THE push for the Doreen RSL to secure a permanent home at the Brookwood Community Centre has taken a significant step forward, with City of Whittlesea councillors endorsing a reduced-use proposal that rules out alcohol sales and preserves broader community access.
At last week’s scheduled council meeting councillors discussed a proposed preferred pathway for the Hazel Glen Drive facility.
The proposal follows a request from the Doreen RSL Committee, which has been seeking a dedicated base after years of operating weekly social nights from Laurimar Recreation Reserve under casual hire arrangements with local sporting clubs.
The RSL had originally sought exclusive use of the Brookwood Community Centre, excluding the café, under a peppercorn rent agreement, with plans for a bar and lounge-style venue featuring alcohol sales, food service, televisions, and veteran support services.
However, councillors instead supported a more limited arrangement that would see the Doreen RSL granted exclusive use of the Hazel Glen Room, community office and adjoining corridor only.
Under the adopted option alcohol sales will not be permitted and food sales will not be allowed during the adjoining café’s operating hours. Also no outdoor alfresco area, smoking area or gaming facilities will be allowed and television screens cannot be used to broadcast sporting or other content for gaming or wagering purposes.
The remainder of the centre will remain council-managed and available for community hire.
The suggested lease would run for an initial period of five years, with an optional five-year extension by mutual agreement.
Importantly, any upgrades or modifications to the facility must be delivered within the existing $1.6 million federal funding commitment, with no financial contribution from council.
The decision is not final, with councillors to consider the matter again after a formal consultation process. Community engagement will run from May 4 to June 1, inviting public feedback on council’s intention to enter into a lease arrangement with the Doreen RSL.
A Hearing of Submissions Committee meeting will then be held on June 11 at the Civic Centre in South Morang for residents wishing to speak directly to council.
Before any lease is signed, the Doreen RSL must also provide written evidence by June 1 demonstrating it has the operational and financial capacity to expand from one night a week to a proposed schedule of five evenings and two daytime sessions, meet lease obligations, secure required permits, and cover any costs beyond the federal funding package.
The outcome means the Doreen RSL’s long-held ambition for a permanent home remains alive, but under tighter conditions than first proposed.
