RSL revival plan

By Bridget Brady
THE Cranbourne RSL building is due to undergo a $4.7 million revamp to modernise its tired facilities, to boost patronage and revenue.
More than 120 members of the Dandenong Cranbourne RSL sub-branch voted unanimously in favour of the upgrades at a special meeting on Sunday.
Dandenong Cranbourne RSL sub-branch general manager Graham Keating said the renovations were necessary and they needed to have successful results.
The cash-strapped Cranbourne RSL sub-branch amalgamated with the Dandenong RSL sub-branch earlier this year as Dandenong wiped Cranbourne’s debt of more than $1 million.
“But Cranbourne continues to lose money at the present moment so we need to increase the patronage of members and visitors,” Mr Keating said.
“I am very confident that this will change the whole perception of the Cranbourne RSL of it being old and rundown.”
The first stages of the proposed upgrades, estimated to begin in February, would include moving the gaming machines from the ground floor to the upper level with the bistro so it could operate as one entertainment area.
The bowls facilities will be significantly upgraded to improve the “tin shed” they had at present, Mr Keating said.
“The bowlers have been segregated for several years now. They will have more modern amenities to play their sport.”
There will be a new entrance at the side of the building with a new foyer, reception and escalators to the upper level.
Later stages of upgrades, pending possible gaming regulation changes, will include changes to the top floor and the possible construction of a restored Macchi jet trainer that would be established as a memorial to Roulettes who lost their lives during aerobatic displays and training.
In a style similar to the helicopter at the Dandenong premises, the jet would be erected on a six-metre pole, Mr Keating said.
“This is a very exciting feature.”
Dandenong Cranbourne RSL sub-branch vice-president Barry Jones, who was president of the Cranbourne sub-branch before the merger, said relocating the premises was previously on the cards.
“This is great. It’s something that needs to be done. Without the amalgamation none of this would be possible,” Mr Jones said.
“We hope for a lot of public support. We know it’s a fairly competitive market in Cranbourne, so we’ve got to be able to keep up with that.”
Mr Keating said he hoped stages one and two would be completed by the middle of 2011 and they would make a decision on the remainder of the upgrades after 2012.