RSL’s donations support local veterans

IT WAS a big week for Wonthaggi RSL Sub-branch as they donated $3000 towards three local organisations from funds raised through the RSL’s bingo sessions, which have now ceased.

On Thursday, the RSL donated $1000 to Bass Coast Health’s (BCH) Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselling Service, which will help clients in need of emergency relief.

As veterans are clients of the BCH Counselling service, the RSL and BCH agreed the donation would be dedicated to funding emergency relief vouchers that recipients can exchange for essential supplies at local retailers.

Wonthaggi RSL Sub-branch President Dan Lucas said, “We are pleased this donation will go towards benefiting the valued veterans within our community who come upon difficult times and require food and other relief when they may not be able to afford it.”

“The AOD team is extremely grateful for the generous donation from the RSL to help support our clients in times of need,” Counsellor Jasmin Friend added.

“Alongside their donation, it was amazing to be able to sit and network with the RSL members and discover the supports that both of our services provide.”

The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counselling Service at BCH is delivered to the community from Wonthaggi Hospital and the Phillip Island Health Hub at Cowes.

The AOD team assists clients with various services, from Counselling, Pharmacotherapy and Withdrawal Support to Care and Recovery. 

They also help facilitate referrals to inpatient Detox Services and Residential Rehabilitations and provide a Needles Syringe Program to the local community.

AOD services at Wonthaggi Hospital now provide services from new private rooms in the Allied Health building, accessible via the Outpatients’ reception.

“It’s important for people to reach out and realise they are not alone.”

After the presentation at BCH, RSL members moved to Rose Lodge whereby they presented CEO Shane Jenkins and Board President Glen Richards with $1000 that will go towards Rose Lodge’s ANZAC Cove Sitting Area.

The donation will enable Lifestyle Manager, Carolyn to bring the special sitting area to life for the 15 veterans and 98 residents of Rose Lodge.

“Thank you to Wonthaggi RSL for their donation. This will enable us to finish ANZAC Cove, creating a reflective space for residents and their families,” Carolyn noted.

Rose Lodge and Wonthaggi RSL are also on the hunt for mannequins, preferably male, to add to their uniform displays and sitting areas. Please reach out to each organisation if you have one you no longer need.

Fallen Diggers was the third and final recipient of $1000 from Wonthaggi RSL on Saturday.

Fallen Diggers Incorporated is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to undertaking research on the battles of both World Wars; their trench systems, the battlefields and the military personnel that took part in those battles. 

They are also in the final stages to mount a search in Bass Strait for Missing

Beaufort Bomber A9-304. A9-304 and its four crew went missing on April 28, 1943, whilst doing practice torpedo runs.

The donation will help in the search and once found the crash site will finally be offered the protection of a war grave and the families will be provided with long overdue closure.

In the build up to ANZAC Day, people can purchase badges from The Caledonian Hotel in Wonthaggi, Bunnings, Wonthaggi Plaza (Thursday – Saturdays), Big W (Wednesdays – Fridays) and IGA (Friday and Saturday ahead of ANZAC Day). And keep an ear out as Wonthaggi RSL’s oldest veteran Al will be joined at Big W by Malcolm on the pipes.

All monies raised by the ANZAC Day Appeal go directly to supporting veterans.

Wonthaggi RSL members and those interested in joining are welcome to join Friday’s social night from 4pm to 7pm weekly.