OUR STORY
Welcome to the Portland RSL Sub Branch. The sub branch was formed in 1919.
We have occupied the “Soldiers rooms” since they were built in 1924. The rooms were the site of the Anzac Day commemorations in 1924, the day it was opened.
Our membership is approximately 100. We have a mixture of service members and social members.
The ratio is approximately 65% service members and 35%social members.
Apart from social activities for our members we are the Custodians of the Anzac traditions.
We enjoy a very good relationship with the Council particularly at times of commemorations;
Anzac Day is our major public high profile event. It consist of a traditional Dawn Service and an Anzac March. The March is followed by a traditional service at which an invited speaker addresses the attendees. The March is open to all and is accompanied by school children from various schools in the Portland area.
Uniquely we decorate the area around the memorial where the service takes part in white crosses replete with wreaths provided by family members of those remembered on the crosses or the Sub Branch. We have included a sample of a recent Anzac Day Floral display. We refer to the area in front of the Civic Centre as The “memorial triangle” which is where the floral display is located each year. Our Anzac Committee is supplemented by volunteers from the public. The committee grows flowers throughout the year. The Memorial Triangle includes the monument to the fallen.
We are of course responsible for Remembrance Day commemorations also.
Remembrance Day ceremonies are also conducted in the Memorial Triangle, followed by light refreshments in the Sub Branch rooms. All are welcome to attend.
Vietnam Veterans Day is celebrated adjacent to the memorial triangle in an area designated as Vietnam Veterans Memorial Gardens.
