By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Danielle Kutchel
Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL has outraged members by selling off its Cranbourne venue after a staggering $1.3 million financial hit during Covid-19.
The sub-branch will be largely unbowed on Anzac Day however, bringing back the traditional services – if not the street march.
President John Wells said Covid had “brought to a head” the sale of the Cranbourne venue – an entertainment complex with bistro, bar and gaming that had suffered “exponential” recent losses.
The RSL had lost $11 million at Cranbourne in a decade – including $7 million invested on improvements
The hand-over to an undisclosed buyer was expected to occur mid-2021. “Nearly all” staff will be retained by the new owner, Mr Wells said.