Community
12 March, 2026
RSL sub-branch in voluntary administration
DUE to financial issues at the Warrnambool RSL sub-branch (related to the trading of the business), the sub-branch yesterday confirmed it had entered voluntary administration.
The administrator, Worrells, has confirmed that the Warrnambool venue will trade through and continue normal operations for the foreseeable future while its financial position is being assessed.
Yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon employees were informed of this and will continue their current employment while the venue is in administration.
In a release issued by the sub-branch and RSL Victoria, it was noted that sub-branch committee members will assist the administrator to work towards the best outcome for the sub-branch, its creditors, veterans and members.
The committee members will also work to ensure ANZAC Day commemoration continues as per usual and will work separately on fundraising for veteran support through the ANZAC Appeal.
Veteran welfare in the Warrnambool region will continue to be coordinated by RSL Victoria at the Warrnambool Veterans Centre located within the RSL sub-branch building.
As owners of the land, and guarantors for a loan of the sub-branch, Warrnambool City Council has been consulted as part of the decision and is supportive of seeing veteran support continue and the venue remain open.
Warrnambool City Council and the Warrnambool RSL sub-branch are encouraging the local community to support the venue to help create a sustainable future beyond the administration process.
“This is the only appropriate path to take for the sub-branch to have a future,” Warrnambool RSL president Richard Ridgwell said.
“We thank the Warrnambool City Council for its ongoing support and understanding and will continue to work with them to ensure veterans and their families in the region can access the services they require.
“We want the Warrnambool community to know that we will remain open for business, and our ANZAC Day commemoration services for 2026 will continue.
“We encourage all in Warrnambool to get involved and support the sustainability of the sub-branch by bringing their family in for a meal. We trust the community will get behind veterans and their families as they have for more than 100 years.”
RSL Victoria acting chief executive officer Jack Crawford said he supports the decision of Warrnambool RSL to enter administration as the responsible path forward.
“Where we can, we will continue to support the venue as it trades through administration,” Mr Crawford said.
“This situation is a strong example of why RSL Victoria’s current focus on governance reform for sub-branches is vital.
“RSL Victoria’s major focus now is on ensuring support for veterans and their families in the region.
“This will continue, irrespective of the administration process, and we will continue to work with the Warrnambool City Council on this objective.”
