Montmorency Eltham RSL

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUB BRANCH

The Montmorency-Eltham RSL Sub Branch Inc is the formal name of the entity which operates the Montmorency-Eltham RSL. Less formally, it is also known in print as 'the MERSL', or the Club. The official name incorporates the names of the two neighbouring suburbs, although originally there were two separate RSL Sub Branches. Some of the details of each club's story (particularly that of the Montmorency RSL) and of the circumstances which gave rise to the current, re-named Sub Branch are outlined separately in the History section (see 'Our Past' in the drop-down menu above).

The MERSL Building and Surrounds

The Montmorency–Eltham RSL premises is situated in Mountainview Rd, Montmorency. The building is owned by the Sub Branch but sits on land in Petrie Park which is owned by the Banyule Council. The Park area includes a sports oval, a playground, picnic and toilet facilities as well as a lawn bowls club.

The MERSL is a two storey building. On the upper floor, there is a large members' bar area which can be divided into sections to allow for a range of functions and gatherings to be held while the bar can still operate as normal for members. At one end of this large general entertainment area there are a number of display cabinets which show a selection of the large number of memorabilia items which the RSL has collected over many years. They were donated by returned service personnel, their families and other sources. There is also a wide-ranging book collection. At the other end of the general bar area, there is a small stage for entertainment events and larger meetings. The main bar area has access to an outside deck which looks over the parkland and includes an all-weather BBQ area.

Main Bar View onto Deck

Main Bar Lounge area

Downstairs there is a large dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows to provide a pleasant outlook across the park and its many trees. Next to the bistro there is a small bar area which also serves the dining room, and there is an adjacent gaming machine room.

Membership

Membership is open to all and there are currently about 1,800 members. Three different types of membership are available:

Service Members (those who have been in one of the branches of the Australian Defence Force – mainly Army, Navy or Air Force)
Affiliate Members (those who have a family member or ancestor who was in one of the Services)
Social Members (those who are members of the local or wider community)

Interested people from any of those categories are welcome to join the Club. Joining involves the completion of a form with contact and other details, and a small annual membership fee is charged.

Visitors

Visitors are also welcome at the Club provided that the appropriate short entry slip is completed on arrival. Many people often attend the Club as visitors for a meal in the Bistro with family and friends or use the bar area for a social occasion.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse