New manager for the RSL

Chris Simpson, with a background in hospitality spanning the last 20 years, has been appointed as the new manager of the Phillip Island RSL.

While Chris – who has worked in Queensland, WA and South Australia – is no stranger to working in tourism destinations, the RSL environment is a first for him.

In the short time he has been here, Chris says his eyes have been opened to the role played by the RSL in the Phillip Island community.

When it comes to RSL priorities, says Chris, first and foremost are the services it provides to veterans and club members. 

Over 4000 volunteer hours were logged last year by RSL volunteers on the island.

Diverse services ranged from driving veterans and others in need to medical appointments near and far; mowing lawns; assisting frail elderly residents to shop; running a breakfast club for students at Cowes Primary; and a day club where senior community members  are brought in to the RSL venue for entertainment and a meal, or on other occasions, off by bus on an outing.

Bringing life back into the RSL after the lengthy Covid hiatus is another priority.

The monthly and popular bingo sessions are now back, as well as the themed trivia nights.

And a new menu was also launched in the bistro last week. 

The dining area is shortly to be extended, along with the kids play area and an extensive kitchen revamp.

The RSL also provides funding grants annually to local organisations and sporting clubs to assist with their efforts within the community.

Innovation

A new innovation since Chris’s arrival is the appointment of a people and culture manager at the RSL to support the staff members within the workplace.

A training and wellbeing program is being established by Charles Tuchtan, who has been appointed to this position. 

Charles is also about to launch a junior training program, which aims to prepare prospective junior employees for jobs in hospitality.

A training course will be conducted during the September school holidays, aimed at attracting teenagers aged between 15 and 17 to work during the busy season.