LOCAL businesses have rallied in support of the embattled Mount Gambier Community Returned and Services League by buying RSL memberships for their staff.
Green Triangle Electronics, Baxter Hire and orthopedic surgeon Barney McCusker’s medical rooms have offered to pay RSL membership fees for their staff in an effort to give the RSL a much-needed cash injection.
This comes only weeks after financial woes forced the RSL to put its Sturt Street premises up for sale less than a month before the organisation’s centenary celebrations.
At the time, RSL president Bob Sandow made a plea to the community “to stand behind the RSL” as fears grew regarding the possibility of the oldest and largest RSL in the state vacating its premises if a suitable buyer was not found.
“We offered memberships to our 35 staff members in an effort to assist the RSL,” Green Triangle Electronics director Michael Hillstone told The Border Watch yesterday.
“We read about their troubles in The Border Watch and felt it was the least we could do for this very important community organisation.”
His sentiments were echoed by fellow director Andrew Hunter, who said staff members “came on board without hesitation”.
“The RSL is not only important in preserving our past, but also essential when we look to the future,” Mr Hunter said.
Baxter Hire owner/manager Peter Burchell described the RSL as a “historical organisation that needs to be preserved”.
“All 13 of our staff – from top to bottom – are in,” he said.
“We have actually taken the RSL for granted,” Baxter Hire operations manager Murray England said.
“Now we realise it may not be here forever and it’s time to assist in keeping it alive.”
Mr Sandow thanked the businesses for their generosity and concern.
“I am very grateful to the business sector for stepping in to assist,” Mr Sandow said.
“The RSL has its roots in the community and will continue to be there for the community – we are part of the fabric of society.
“However, with debt of around $2.5m and without a profit for five consecutive years, the future still seems very daunting.”
