A History

Right from the outbreak of the 1939-45 war men and women of Clunes rallied to the Nation's flag. Some 120 of them came from their farms, businesses, homes and served and suffered far afield - in Europe, the Middle East ,the Solomons, New Guinea, Malaya and other places - in the air, on the land and on the sea. Some defended Darwin on their home territory. The women became nurses, nursing aids, soldiers or airwomen; others joined the Land Army.

At war's end they came home to the peaceful valley of Clunes from the horrific valleys and hills of a wartorn world. They folded their uniforms, tossed kitbags aside, and took up where they had left off so many years before.

Many a tear of joy was shed by wives and sweethearts when the returnees stepped off trains at Clunes station, and many a sad tear was shed by relatives of those gallant souls who did NOT return.

Clunes is proud of its ex-servicemen and women, whose record is second-to-none, and the Cenotaph in Fraser Street is their respected memorial.

It was the second time in 15 years the Town had given its all to its Country.

The Clunes Sub Branch of the R.S.L. was established on January 20 1920. Its aims and objects were:

To assist returned servicemen.
To foster goodwill in the community with other organisations.
To preserve Anzac Day as part of the Australian heritage
To foster understanding of the Anzac tradition through the schools.
The sale of Anzac Day badges and Remembrance Day poppies to help needy veterans, war widows and their dependants.

Major developments since the Sub-branch's formation have been the purchase of the former London Chartered Bank, later known as the E.S &A. Bank, in 1959 as a permanent home. The building was classified by the National Trust.

War Memorial Baths were opened, and a R.S.L. Younger Set functioned for some years. A major district event was a Rodeo in 1959.

In 1989 membership of Clunes R.S.L. was 60, with a welcome influx of newcomers to the district. Following the 1939-45 was the membership fluctuated from a peak of 65 to some 20 members in the early 1970's.

Future projects in 1989:

The complete renovation of the Cenotaph.
The renovation of the RSL building with the assistance of funds from the Historic Buildings Council, the Talbot & Clunes Heritage Project Committee, and the Sub-branch's own resources.

Preservation of the place of Anzac Day in the Australian heritage is fostered through contact with the local School. The annual Anzac Day March involves local and visiting ex-servicemen and women, the Scottish Pipe Band, Cenotaph Guards from the Ballarat 7/8th Battalion, Clunes Fire Brigade, Scouts, Cubs, Guides, Brownies. Youth club and Guest Speakers.

Under the Veterans Affairs Joint Venture Scheme, furnishings were improved in 1994. Heritage Victoria assisted with the painting of the building in 1998.

RSL Involvement within the community
The Club Rooms provide a venue for meeting and/or social events for the Sub-Branch members, the Womens Auxiliary, the Red Cross, Indoor Bowlers, Card Players, Cemetary Trust and was home for the Lions Club until it disbanded.

A year long program of events was organised during 'Australia Remembers Year' in 1995. A Lone Pine tree in the Ethel Johnson Memorial Garden is a reminder of this event.

Many of the fundraising activities of the sub-branch and auxiliary are also social occasions for the Clunes community. These include a monthly BBQ and Devonshire Tea as part of the Clunes Market, annual Diggers Bowls Day Tournament, lunch with the Red Cross etc.

The building houses a considerable collection of memorabilia from both World Wars, As well as preserving this valuable part of our history, this collection is a learning resource available to local Primary School and Wesley at Clunes students and their teachers.

Anzac Day and Remembrance Day Observances are important events in Clunes involving both schools, guides and the general public. These are organised by the Sub-Branch and the building is a focal point on these days. Anzac Tokens and Remembrance Poppies are sold each year, well supported by the public and a considerable amount has been sent to the Patriotic Fund for welfare work over the years. An annual Legacy Appeal is conducted.

The Sub-Branch has an active Welfare Officer and Legacy Officer for the assistance of members and Legacy widows. The Sub-Branch also takes care of the local Cenotaph.

The Sub-Branch assists youth in Clunes by two annual State School Awards and support for the Sportsperson of the Year Awards as well as assistance in other areas when requested.

As part of the historic Fraser Street streetscape the building is always open when required for tourist purposes to assist the town, and every effort is made to assist with events such as the recent Ned Kelly filming.

The present President is Harry Toole. Syd Duncan has just retired after nearly 35 years as Secretary. Present secretary is Betty Duncan. Jack Higgins is Welfare Officer.
The Sub-Branch is saddened by the recent loss of treasurer and Legacy Officer Leon Churches.

Membership: 30
Auxiliary: 20

The article was put together using extracts from the publication:
'The Second Era' Clunes 1939-1989-A History by Ros & Bob O'Brien
and information supplied by the RSL.