West Heidelberg RSL sub branch now known as RSL on Bell is located at 180 Bell Street, Heidelberg Heights, opposite the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.
Members were eager to raise funds for their building with local newspaper reports going back as far as 1947. A regular fund-raiser included the annual horse gymkhana at Warringal Park, Heidelberg.
The foundation stone was laid on October 30, 1954 by Major General Selwyn Porter, which is also dedicated “in memory of the fallen” 1914-18, 1939-45 and Korea. The architect was J. K. Howell and the builder J.R. and G. Hooper Pty Ltd. The brick building cost about two thousand pounds to construct.
A large hall took up space on the ground floor and when this photo was taken was known as “The Hall of Memory” where bingo sessions operated.
The second floor included recreation rooms for members. The site included an external brick war memorial.
The building has been substantially re-modelled and updated since this photo was taken in 1981. A new and accessible entrance has been installed, along with new signage and the exterior brickwork has been painted. The external brick war memorial has been replaced with engraved stone with a flag pole. It provides space for private and corporate functions and is a venue for pokies.
Photo
Yarra Plenty Regional Library in partnership with Heidelberg Historical Society
Sources
Heidelberg’s new R.S.L. hall. Argus 22 October, 1954
Heidelberg West RSL foundation stone. Monumentaustralia.org
Show and carnival, The Herald, 17 December, 1947
Victorian Heritage Database
Heidelberg West, RSL on Bell. War Memorials in Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea photo collection (Yarra Plenty Regional Library)
