FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE
The
Weekly Advertiser Wednesday, October 9, 2013 ● Phone 5382 1351 ● Vol. 16 No. 15
A Publication from your local Radio Stations 3WM and Mixx FM
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Welcome t ot he new Ararat RSL
October 2012 to March 2013
Community win with Ararat RSL C
ompletion of a $1.4-million Ararat RSL redevelopment project has signalled a new era in dining, reception and entertainment services in the rural city. The club has undergone wholesale changes, both inside and out, to meet the needs of members, guests and the community as a whole. The final product, after three years of planning and enthusiastic construction work in the last five months, has provided the Ararat community with a modern and expansive club with facilities that are second to none.
Ararat RSL general manager Maria Whitford said the project had been well worth the effort and expense and, importantly, reflected a primary need to provide the best facilities possible for veterans, their families, guests and the community. “We’ve brought our club into the 21st century and it is the people of Ararat who are the main beneficiaries,” she said. “The club is now modern, inviting with open spaces for larger functions and events. There is new furniture, carpet, fireplace area, TAB lounge, a 165-seat bistro and 120-seat function room. Basically everything is brand new and it is now a real showcase for Ararat,” she said.
open despite ongoing works. “The contractors worked the project completed and trade all the way through. fantastic, remaining loyal rewards came,” she said.
diligently to get we continued to The locals were until finally the
Community need Maria said the project was a result of the club identifying a critical need for change and the project started in 2010. “We knew we needed to do something. We had a leaky roof, the air-conditioning never worked and we had so many small, pokey rooms and were constantly going through a series of unending doors. It wasn’t a nice open modern space and just really needed a big overhaul. But here we are, three years later and it’s all happened,” she said. The revamped club opened fully to a welcoming community on August 19 and Maria hinted that plans were evolving for a community celebration in the near future. She said an official ceremony involving RSL and community leaders, dignitaries; stakeholders and other invited guests would be on November 22.
“It’s about providing fantastic food and service in a fantastic new environment, it is really quite lovely now.”
The club redevelopment at 74 to 76 High Street reflects the work of architect Ian Macklin from TM Designs of Melbourne and Brian Andrew Master Builders in Geelong.
Maria praised members and patrons for their patience during the five-month construction period when the club remained
The project also includes plans for a children’s play area, complete with interactive toys.
74-76 High Street, Ararat
Phone: 5352 2794
NEW ERA: The Ararat RSL has received a breath of fresh air with it’s newly redeveloped High Street premises providing the Ararat community with a modern club with facilities that are second to none.
AUDITED 23,364