After more than 20 years service Ries Chattillon calls time as Narrogin RSL sub-branch president

After being a voice for war veterans and officiating Anzac and Remembrance Day services for more than two decades, Narrogin’s RSL sub-branch president Ries Chattillon has stood down from the role. The decision was not made lightly by the 77-year-old, who said after 20 years of service in the Australian Defence Force and 20 years as president of the sub-branch it was time to hand over the reins. Mr Chattillon said he was hoping a fellow war veteran would put their hand up for the position but he was “uncertain” about who that would be. A meeting will be held at the end of the month to decide the fate of the sub-branch after dwindling membership numbers have put increasing strain on its operation. “I was elected in November 2000 and it was a great honour,” Mr Chattillon said. “I was told then I would do 10 years and of course those 10 years have come and gone and now I’ve done more than 20 years. “I think it’s time after all those years to step back and let the community take responsibility of officiating these services.” Mr Chattillon joined the Australian Defence Force in July 1967 and served in Singapore, Townsville and Melbourne among other places. He served in the Royal Australian Artillery as a gunner in Vietnam from 1968-1969. In July 1987 he was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his time as Narrogin RSL president Mr Chattillon has officiated almost every Anzac Day and Remembrance Day service. He said there was a lot of work that went on behind the scenes. “A lot of people seem to forget that Anzac Day is not only for the veterans but it’s for the community,” he said. “Many members of the community, if you look back into their family history, would have a relative who served in the First World War. “The service is for the people and the RSL conduct it, that’s always been my view.” Mr Chattillon played an active role in encouraging the younger generation to carry on the Anzac legacy by speaking at school services. The sub-branch has been running since March 1917 and this year’s Anzac Day will mark the 100th anniversary of the first commemoration held on April 25 in 1922 when the foundation stone of the War Memorial Pavilion was laid. Mr Chattillon said he was uncertain about the fate of the sub-branch if someone did not take over as president. “If someone doesn’t step up, I’d say the branch would close,” he said. “It is inevitable as there are only two members who are heavily involved, the treasurer who is also the vice-president and secretary. “If it’s going to die then that will be a shame, but I strongly believe that I have made my contribution to maintain it.” Mr Chattillon encouraged any war veterans and ex-service personnel to join the sub-branch. “There are veterans in this town that could be members of the sub-branch, but they just don’t turn up,” he said. “So I appeal to all veterans in this town to make a contribution to keep the sub-branch alive.” An extraordinary meeting will be held to decide the fate of the Narrogin RSL sub-branch on March 31 at 2pm at the Soldiers Memorial Institute on Egerton Street.