General News
26 March, 2026
Hopetoun RSL closing doors
Hopetoun RSL Sub-Branch has entered recess and is expected to close permanently unless new leadership comes forward by June 30.
Current president Robin Grogan said the decision was made after no nominations were received for executive positions at the sub-branch’s recent annual general meeting.
“It is with a sad heart that I announce the recess and closure of Hopetoun RSL Sub-Branch,” Mr Grogan said.
He said the sub-branch had been placed on recess from March 11 to June 30, 2026, to meet existing hall booking commitments, but no further bookings would be accepted.
“We have been trying for the last several years to get people to take on these positions, but to no avail,” he said.
Mr Grogan said the recess meant the Hopetoun RSL would no longer hold future services.
“It follows that RSL Hopetoun will not be holding any future ANZAC and Remembrance Day services,” he said.
The recess period leaves open the possibility for new people or groups to take over the sub-branch before the deadline.
“This recess leaves the door open for people or groups who wish to take up the Sub-Branch,” Mr Grogan said.
“In the event that no interest is taken by June 20, 2026, we will formally close the Sub-Branch.”
The Hopetoun RSL was formed in 1919 by returned local veterans from World War I and later served veterans from the Second World War, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, and missions to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mr Grogan said the sub-branch had a long history in the town.
Veterans first met in the upper room of the Memorial Hall, then moved to the present site when members became too old to climb the stairs.
The current hall was relocated from the Wireless and Air Gunner School at RAAF Station Nhill and has since been used for services and community events.
He said falling membership and ongoing maintenance issues had created long-term challenges, despite strong efforts by associate members to refurbish the building.
“There are a number of veterans in the surrounding district, and their support is what the RSL is directed at; however, for their own reasons, they are inactive, and we are therefore unable to keep it going,” Mr Grogan said.