Wollongong march and service | Shellharbour | Kiama | Austinmer | two-up
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The large crowd that gathered at the Port Kembla RSL for the dawn service was a show of support for the RSL sub-branch, a member of its sacked executive said.
Former Port Kembla RSL sub-branch senior vice-president Terry Wetherall was one of the five-member executive that was sacked in October last year by RSL NSW over what it claimed were ‘‘significant’’ breaches of the group’s constitution.
Since the sacking, the sub-branch has been in administration with members unsure whether it will remain on its own or be swallowed up by a nearby sub-branch.
Sacked president Jim Lyon addressed the crowd of more than 500 people at Friday’s dawn service, promising that ‘‘as far as the sub-branch is concerned, we will be here next year’’.
This and several other references to the troubles of the sub-branch drew applause from the crowd, which Mr Wetherall said showed the level of support in the community.
‘‘The spirit of Anzac Day at Port Kembla is one of the significant parts of the community,’’ Mr Wetherall said.
‘‘It’s a good indication from the people of Port Kembla that they want the sub-branch retained here and they’ve come out in force.
‘‘It’s clear this community wants the sub-branch to continue.’’
Mr Wetherall said the sacked executive had heard nothing from RSL NSW since the decision to look to lease or sell the club.
But far from giving up, Mr Wetherall said they would keep fighting state office and keeping the community informed of what was happening.
But he said the bad experience of what he and other sub-branch members had gone through could not tarnish the Anzac Day ceremony.
‘‘Not at all. It’s not about [RSL] NSW, it’s about those who served their country. The significance of Anzac Day increases each year.’’