It has been a financially tight few years for the sub-branch, with fundraising also banned in 2017 and 2018 due to a state-level RSL NSW corruption inquiry.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Now Wagga volunteers will be looking to make up for lost time, hitting the streets from Saturday with their badges and poppies to raise money in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

One of them is 87-year-old veteran Ian Hurst, who had been one of the club's most energetic fundraisers.

Mr Hurst was recruited into national service for Australia in 1952, and he enjoyed his experience so much that he decided to join the Canadian navy reserves as an onboard engineer and mechanic.

He said he held onto many fond memories of his time at sea and in the army, saying it allowed him to see the world and broaden his horizons.

"It's the adventure and the challenges you face," he said.

He will be marching in this year's Anzac Day parade, and he makes sure to walk around the Wollundry Lagoon every day so that he will be healthy enough to participate for as long as possible.

Veteran Reg Hearne is also looking forward to the march this year, having celebrated last year's Anzac Day on his driveway due to COVID restrictions.

He said he picked up many friends and life lessons during his stint in the air force, after having dropped out of school at age 14.

"I had a wonderful time in the air force. I travelled Australia, had two tours overseas. I came out with a lot of new skills. I bettered myself," he said.

Poppy drive organiser Peter Wyatt said they were relieved to get back into the swing of things after their extended absence.

He said they had ordered a big, fresh batch of poppies, since last year's unsold ones were looking a little worse for wear.

"We haven't done proper fundraising for years now," Mr Wyatt said.

"It's good to be back. It means people can get out and catch up with each other."

Sub-branch president David Gardiner said they were immensely relieved to get fundraising activities up and running.

He said the Anzac Day ceremony would be "almost normal", albeit with some minor COVID restrictions.

"Fundraising has been virtually non-existent for 12 months, so we're certainly looking forward to raising some funds to help veterans and their families," Mr Gardiner said.

"The general public have been really looking forward to it, too."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: