When the first Australian troops were returned home from the early battles of WWI, it was immediately clear that an organisation of some sort would be necessary to co-ordinate and provide welfare for them.
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This was especially urgent for those who were incapacitated by injuries physical and mental, who would struggle to exist in a society that was only just beginning to formally regulate charities and a social welfare system.
In 1916 following a servicemen’s conference, it was agreed to form the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia.
The league was formed with the intention of advocacy for returned servicemen, ensuring they had access to representation in matters of welfare, repatriation and pensions.
The Ballarat sub-branch was incorporated into the Victorian RSSILA on January 30, 1917. Give the extraordinary commitment that the city had made to the war effort, and the losses families suffered, it seems unsurprising that a sub-branch was formed so quickly.
Originally operating from the former Lester’s Hotel (now demolished) in Sturt Street, the Ballarat RSSILA moved to a new residence in Lyons Street South in 1920. Previously a doctor’s residence, it was purchased through the efforts of members and officially opened by Lt. General Sir John Monash. The RSSILA, which became the Returned Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia (RSS&AILA) in 1940 and eventually the RSL, remained in the building until 2011, when it was sold and the sub-branch moved to The George Hotel.
To commemorate the centenary of the establishment of the Ballarat RSL, there will be a day of military displays and activities held at its future home, The Midlands Golf Club, on January 28 from 10.30am to 4pm.
Ballarat RSL vice-president Alan Douglass says there will be a display of military vehicles, artillery and small arms, military bands, gunfire demonstrations and guides in period uniforms.
“There’ll be Austin Champs, Land Rovers FWC, Dodge personnel carriers, Willys Jeeps, a Harley Davidson motorbike, a Humber one-ton 4x4, a Ferret scout car… just a really good display,” Mr Douglass said.
Ballarat RSL currently has 355 members. It is planning to complete its move from The George to Invermay by the middle of 2017 and continue its work of providing welfare to veterans.
