THE Mount Gambier Community Returned and Services League decided to appoint a South East accounting firm to handle its financial affairs at its annual general meeting on the weekend.
In what the league described as a “cost saving measure”, it decided to cease managing finances internally and outsource the function.
“In addition to saving us money, it will make our reporting structure to the State Treasury more transparent,” RSL president Bob Sandow told The Border Watch yesterday.
“We are in the closing stages of securing our $200,000 State Government loan and had been reporting our financial position to Treasury as required.”
Mr Sandow – who was reelected RSL president for a fourth term at Sunday’s AGM – said the RSL also decided to establish a fundraising committee to assist with the general upkeep of the premises.
The committee will consist of an RSL committee member and two independent members to enhance additional, external focus on the league.
Committee members will spearhead a number of fundraising initiatives.
In addition to Mr Sandow’s reelection, current RSL vice-president Peter Bruhn has been elected for another term and Margaret Winterfield will continue her committee duties for another year.
Two new committee members were elected – Cummins South Pacific Mount Gambier branch manager Leigh Newton and Royal Australian Army Major Des Scheidl.
Mr Newton – who is the former officer commanding Royal South Australia Regiment A-Company – said the RSL provided a “fundamental community service that needs to continue”.
“Ultimately our success will depend on the community and we are counting on them, the committee and staff members to make it happen,” he said.
Mr Newton’s words were echoed by Maj Scheidl, who said the RSL was “up and running”.
“We are open for business and I’m looking forward to contributing to the league and the community,” he said.
Mr Sandow said a decision was also made at the AGM to put out a call for volunteers to assist the RSL at its reception desk.
“We would be grateful if members of the community could volunteer an hour or two of their time to work at our main entrance reception desk,” he said.
“We only have one receptionist that must divide her time between her receptionist duties and other things like banking and training.
“Assistance in this regard would be most welcome.”
