Raffle for RSL

Jurien RSL Sub-branch has been busy fundraising while waiting for a Commonwealth grant for a new building.

Jurien IGA’s Kim Meers drew out the winning raffle ticket for the club’s “Monster” Christmas hamper with first prize going to Des Byfield.

RSL representative Ian Stiles said they raised more than $3000 which would go toward furnishing the new RSL building to be built near Jurien’s war memorial.

He said ticket holders won donated prizes valued at more than $2500 and he was moved by the generosity and support local businesses gave the RSL.

Mr Stiles said they still had social functions at various venues but it was preferable to have their own building so veterans with post-traumatic stress could have the support and understanding of others who understood.

“The building will not only provide the region with an RSL ‘home’ but add to the tourism infrastructure of Jurien Bay,” he said.

“There is a lot of these grey nomads about who are ex-servicemen.

“We are hoping they will have a place they can call in and have a drink on their way north or even stay a few days.”

Mr Stiles said they had been waiting a year for the grant but the onset of COVID-19 had made funding the building a lower priority for the Commonwealth.

“The Land has been surveyed and the Dandaragan Shire will give it to the RSL on a “peppercorn” lease of 21 years plus 20,” he said.

“Now we need to money to build.”