The defence force credence of “no man left behind” has been offered as the reason why Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch Anzac Day activities were not hosted at the Deniliquin RSL Club yesterday.
It was revealed on social media on Monday evening that Wednesday night’s traditional Anzac Eve dinner and yesterday’s post Anzac Day service luncheon for returned service personnel, emergency services and other invited guests would be moved to another location.
Posted in a local discussion group, it prompted a long-running thread of comments and speculation during which much of the blame was levelled at the Deniliquin RSL Club’s management and staff.
But Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch chair John Harris confirmed it was a sub-branch decision for a “very simple reason”.
“It is not right that an ex-serviceman could not attend the Anzac Eve dinner,” Mr Harris said.
“Sub-branch members have been having discussions with the club over a number of weeks, and spoke directly with club directors asking for an amnesty for Anzac Day. One was not provided.
“The ethos of the service is to not leave anyone behind; we felt it was a case of either we were all in, or none.
“It was not an easy decision to make (to move the location of the events), and we do want to assure the community there is no angst between the sub-branch and the club in moving forward.”
The Pastoral Times believes the ex-serviceman who was denied entry for the dinner was Phil Stone.
Mr Stone was stood down as chairman of the club’s board of management last month when it was discovered his membership to the club had lapsed.
It is understood an application to have his membership reinstated has since been refused.
Club chair Stuart Calagaz said he has become aware of speculation in the community that the club had denied the sub-branch the opportunity to have its activities at the club.
He said this is not the case and, in a prepared statement, the club said they were notified of the change in venue by the sub-branch over the weekend.
“There have been accusations about ‘lack of staff, lack of funds to pay staff on a public holiday, not having the chefs to cook’, etcetera, posted on social media and being stated in our reception area to our staff,” the statement reads.
“We would like to state that these are not accurate.
“Up until last weekend, the Anzac Day festivities, the Anzac Eve Dinner, the Gunfire Breakfast and the lunch for the servicemen and women were always going to be held at the Deniliquin RSL Club.
“Over the weekend, our receptionist was given a letter from the sub-branch addressed to the events manager stating that ‘the Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch will not be conducting the annual Veterans’ Dinner planned for the 24th April 2024 or the events linked to Anzac Day on the 25th April 2024 at the Deniliquin RSL Club.”
Speaking to the Pastoral Times after the statement was issued, Mr Calagaz said he is limited in what more it could say about the matter.
But he did say board members would make themselves available to club members who wanted clarification.
“The board members can be contacted via the club reception, by calling 5881 1455, on this matter and any others relating to the club” Mr Calagaz said.
“The staff there will pass on your details to the board, whether that be myself or another director to phone you back.
“Obviously there has been a period of change at the club over recent weeks and months, but we want to let people know that this has not affected the day-to-day running of the club.
“Our staff continue to work hard to provide an entertainment service to members and guests, and we invite people to come in and utilise the amazing facilities.”
• Read the club’s full statement on page 7 of today’s edition.