSL.
“We look forward to working with [the RSL], to continue supporting our veterans as their needs, issues and priorities change and evolve.”
