MORUYA RSL Sub-branch on Tuesday received some bad news, news that some members had been half-expecting for months. It seems RSL sub-branches won’t be able to sell Anzac Day badges and associated items this year.
Legal investigations associated with troubles with RSL headquarters in Sydney prevented the sale of poppies by the RSL for Remembrance Day last year. Hopes that advice could be received that the problem had been cleared up to enable Anzac Day sales to go on were quashed on Tuesday by deputy president Kevin Setter. He said advice from Sydney indicated sub-branches had to hand in their fund-raising authorities by March 1.
“There will be no fund-raising with Anzac Day this year,” he said, “unless proceeds are to go to the Invictus Games.” He said he had received no details about that possibility: “So there will be no badge sales this year.”
Mr Setter said he didn’t know if commercial outlets, such as Woolworths, would be able to sell Anzac Day badges.
(Moruya Sub-branch in recent years has raised about $6000 from the sale of Anzac Day badges and about $5000 from poppy sales, half of those proceeds going to Sydney HQ.)
Mr Setter also had some bad news about the work going on at Moruya Memorial Hall, largely removal and replacement of the asbestos roof. He said approaches by the builder for extra payments could mean the hall would not be available for this year’s Anzac Day observances. It was decided to call a special committee meeting to discuss the development with a report to go to the March meeting.
(Due to the work going on at the hall Tuesday’s meeting was held at the CWA Rooms, as will be next month’s.)
Treasurer Andy Mackenzie had some good news, though, for the annual meeting that was held before the monthly meeting. It had been a good financial year, he said, despite the loss of income from poppies. Costs had been kept under control.
He was re-elected to the position, as was Harold Barkley as president and Mr Setter as deputy president and veteran’s welfare officer.
