Dandenong RSL secretary John Laughton (left) and sub-branch president Alec Kowarzik (right) with state RSL president Major-General David McLachlan at a luncheon in Dandenong.– Shaun Inguanzo
DANDENONG RSL could be one of 100 RSL sub-branches left standing after another 220 shut their doors over the next 10 to 15 years.
State RSL president Major-General David McLachlan said at a Dandenong luncheon last week that the RSL’s future in Victoria would lie with licensed clubs such as Dandenong while smaller country clubs folded and members migrated to the closest club.
General McLachlan said he expected membership numbers to stabilise despite the dive in sub-branch numbers.
He made the comments at a luncheon organised by Dandenong RSL secretary John Laughton, which was packed with ex-servicemen and community guests including Dandenong police superintendent Chris Ferguson, Foster’s Victorian trade liaison manager David Clancy and ex Dandenong RSL presidents.
The now-retired General McLachlan served with the army in Malaysia, Indonesia and South Vietnam throughout a distinguished career.
He received an OAM in 1989 and was made an officer in the Order of Australia in 1993.
