About Our RSL

History of the RSL in Bendigo

Moves to form a Branch of the Returned Soldiers Association in Bendigo began in December 1915. The first official meeting of the new branch took place on 27 January 1916, the first elections were held on 3 February 1916 and the first office of the new branch was established at No 9 Commonwealth Chambers, Charing Cross in January 1916.

The Bendigo branch was the first to be formed in Victoria outside of Melbourne.

Following the formation of the Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial league of Australia in June 1916 and several different names for the Sub-Branch, it subsequently became the Bendigo RSL Sub-Branch. The office of the Sub-Branch was located at the Memorial Hall, Pall Mall from November 1921 until June 2007 when it moved to Havilah Road.

On 28 February 2005, Eaglehawk RSL merged with Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch Inc.

Venue Facilities

The Bendigo, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat RSL Cooperative Society Ltd was formed in 1977 as a joint venture between Bendigo, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat Sub-Branches of the RSL. Licensed club facilities were built in Havilah Road and were opened in December 1979 and the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club was formed to operate the Club.

In 2000, Bendigo RSL was asked by ANZAC House to take over the operations of the Servicemen’s Club and the assets and liabilities of the Cooperative. On 1 January 2001, Bendigo RSL Sub-Branch became Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch Inc in recognition of this changed role.