A sign of the times Plea to support Tanunda RSL MICHELLE O'RIELLY 29 Mar, 2011 03:53 PM An urgent plea to see Tanunda Returned Services League continue has been made by a passionate member.Tanunda resident and Vietnam Veteran Leon Pullen is concerned the Tanunda sub-branch could close. The branch is having difficulties filling the roles of secretary and treasurer. At the sub-branch’s annual general meeting in November 2010 it was decided if, by March 2011, the committee could not fill the positions and other committee members then the club would seriously have to consider winding up. The sub-branch meets for its general meeting this Friday, April 1. Mr Pullen said the Angaston sub-branch has folded and in Tanunda and Nuriootpa the pressure is on because in a few years the Vietnam Veterans will have passed on. According to SA RSL chief executive officer Sam Jackman, in the past few years some sub-branches, and in particular country sub-branches, have had difficulty retaining a committee. Ms Jackman said the state branch has been working on strategies to overcome the problem such as better communication to its members and working on membership renewal with affiliated members. “If the sub-branches are having trouble filling positions then write to the state branch. If there’s a hole, we can try and fill it including a president and treasurer filling the one position,” she said. Ms Jackman explained RSL sub-branches are open to anyone. “An affiliate member is anyone who feels part of the RSL and the services,” she said. Mr Pullen, aged 80, said currently the Tanunda sub-branch has about 90 members on its books but only 12 of those attend the normal monthly meetings of fellowship. “Some of these members have either moved away and still prefer to be members while others cannot attend because they are unwell or are in nursing homes. Also many of us members have spent our time on the board,” he said. “We, as a nation, owe great debt to those young men and women who opt to serve their country. “We need new members and we are after young people as well, to present a strong face to government and to make sure the new veterans never have to endure the pressures we did.” Tanunda RSL is also open to servicemen including WWII veterans and their family, and those currently serving in armed forces. The Tanunda RSL hut is located at the Tanunda Recreation Park, behind the oval. Members meet the first Friday of each month at 7pm. JOIN UP: Tanunda RSL sub-branch member and Vietnam Veteran Leon Pullen at the hut.
