A TOTAL of 34 people could lose their jobs by the end of the week if the Mount Gambier Community Returned and Services League is put under voluntary administration.
Leaders of the iconic institution – which celebrated its centenary in July – have scheduled a meeting with Adelaide-based administrators tomorrow in what president Bob Sandow described as “possibly the end of the road for us, or perhaps a new beginning with a reborn RSL”.
Speaking out for the first time since administration became apparent, Mr Sandow told The Border Watch “only sustained community support and a cash-injection can save us now”.
“We are literally days away from closing our doors and have already conveyed the news to our staff,” Mr Sandow said.
“One of them immediately came forward and donated $2000 from her own pocket towards keeping us afloat.
“Others offered their time without cost.
“That kind of volunteering spirit is what kept this organisation going and serving the community for 100 years.”
However, the mood was sombre at the RSL yesterday as committee members gathered to again assess the situation.
“We have been in meetings almost daily for the past week or so,” committee member Peter Zukauskas said.
“Sustainability remains the key – donations are always welcomed and appreciated, but we need a steady stream of clients through our doors.
“I think the community has now realised the gravity of the situation, including the looming job losses.”
His words were echoed by RSL bistro co-owner Heather Holmes, who said “we are not going to allow this institution to shut its doors”.
“We’ve opened the bistro only two months ago after relocating from Adelaide and have already experienced an increase in sales,” she said.
“The new RSL just needs a bit of time to adjust and reach its full potential.”
Mr Sandow said the reality of administration is the RSL’s Sturt Street premises may have to be vacated, including the museum, which would have to be relocated.
A new, much smaller premises would have to be found and operated by a skeleton staff.
“But there will always be an RSL in Mount Gambier,” Mr Sandow said.
“Somehow we will continue with our community responsibilities, including hosting Anzac Day and others remembrance events.”
He said the RSL had supported local organisations over the years by supplying monthly meeting rooms at no or very little cost.
These organisations included Legacy widows, Vietnam veterans, cadet units, the Royal SE Regiment Association, National Servicemen’s Association, Make a Wish Foundation, Weight Watchers, bridge players and various sporting clubs.
Reflecting on the league’s current financial dire straights, Mr Sandow said the RSL has not been able to cope with repaying a $2m debt incurred in 2009 to build its current premises.
“Since then we have been paying interest of around $200,000 a year just on the loan amount and have no building to show for it,” he said.
“On top of there are electricity and other bills to pay and, with a rapidly declining membership, things deteriorated until our present situation.”
However, Mr Sandow said the RSL committee-led changes implemented in recent months showed a “remarkable turnaround in bar, bistro and gaming sales”.
“We are not asking for a free handout, we are asking for a bit of breathing space so that my committee along with community support can see us into the next 100 years,” he said.
People who wish to make a donation can call at the RSL.
