The Formation of the Returned Services League
The RSL was formed in June 1916 by troops returning from WWI with the purpose of preserving the spirit of mateship, comradeship and support to Australia’s veterans and the families, formed amidst the carnage and horror of battle, to honour the memory of the fallen and to help each other whenever required.
That core mission has never changed but has continued to evolve to meet the needs of each generation of servicemen and women.
In 1916, there was no formal government welfare service for veterans and the RSL committed itself to provide for the sick, wounded and needy among those that had served including their dependants.
The RSL was instrumental in creating:
- A Commonwealth repatriation system
- Service, disability and war widows’ pensions
- Various employment and retraining programs
- Child health programs
- Vocational guidance services.
In effect, the RSL was the first national welfare agency in Australia and welfare remains our prime function today.
Lorne RSL Sub-Branch
The Lorne RSL sub-branch has been an integral part of the Lorne & District community for over 75 years and has a rich history. There are many examples of heroism, hardship, illness and all to often death of the men and women who served our great country.
The Lorne RSL sub-branch was formed in 1940 with Captain Jack Nichols as its first president. Prior to World War 2, locals, diggers were members of the Winchelsea sub-branch. In the Great War (1914-1918) 41 men and Violet Stirling, who were residents of the township, served. In World War 2, 127 men and 6 women enlisted to serve. 8 residents served in Vietnam.
Over the years since its formation many Lorne identities have provided outstanding service to the branch and to the returned service personnel of Lorne. For example: Gath Harry 22 years as treasurer, Jack Carrol 21 years as secretary, Doug Stirling 20 years as president, Eric Hodson 19 years as secretary, Jack Hickey 18 years as president and Graham Wheal 11 years as both president and secretary. Ron Adams is a current member of the branch who for many years has given his time to sell poppies prior to ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, to raise funds for the work of the RSL.
Members since the end of the Great War have worked tirelessly to provide support to the diggers and their widows and also through Legacy to the children of those who served and never returned.
The RSL Memorial Hall
In the early 1950s the branch raised the funds to build the RSL Hall to serve as a meeting place and to host community dances and functions. Members and their wives worked very hard to raise funds to pay for tradesmen and materials.
For many years the hall provided a venue for badminton and other indoor sports, but by the mid 1990’s high maintenance and looming capital works forced the Committee to sell the building to the Education Department. It is now part of the Lorne P-12 School complex.
The Cenotaph – A Rich History
A freestone Cenotaph was first erected in the old library paddock in 1923 and when Stribling Reserve was constructed the Cenotaph was moved to the Erskine riverbank diagonally opposite Cora Lynn. A few years later the Country Road Board had a grandiose plan for a curved bridge across the river at the new site, so up came the Cenotaph again and it was reconstructed on the northern end of what was then a car park beside the swimming pool. In 2003 it was moved yet again when the Foreshore Committee decided that the whole area including car park would become a recreational area. The Cenotaph is now finally at peace in ANZAC park along the left-hand side of Mountjoy Parade
In 2014 in conjunction with a number of community members, the Sub-branch developed a Two Stage project to upgrade the area to coincide with the ANZAC Centenary. Stage 1 was completed in time for the Centenary Commemoration in April 2015. Stage 2 was completed in November 2018 and now includes the Memorial Garden, upgraded paving around the Cenotaph and the planting of an original Lone Pine.
ANZAC Park will continue to be a focus for the community to Commemorate, Celebrate and honour all past and present members of the Australian Defence Force, Allied Armed Forces and members of all emergency services.
The Future – Relevance for next Generations
Membership of the Lorne Sub-Branch began with 96 members in 1940 and over the course of time numbers have continued to decline. In 2014 membership had reached an all time low. A membership drive was undertaken in the year of the 100thanniversary of the Gallipoli landing, with the target of reaching 100 members. Sadly, this work faltered, but now we as a community must work to honour those who were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice, by keeping an active sub-branch in Lorne.
The Annual General Meeting of the Lorne Sub-branch will be held on 17th February 2021, at 3pm at the Lorne Hotel. This year all Committee positions will become vacant, a number of the existing committee are keen to pass the “baton” and are appealing for members of our community to take on a committee role. I will be remaining as Treasurer and look forward to working with the new committee developing a long-term Strategic Plan to ensure the RSL remains relevant for our future generations. Key objectives of this Strategic Plan will be to consider:
Grow a stronger & vibrant community based Sub-branch.
- Ensure relevance to future generations
- Continue to support and provide welfare services
- Commemoration
- Financial sustainability
- Membership
- Community engagement
Membership
The RSL is now undertaking a membership drive for membership renewals, contacting lapsed membership and actively seeking new members. Being a financial supporter of the RSL is very significant to the Leagues ability to continue vital work against the Veteran and Ex-Service community, consequently your membership is very important to us.
There are 3 categories of membership:
- Service for past & serving members of Australian Defence Forces & Allied Services,
- Affiliate: for relatives of a past or present services members and all members of emergency services.
- Social for those not eligible to be a Service or Affiliate but wish to be a member of the RSL.
You can download the Membership Application Form here
Contact
Lorne RSL Sub-Branch – lornerslsubbranch1@gmail.com
Clive Goldsworthy
Treasurer, Lorne RSL Sub Branch
