Mission Statement
The Watsonia RSL Sub Branch Incorporating Bundoora RSL Bowling Centre will maintain its reputation as one of the leading RSL's and Licensed Clubs, by providing members with quality hospitality, entertainment and conviviality, whilst continuing to substantially contribute to the well-being of Service persons and the Watsonia Community.History
The Watsonia Returned Services League (RSL) Sub Branch was formed in 1952. The Club was Incorporated on the 5th May 1998 and is now known as Watsonia RSL Sub Branch inc.In 1952 Watsonia was an outer suburb, subdivided for War Service Homes and lacking in most community facilities. The Watsonia RSL Club, through the dedication of its members quickly established itself as a centre for Community activities.
Fifty years later, the Club has continued to grow with the suburb, and is now one of the foremost RSL Clubs in the State, and a major provider of hospitality and entertainment to the surrounding community. Watsonia RSL Club won "Best Licenced Club in Victoria" in both 1995 and 1996.
Today, Watsonia RSL boasts more than two thousand members and is still expanding, not only in social activities, but also in community service through the Sub Branch's dedicated work for Veterans, family and the broader community.
RSL Membership
The Returned and Services League has some 1500 Sub Branches throughout Australia and with a membership of 240,000, is the largest service and ex-service associations in Australia.Why become a Member?
Following are just some of the benefits available to Watsonia RSL Members:
- 15% Discount on drinks
- 10% Discount on meals
- Loyalty rewards program
- Reciprical right across Australia
- Access to the Members only area
- Access to all the Sub-Clubs activities
Types of Memberships
Click here to download Membership CategoriesService Membership
- $30 (Download Application Form)A Service Membership is offered to currently serving and ex-serving members of our forces (Army, Navy & Airforce). This membership gives them full access to all club facilities including discounts. Full voting rights & a quarterly journal called ‘Mufti’ sent from Anzac house. Service Members can only be full members at one Sub Branch (see Associate Member)
Affiliate Membership
- $35 (Download Application Form)Affiliate Membership is a type of RSL Membership that caters for family members of serving and ex-service men and women. Its purpose is to provide a form of RSL membership that maintained the ‘bloodlines’ of those who have served their country in both peace and war.
Social Membership
- $35 (Download Application Form)A Member who would like to utilise the facilities of our Sub Branch. Is entitled to all in house discounts (food and drinks). Has no voting rights and is not a member of the actual RSL. Members can be Social members at more than one RSL
Community Membership
- $2 (Download Application Form)A Community member is not entitled to any discounts, they just receive a Members card so they do not need to sign in each time they visit our Sub Branch.
Associate Membership
- $20 (Download Application Form)An Associate Member is a financial Service Member of another Sub Branch and a second member at our Sub Branch. No one can be a Service member at more than on club. This category is only available to Service Members (not affiliate or social). Before accepting fee's for this membership type, they must prove by either receipt or Clubs Online that they are a full financial member at another Sub Branch.
Over 75+ Members
- Complimentary. Members must bring in their card(s) for it to be updated.For Information about Lawn Bowling Centre Memberships (click here)
Activites
Other activities that keep the RSL busy include:Welfare & Pensions
Women’s Auxiliary
Home and Hospital Visitation
Appeals – Anzac, Legacy & Poppy
Aged Care
Early in 2006 the RSL introduced an Aged Care Program designed to support veterans and their families.The need for some form of assistance, with personal and everyday activities, increases with age. Consistent with the mission of the RSL, our goal is to provide a service that recognizes these needs, and is directed at supporting and providing care for our ageing veteran community, both in the home and at aged care facilities.
The RSL Aged Care Program has proven to be an invaluable support system for all our veterans. A service is provided that is directed at meeting the specific needs of our ageing veteran community, enabling them to access all community care services available for the individual and their family.
Sub-Clubs
Watsonia RSL Pipes and Drums (Link)Darts (Link)
Golf Club (Link)
Snooker
Anglers
Lawn Bowls (Link)
ANZAC Day
Watsonia RSL has a very large ANZAC day tradition. A 10am service in the street outside is attended by thousands of people comprising servicemen, ex-servicemen, family, friends and spectators. This is followed by the President’s lunch then the traditional showing of the big football game of Essendon versus Collingwood on the Clubs many big screen TVs.Awards
The Club has won many awards over the years including:- No. 1 Club - Tattersalls service excellence award
- Licensed Sub Branch of the year
And our dedicated staff have won numerous 'Achievement and Recognition' awards over the years.
