27/02/2024
Some more food for thought! Thank you all for your ongoing support, this only further highlights how unjustly all of us have been treated!
Statement #2 - 27.02.2024
BIKIES TAKE OVER RSL
I’m sure every person in Western Australia, or even Australia has read or heard the headline, “Bikies take over RSL” on some form of media. Yes, the Veterans Motorcycle Club did become heavily involved in the management of Nollamara RSL, but it was not a takeover, the club was asked to get involved due to the dire situation Nollamara RSL found itself in.
Approximately 11 years ago Nollamara RSL was insolvent. It owed more money to creditors than it had money in the bank and the infrastructure was in need of significant improvements, replacement and general maintenance. The RSL had one active Committee member attempting to manage the entire operations of the subbranch by himself. His limitless “President’s card” and constant questionable financial activities only compounded the severity of the situation.
At this point, the VMC were asked if they would assist in the running of the subbranch on a daily basis to stop it being shut down. A number of VMC members put their hand up and took on committee positions within the organisation. Business practices were reviewed, and inappropriate operational practices instigated by previous committees were ceased.
In the time the Veterans Motorcycle Club members have held committee positions within the Nollamara RSL the RSL subbranch has gone from a position of being broke to having $144,000 in the bank. This is after $55,000 was spent re-roofing the venue and $75,000 was spent resurfacing the car park and upgrading the front of the establishment.
It is important to note that over the past 11 years in which Veterans Motorcycle Club has held positions within the RSL at no time have any of these positions ever been challenged during an election, the VMC members we’re elected uncontested.
Interestingly, over the past decade this “take over” issue has been raised and investigated on numerous occasions, including by the previous hierarchy and committee of RSLWA, and the West Australian Police Department Liquor and Gaming branch.
So, with hindsight maybe the Veterans Motorcycle Club should have made comment and answered these allegations when they were raised but Instead it waited for the outcomes of the relevant investigations to be completed, all which found in favour of the VMC and the operating practices taking place.
So, as they say, especially when you’re trying to sell newspapers, or get people to listen to your radio station, “never let the truth get in the way of a good story”. I’m sure some of our local journalists and current members of RSL W.A. have this saying tattooed on their chest.
Finally, thank you to the tens of thousands of people who have read our previous statement and the outpouring of support the Veterans Motorcycle Club and Nollamara RSL subbranch have received. In the coming days we will be releasing another statement with further information regarding the ongoing situation.
Thank you for your support.
