RSL gala awards night dinner

A special dinner looks set to become an annual event, after the Phillip Island RSL hosted its successful Grants and Awards Presentation Dinner last week.

Committee member and Secretary Peter Paul said the night was an outstanding success, with 65 guests enjoying an incredible meal and five community groups being awarded grants totalling over $14,700.

A further $106,000 was presented to Bass Coast Shire Council, to be used for the new PICAL Community Garden being established in Blue Gum Reserve.

The funds come from a trust set up in 2014 between the council and the RSL, where the RSL contributed a minimum of $12,500 each year between 2014 and 2022.

“The RSL is extremely pleased that PICAL is the recipient of those funds,” Peter said.

“The garden is going to help the food pantry and also help build the self-esteem of those working in it.”

The night was also an opportunity to present awards that had been announced during Covid, without a proper celebration for the recipients.

This included this year’s Community Anzac Award recipient John Batty (see separate story) and a Certificate of Appreciation to Terry Heffernan for his work on the Men’s Shed.

Attendees at the dinner included RSL members and representatives from community and sporting groups across the shire.

Peter said after the last two years of Covid-restricted activity, it was fantastic to be able to get so many different groups together.

Guests were treated to a three-course meal and entertainment by musicians from the HMAS Cerberus.

“People enjoyed the fact they could sit down and have a lovely meal and enjoy the music.

“The food was fantastic, and everyone complimented the chef. In fact, when the chef came out, he got a massive round of applause.”

Community Grants

Peter said all the recipients of this year’s Community Grants were extremely worthwhile.

• The Phillip Island Boardriders Club: $4700 to purchase essentials for the Super Grom program, including rash vests, club t-shirts and provide financial assistance for some Super Groms.
• Bass Coast School Army Cadets: $2500 to help establish the Army Cadets, which have already attraced over 38 members aged between 13 and 17. The Cadets will be based in Wonthaggi but have members from across the shire.
• South Gippsland TPI Group: $500 to help with administrative costs.
• Wonthaggi Blue Light: $3827 For “Dolly’s Dream” a program targeting online bullying, with workshops to be heold for all Phillip Island and San Remo schools.
• PICAL: $3190 to purchase two commercial upright freezers for their food pantry. The service is currently helping 110-120 people per week with meals prepared by volunteers.

After the success of the evening, Peter is hopeful the dinner and presentation will become an annual event.

“Given the feedback we’ve received, it makes sense for an annual event. The whole night was a credit to the RSL and its staff. Everyone contributed to a very special evening.

“We already have plans and ideas bubbling for next year and how to make it even better!”

Peter thanked the RSL staff for their work on the night, with the venue opening especially for the occasion.

The RSL is currently closed on Monday and Tuesday night, due to staffing shortages.

Peter urged anyone interested in working with the RSL team to contact the venue.