BREAKING: Mount Gambier RSL Faces Closure

The Mount Gambier Community RSL have released a statement regarding the very real likelihood that their doors will close within days, unless they receive a cash injection from the community to keep it trading.

They are asking anyone in a position to help to contact the RSL on 87258181.


The statement in full, is as follows.


"The Mount Gambier Community RSL is in severe financial difficulty and there is a real likelihood that the RSL will be forced to close its doors in the matter of days if substantial funding is not forthcoming from the support of the local community. The RSL is urgently seeking a cash injection to be able to keep trading. Over recent months, the RSL has been able to put steps in place to ensure that it is able to sustain a profitable working business however it is the short term that greatly concerns us..



Our membership number have decreased dramatically over recent years due to natural attrition rates and is now only about 1055 including Affiliate members.



Recently, the RSL has been able to lease out its bistro to a very reputable couple from Adelaide who once catered for the West Adelaide Football Club as well as the Police Association Complex. Their expertise already have shown improvement in the quality of meals which has won the hearts of customers. Greg and Heather are positively promoting future functions and we encourage the community to give consideration when seeking a venue for their next events.



This is extremely serious. The RSL is the largest RSL outside the Metropolitan Area and the only RSL that operates 7 days a week in South Australia. The RSL employs over 30 locals with casual and full time employment. Many of the staff are long time employees and the RSL has great concerns for their future as well.



The committee have been approaching local business over the past week in an attempt to seek a donation so that the RSL is able to continue trading. Local business have been supportive however we are well under the required amount that is needed to remain open.



We have also had our own employees at the RSL who have kindly donated large amount of their own money just to ensure they have a place to work.



The RSL is largely responsible for days such as ANZAC day, Remembrance Day, Vietnam Veterans day and others. It is run by Mount Gambier Community RSL local volunteers.



The RSL is a 'not for profit' organisation and over many years have supported other local and sporting events with generous donations however due to the state’s economic climate, we have been unable to support those any longer and we are now needing support of our own.



If the RSL is unable to keep our doors open, it will lose the building to other investors and will never be able to support the community in the same capacity as it does now.



The RSL is a place for all ages to attend and not necessarily just for the elderly although our core function is to provide a place for our war veterans and their family members.



It is also a place where other sporting groups attend such as Darts, 8 Ball competitions, Poker Tournaments as well as Bingo and Weigh Watchers. On Friday nights, the RSL holds meat raffles and on the first of every Sunday, the RSL has a Sunday Funday where everyone is welcome to attend.



In recent times, the RSL has been holding events such as UFC and high profile boxing events on Foxtel TV which has seen large number of locals come to support the RSL to see such events for free. This has helped. These events have shown that the RSL is able to trade and make a profit however with large debts means that the RSL is unable to recover in time before it’s forced to close its doors.



I am seeking urgent assistance from the community immediately. Please help the Mount Gambier Community RSL before it’s too late. Every little amount will be greatly appreciated. If members and the local public wish to donate money to the RSL, they can give the RSL a call directly on 87251818 and staff will be able to provide banking details."