As the Ballarat RSL sub-branch approaches the centenary of its founding, the executive says the provision of assistance to ex-service people and their families is a full-time occupation.

With a current membership of 355, sub-branch secretary Maurie Keating says that the numbers are remaining fairly unchanged, which is important to assist their mission.

“We’re losing a few, but we’re gaining numbers,” Mr Keating said.

“We’re pushing to recruit younger members, younger ex-service people. I think it will go better once we open our new venue at Midlands.”

Mr Keating says the RSL’s concern these days is solely on welfare.

“It’s going really, really well; our appeals do well and we generally get $20,000 to $30,000 through our welfare account. And we go through all that money, we distribute it.

“It’s tightly controlled. It’s in a welfare agency account that can only be drawn on for that purpose; it’s audited – both here and at the state branch. If there’s not a ‘t’ crossed or an ‘i’ dotted they’re onto us.”

Mr Keating says a lot of the welfare work the RSL pursues today is with former service people who are adversely affected by conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who may struggle to cope with day-to-day living in society.

“We get a lot of young veterans, a hell of a lot of young people, coming through who need help getting their pensions, and who need help just getting help,” Mr Keating said.

“It’s a huge part of what we do. Our welfare officer is almost working full-time.”

He says there are around 100 people on their welfare books, who require assistance with such things as maintenance, help with paying rates, utilities or car registrations.

It’s a significant part of what we do now, and I’m quite proud to say that,” Mr Keating said.

“We’re doing what we’re meant to be doing.”