The Narrogin RSL sub-branch reclaims home at the Narrogin Soldiers Memorial Hall after unanimous council vote

A newly reformed Wheatbelt RSL sub-branch has reclaimed its century-old home after a unanimous council vote, which included strong political support to continue the club’s legacy. Narrogin councillors voted seven-nil to lease the Soldiers Memorial Hall to the RSLWA Narrogin sub-branch at its meeting on December 17. The Egerton Street hall, the council noted, had historically served as an important location for commemoration, veteran support and community activity. After reforming in October, the Narrogin RSL was one of two prospective tenants for the 1925-built hall, which the town’s RSL called home until it folded in March 2022. A submission from RSLWA proposed a 21-year peppercorn lease for the Narrogin sub-branch on the proviso that it restore the property to be used as a veterans’ and first responders’ wellbeing and community hub. Leveraging grant funding, including the $200,000 Veterans Facilities Fund, the sub-branch would undertake refurbishment works, including structural rectification, accessibility upgrades, amenities redevelopment, and electrical compliance improvements. The Shire of Narrogin would retain ownership under this model. In a building inspection organised by the Narrogin RSL on November 21, a moderate level of asbestos, an unlevelled floor and defective support stumps were identified. The sub-branch’s application also included letters from local politicians Peter Rundle MLA, Senator Tyron Whitten and Rod Caddies MLC, who strongly endorsed the RSLWA’s appeal. A support letter from local business Steelo’s Gun and Outdoors and references to previous Observer articles about the newly reformed sub-branch attaining the building were also included. The second proposal came from a private party which opted to purchase a portion of the land, planning to lease it back to the RSLWA under a long-term peppercorn lease of $500. The party also offered to shoulder building refurbishments. Before the decision, the council consulted with the shire chief executive Dale Stewart and the applicants. At the table, Cr Murray Fisher said it would be wise for the shire to keep ownership to prevent potential future issues. With all seven councillors in agreeance, minimal discussion circled the chamber before the unanimous vote.