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Kew RSL has been ordered to close by RSL Victoria over a slew of concerns, including its alleged failures in supporting veterans and their families, the charity says.
In a statement on Monday night, the state RSL office said concerns for the reputation of the wider organisation influenced its decision to close the doors of the century-old sub-branch in Melbourne’s east for a year.
Services suspended: RSL Victoria has closed the doors of Kew RSL in Cotham Road for 12 months.Credit: Simon Schluter
Kew RSL, founded in 1920, two years after World War I ended, is based at the stately Wilton House in Cotham Road, Kew.
RSL Victoria’s statement said issues the sub-branch committee had failed to address included “not fulfilling the objects and purposes of the RSL in supporting veterans and their families”.
Other issues included not having an elected committee and not abiding by the rules and by-laws of the RSL in the conduct of a sub-branch.
RSL Victoria said it had given repeated notices to the sub-branch, informing it of its “failure to meet its ongoing obligations”.
“A response received by RSL Victoria on 12 June 2025 failed to demonstrate that those concerns were being adequately addressed,” the statement said.
“Subsequently, RSL Victoria has suspended the charter of the sub-branch in accordance with the RSL rules.”
RSL state president Des Callaghan said in the statement that the RSL Victoria suspension, effective for 12 months and during which it may further investigate, had been made reluctantly.
Kew RSL is banned from using the RSL brand. The statement said the premises occupied by the sub-branch is held in trust by RSL Victoria, which “has now closed the doors until further notice”.
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Callaghan said it was “important to ensure that the Victorian community is able to have trust that the RSL is fulfilling its purpose and meeting its obligations as a leading charity”.
Callaghan said holding an RSL charter was an honour and privilege, but came with responsibilities. He said supporting veterans and their families was the most important responsibility of sub-branches holding an RSL charter.
“This needs to be supported by good governance, transparency and accountability,” he said.
“When that is not happening at a sub-branch, RSL Victoria’s state branch has an obligation to intervene to ensure that the actions of one sub-branch do not impact on the reputation of the work of the RSL more broadly.
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“We have asked a number of questions of the Kew RSL sub-branch on all of these matters, and they have provided incomplete and unsatisfactory responses.”
The statement said other sub-branches would step in to support local veterans while the branch is closed.
Kew RSL would be asked to provide a plan addressing RSL Victoria’s concerns, and if it could satisfactorily demonstrate that issues cited would be addressed, the suspension might be lifted.
Australian Charities and Not-for Profits Commission records show Kew RSL had an income of more than $164,000 last year, up from $45,000 the year before.
In 2024, it had a net surplus of $56,272 and net liabilities of $22,570.
Kew RSL has been contacted for comment.
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