By Danielle Kutchel
There was a famous face amongst Noble Park RSL’s Australia Day celebrations last week.
Premier Daniel Andrews dropped by to mark the occasion with attendees on Tuesday 26 January, even indulging in a post-pandemic brew – he was photographed “getting on the beers“ with locals celebrating the day, including Alf Goldburg OAM.
Noble Park RSL president John Meehan said the premier, whose electorate of Mulgrave takes in Noble Park, had long been a supporter of the branch.
He said Mr Andrews knows the names of the RSL’s VIPs and visitors and has attended functions in the past.
“Daniel recognises a lot of people from the area and he could remember a lot of the people in the crowd that came to the event on Tuesday.
“He’s very interested in a lot of the military side of what we do in the RSL, and he’s been very supportive over the last several years,” Mr Meehan explained.
On Australia Day, the premier gave a speech about the values of the day, ahead of the main event: a flag raising.
This was followed by the singing of the anthem, food and dancing.
Mayor Angela Long, an honorary member of the RSL, was also in attendance and gave a speech after Mr Andrews.
Mr Meehan said visitors made sure it was a good day.
“We’re all old soldiers, and we know how to have a good time!” he said.
“We’ve had a very tough 12 months with lockdowns, but the ex-service population, they’re back and they’re fully supporting us again at the RSL.”
He added that staff, led by manager Mark Wilkinson, had done an excellent job in catering for all the visitors on the day.
Mr Meehan also reiterated the call for ex-servicemen and women to join the RSL, including contemporary veterans.
Besides lunches, dinners and dances, the RSL can provide important welfare support too.
“We have a fantastic welfare and pension organisation that will look after them. Any that need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, please come down and we’ll assist them in all their problems,” Mr Meehan said.
