ALMOST 6000 pieces of rare war memorabilia are currently in storage, with the Ballarat RSL sub-branch unable to find space to display the items.
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The collection of war medals, uniforms, hats, weapons, books and veteran-made “trench art” is so vast, those at the RSL believe they could establish a museum and accompanying library.
In order to do so, the RSL is calling on Ballarat residents to offer the memorabilia a home.
“We are pretty desperate,” RSL secretary Maurie Keating said on Thursday.
“There are many things in storage that the men brought home from wars, many things which tell the story of our Ballarat veterans ... and at the moment we can’t display those memories and stories.
“It would be great if we could have a place to put it all on display.”
The Ballarat RSL moved from its home in Lyons Street in 2012 and has since been housed at the rear of The George Hotel.
Mr Keating and his team are asking for expressions of interest from anyone who may be able to help them out.
“We just can’t afford market rent,” he said.
“If someone knows, or has, an old building out there that isn’t being used, we’d ask them to contact us.”
Anyone who may be able to help should call 5332 3300.
patrick.byrne@fairfaxmedia.com.au
