The Creswick-Smeaton RSL sub-branch is throwing a recreation “patriotic dinner” such as the one held at the same venue in 1915 as a fundraiser for Diggers in Egypt. 

RSL secretary Phil Carter said the town had put on a great effort for the sons and husbands serving in World War I. 

“They held it as a fundraiser so they could send care parcels over to Egypt,” he said. 

“Of course, they didn’t know then (the soldiers) would be heading to Gallipoli.” 

The second part of the evening will take people back to the time and experiences of later in the war. 

Singer Giuliana D’Appio and other performers will put on their opera Memories from the Western Front. 

D’Appio said it was exciting to have put together the production from diaries from the war front. 

“My family came from Europe, from Italy, so we don’t have that connection to the Anzacs, so this was really interesting,” she said. 

The RSL will be taking donations on the night to look after district veterans and their families, mirroring the philanthropic efforts of the original patriotic dinner.