About Us
Lilydale RSL HISTORY
Lilydale RSL is one of the oldest RSLs in Victoria. Our inaugural meeting took place at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre on 15 January 1919, immediately after WW1, and we have been in continuous operation ever since. The meeting, primarily comprised of ex-servicemen just returned from WW1, elected the first committee and first president, James McNeill, who was a veteran of the Anglo-Boer War.
One of the driving forces behind the establishment of Lilydale RSL was Ralph Goode MBE, the first person from the Lilydale community to enlist for WW1. Quite apart from his contribution to the RSL, Ralph was a pillar of the Lilydale community, being honoured by the naming of the cenotaph site as the Ralph Goode Reserve and being awarded an MBE for his service and efforts on behalf of our community,
It would be fair to say that Lilydale and the Yarra Ranges community generally has ‘punched well above its weight’ in terms of contribution to Australia’s military involvement. Among past members and office bearers Lilydale RSL boasts; –
Lilydale RSL HISTORY
Lilydale RSL is one of the oldest RSL’s in Victoria. Our inaugural meeting took place at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre on 15 January 1919, immediately after WW1, and we have been in continuous operation ever since. The meeting, primarily comprised of ex-servicemen just returned from WW1, elected the first committee and first president, James McNeill, who was a veteran of the Anglo-Boer War.
One of the driving forces behind the establishment of Lilydale RSL was Ralph Goode MBE, the first person from the Lilydale community to enlist for WW1. Quite apart from his contribution to the RSL, Ralph was a pillar of the Lilydale community, being honoured by the naming of the cenotaph site as the Ralph Goode Reserve and being awarded an MBE for his service and efforts on behalf of our community,
It would be fair to say that Lilydale and the Yarra Ranges community generally has ‘punched well above its weight’ in terms of contribution to Australia’s military involvement. Among past members and office bearers Lilydale RSL boasts; –
Lance Corporal William Scurry, MC, DCM, of the 7th Battalion AIF, who invented the self-firing ‘drip rifle’ featuring very significantly in the successful withdrawal of Anzac forces from Gallipoli.
Captain George Ingram VC – A former Seville Primary School student and President of Lilydale RSL. During WW1 he served in New Guinea with the 3rd Battalion and then in Europe, where he was awarded the Military Medal in 1917 and the Victoria Cross in 1918. After the war he became one of the original Victorian Shrine of Remembrance guards and the most decorated Victorian Police Officer. He also served in WW2.
Lilydale RSL Who Are WE
Our Commitment to our Veterans & Local Community
Anzac Day Services
Conduct annual ANZAC Day Dawn service and Remembrance Day service.
Remembrance Day Services
Yearly the Lilydale RSL have a Rememberance Day Service at the Lilydale Cenotaph.
Veteran Welfare
Responsible for the management of volunteers, inventory and collection of funds collected for Remembrance Day and the ANZAC Day appeals.
Fund Raising
Fundraising is an important part of the work at Lilydale RSL Your donations to Lilydale RSL help provide tailored support for veterans and their families.
Local Schools
Close connections with local schools who play a significant role in ANZAC Dawn service and Remembrance Day service, ongoing student educational programs & sponsorship of local students.
Book Sponsorship
Working with local historian to support and sponsor book publications of local military significance
Contact Us
Lilydale RSL
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Our Commitment to our Veterans & Local Community
Anzac Day Service
Conduct annual ANZAC Day Dawn service and Remembrance Day service
LOCAL THEATRE
Proud supporters of Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
Veteran Welfare
Veteran welfare support and assistance
Local Schools
Close connections with local schools who play a significant role in ANZAC Dawn service and Remembrance Day service, ongoing student educational programs & sponsorship of local students.
BOOK SPONSORSHIP
Working with local historian to support and sponsor book publications of local military significance
Fund Raising
Fund raising for veteran welfare
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