After missing out on crucial Federal funding for their refurbishment and expansion, the Seymour RSL will continue to push to acquire new funding to improve their facilities.
Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, who has supported funding and grant applications by the local RSL, says that it is essential that advocacy continues for the crucial upgrades.
“The Seymour RSL is an extremely important part of the local community, offering a central location in town for veterans and their families to gather,” Ms Cleeland said.
“While they may have missed out on the most recent round of funding, I will continue to advocate for these upgrades due to the significant benefit they will provide local veterans and the wider community.
“By helping connect veterans to services, providing them with a way to develop social networks, and providing practical support, the Seymour RSL is offering a service that cannot be replaced.
“However, the current facilities are no longer fit for purpose.”
The Seymour RSL is currently based in a building that was constructed by local World War One veterans in the 1940s.
With more than 200 members, the Station Street building is overdue for expansion, requiring more space to support veterans of all ages and abilities.
Seymour RSL were selected to apply for the Federal Government’s Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program – a program that provides funding for eligible ex-service organisations to address community-based projects and activities for the veteran community.
The crucial community hub was sadly not successful in receiving this funding.
Seymour RSL president Matt McLaughlin said funding for the upgrades were necessary for the benefit of local veterans and the viability of the community group.
“Our toilets do not have disabled access and do not meet requirements – we cannot support our veterans if we don’t have the space or services,” he said.
“We need to extend and renovate to entice younger members in the RSL, but also provide for the ageing generation as well.
“Being that we’re so close to Puckapunyal, we need to provide a space for our veterans and their families.
“These upgrades will help the community by having other activities as well, like local meetings, events, and functions.”
The Seymour RSL invested considerable time and money during the application process, making it extremely disappointing to miss out on the initial funding boost.
However, this investment has meant they are now shovel ready for any future development of their site, should they be successful for future funding.
