The Wonthaggi RSL Sub-Branch was constructed by volunteers during the 1950s’ on its present site at Graham Street Wonthaggi. In the intervening period of time it has operated successfully to provide service to veterans in the area and to the community in general, including an active ANZAC day, school visits and, pensions and welfare advice through the operation of the Bass Coast Veterans & Families Welfare Centre from the RSL premises.

The premises occupy a substantial site in the commercial centre of Wonthaggi facing Graham Street. The building is also seen as an important feature of the Town and has been ear marked for listing on the Bass Coast Shire Heritage overlay.

The RSL building is substantial solid brick structure incorporating a generously sized hall, kitchen, toilet facilities and large cark park at the rear of the building which is accessible from a lane way. The building was originally planned to serve as meeting and function centre for veterans and the community, and has served for many years in that capacity. But, with the aging of the veteran community in the Wonthaggi area the use of the building has fallen away and is now limited to minor social activity such as Physio classes, community clubs use and is serving as an administrative centre.

The Wonthaggi RSL believes that the facility is still has an important role to play in the local community, and that while the veteran community is passing on, it recognises that Wonthaggi is a rapidly growing regional centre with many young people, and feels that the building remains an excellent facility that can serve as the focus for future remembrance activities, preserve its small but excellent collection of memorabilia, continue to serve as a centre for welfare, and provide a facility for community social activities.

The Wonthaggi RSL in conjunction with the Bass Coast Veterans and dependants’ welfare centre has recently been accepted to operate the NEC Broad Band for Seniors internet Kiosk and this facility will be operational in August 2010. This initiative has attracted much interest in the area and the kiosk is expected to attract more people to the premises on a regular basis.

While the premises are still functional, the building fabric is now showing the cosmetic signs of age which affects its ongoing use. The kitchen area and its equipment are not serviceable, and so there is an associated risk in using it to for small functions involving the public. There is no disabled toilet and the existing toilets do not meet the disabled and aged person requirements expected by current building code requirements. The hall and service areas are not air conditioned which restricts the public use of the premises. And, there are health and safety issues with a minor foundation failure of the floor in Welfare office floor and with electrical circuit capacity to support the increased use of computers.

This proposal will show that while building fabric as its stands is structurally sound and in reasonable condition, the interior of the premises and its facilities are in need of maintenance to maintain the building fabric and up grading to allow the building to the meet the current accepted standards for public comfort and use. The proposed changes coupled with the some external works will result in a facility that can continue to serve both the RSL and the community, while providing the potential for economic activity needed to support the premises into the future.