Thousands support veterans a week after RSL sub-branch venue burnt down

Thousands gather to play two-up

A Victorian community has rallied behind local veterans a week after their RSL clubroom was destroyed by fire.

A record number turned out to this morning’s Anzac service to show their support and help raise funds to rebuild Gisborne RSL sub-branch.

Diggers who lost their meeting place were bolstered by a crowd of thousands.

A Victorian community has rallied behind local veterans a week after their RSL club was destroyed by fire.

RSL member Carlie Prictor said it was amazing to see the support from the community.

“It’s been overwhelming,” Prictor said.

“We’ve had it not only from our Gisborne community but RSL sub-branches from all over Victoria.”

An electrical fault sparked the fire and destroyed the sub branch at the Gisborne Golf Club just over a week ago.

An electrical fault sparked the fire and destroyed the sub-branch at the Gisborne Golf Club just over a week ago.

Precious memorabilia and historical records were also lost in the fire but the community has rallied around the club ever since.

“People coming up to us and saying, ‘What can we do to donate? We’d like to donate, have you got a fund?'” Gisborne RSL member Norman Smith said.

From Anzac badges to biscuits, sales have boomed to support the club.

Sub-branch secretary Daniel Hall said his phone had been “going absolutely ballistic” with offers of help and donations, which showed a sense of community.

“It’s more important than anything else,” Hall said.

“People need to be remembered for what they sacrificed.”

It could take years before the rebuilding process can start, but the Gisborne branch will continue to meet.

When it comes to venues, there has also been no shortage of offers.

“We’ll work with the golf club and we will rebuild,” Hall said.

“With the community’s help we’ll hopefully come back bigger and stronger.”