Sub-branch treasurer Terry James said there was a perception among younger ex-service members that RSLs were irrelevant to their generation but that this event aimed to establish connections and challenge that.
“They’ve got every reason to believe that,” Mr James said.
“There are a bunch of Vietnam veterans who have come on board at the local sub-branch, and we feel — and I know this is reflected in the RSL Victoria headquarters — that RSLs have lost their direction with younger veterans.”
Three former service members attended the event at the Echuca Bowls Club, with Mr James hoping it would be a catalyst for more veterans to connect.
“We’re not necessarily chasing members at this stage,” he said.
“But down the track, we’re going to have to because us Vietnam veterans are reaching our twilight years.
“However, while we’re functioning, we believe we’ve got an obligation to run Anzac Day, the dawn and the main service, and also to recognise Remembrance Day.
“There’s an expectation in the community that these things will happen, so (this) is a small start (towards maintaining the sub-branch’s ability to do that).”
The Echuca sub-branch is planning to host more of these events in the coming months and is inviting ex-service members, in particular young veterans, from across the region to join in.
Those interested can find more information at https://tinyurl.com/4ajzrhwa
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