A Winchelsea war memorial grandstand has reopened following upgrades to provide more functional clubroom space for the town’s RSL sub-branch.
Eastern Reserve’s Winchelsea and District Soldiers’ Memorial 1914-1918 grandstand underwent a $103,945 upgrade and was formally reopened on 14 November.
Winchelsea RSL Sub-Branch president Graham Kenafacke said the sub-branch had occupied the memorial grandstand for more than a century.
“We are very proud to have completed an upgrade which will greatly support our administrative, commemorative and fund-raising work into the future,” he said.
“Creating an opening through our dividing wall has been discussed by members for well over a decade, and now it has finally happened.
“Extension of the rooms gives us more space for displays, and we are passionate about our role in keeping our service history alive for our community, and this work has been a long time in the making.”
Upgrades to the heritage-listed building included installing a doorway opening that connects rooms and downlighting, constructing a new entry ramp, and expanding the library, museum, and workspaces.
Councillor Adrian Schonfelder said it was great to see upgrades, which also included internal and external painting, on the “important community building” completed.
“They (RSL) have done profound work over many decades supporting people in our community and helping people to connect with and commemorate our district’s distinguished service history,” he said.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman said Winchelsea had a strong history of honouring service men and women, with the RSL having operated without a break since it was formed in 1919.
“We’re proud to support the upgrade of the Winchelsea Soldiers Memorial, preserving an important place of remembrance for veterans and the community,” she said.
