A DECISION to lift a fundraising ban on RSL NSW Sub-Branches is closer than ever, according to David Williams.
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Mr Williams – the Wagga branch treasurer – said members had “everything crossed for” the call to come before Remembrance Day on November 11.
The voluntary suspension of all financial activities across NSW, including the annual Poppy Day and Anzac Appeal, followed the discovery of dodgy dealings at a state level in 2017.
The findings and recommendations of the resulting investigation, lead to the passing of new laws in parliament this week.
The reforms are set to ensure greater transparency across RSL NSW and its sub-branches, with directors forced to disclose any financial interests.
In addition, all sub-branch members will be given the opportunity to vote for the appointment of those leaders, who will make up the board of directors.
Mr Williams said the long-awaited decision between two fundraising models – approved by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission – would follow.
“With Remembrance Day around the corner, it’s critical we get an answer shortly,” Mr Williams said. “The sooner the better.”
Across the year, Wagga sub-branch members told The Daily Advertiser they understood the reason behind the blanket hiatus on fundraising, but labelled the process “frustrating”, “disappointing” and “embarrassing”, with the actions of a few, unfairly affecting many.
Mr Williams said missing out on last year’s Poppy Day sales and this year’s Anzac Day campaign had cost the charity close to $60,000 across 12 months.
While bigger branches had managed to financially cope through the fundraising suspension, he said smaller areas had struggled.
Mr Williams said the sale of poppies and commemorative badges had generally been enough to fund the charity’s various projects and programs, supporting former and currently serving military residents.
Additional donations from raffles, food stalls and barbeques also help finance outings for the RSL LifeCare’s Remembrance Village residents, who might otherwise not leave the nursing home.
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