A DECISION on the Doreen RSL’s proposed lease at the Brookwood Community Centre is expected at the City of Whittlesea council meeting tonight, with an officer recommendation stating Council resolve not to least any part of the premises to the RSL.
The decision will bring to a head months of speculation about the future of Brookwood Community Centre, with Doreen RSL initially getting a $1.6 million funding commitment from the Federal Government last year, before hearing submissions from community members in June.
There were 418 online responses to council, with 254 written submissions received, and 43 submitters requesting to be heard at a Hearing of Submission Committee meeting, which was held on June 11.
Thirty submitters spoke to their submission, with 104 supporting the proposal and 314 objecting to the proposal.
Many of the objectors were from regular hirers of the facility, which includes Dance Power, Doreen Baptist Church, Friends Dancing, Supporter Playgroup, Positive Ageing, Kelly Mini Sports, Zumba Dance Class, Chair Exercise and OMNI Doreen.
The Officers Recommendation suggested rejecting the lease and identify an alternative site for the Doreen RSL.
“In accordance with section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020: a) by giving public notice of intention to lease part of Brookwood Community Centre at 25 Hazel Glen Drive, Doreen to the Doreen RSL; b) having received and considered 418 submissions in response to the public notice; and c) by hearing submitters that requested to be heard at the Hearing of Submissions Committee Meeting held on 11 June 2026; resolve not to lease any part of the premises at 25 Hazel Glen Drive, Doreen being Brookwood Community Centre to the Doreen RSL,” the recommendation read.
“Approve the Acting Chief Executive Officer to write to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs as the federal government funding agency for this election commitment requesting that they decouple the $1.6 million funding from the Brookwood Community Centre.
“Work with the Doreen RSL Committee and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to identify and assess alternative sites that may support the long-term needs of the Doreen RSL.
“Note officers will notify all submitters who have made a written submission of Council’s decision and the reason for that decision.”
Submission numbers showed that a large number of submitters in support of the proposal overwhelming voted for the themes of support for veterans and families, with 93 per cent of submissions in support supporting the theme, while 85 per cent supported the theme of the RSL needing a permanent home.
Of those who objected, 82 per cent of written submissions said their main opposition was it was a community facility, while 79 per cent said they had support for the RSL needing a permanent home and that veterans needed support, but not at Brookwood. 72 per cent also said there would be community use impacts.
