A Century of Service: The People Behind Wangaratta RSL
For more than a hundred years, the Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch has been part of local life, supporting veterans, their families, and the wider community.
After 67 years on Reid Street, the RSL began a new chapter when it opened its current venue in 2019 at the site of the former Sydney Hotel. The new space is bright and welcoming, with a terrace overlooking the Ovens River that has quickly become a favourite meeting place for locals.
On the way to meet manager Chris, I noticed the old Sydney Hotel sign was still visible on the roofline. And wondered about the stories held in the walls, a small piece of Wangaratta’s past now tied to the RSL future.
“It’s not just a venue. It’s a community hub,” says Chris, who has managed operations at the RSL for the past nine years. “You look around and see families having lunch, or veterans catching up for morning tea, and you realise everything happening here connects back to the people who live here.”
Chris has worked at the Sydney Hotel site for more than 15 years. He started managing the venue under its previous owners, and when the RSL took over, he stayed on. “I’ve been in pubs most of my life,” he says. “But this is different. You’re not just running a business — you are part of something that gives back.”
The RSL is all about people supporting people. It’s run by a volunteer committee and a team of around 50 staff, with everything going back into the community.
“Every meal or drink purchased here helps us fund something meaningful,” Chris says. “It might be a school scholarship, supporting the welfare of a local veteran or their family, or an activity that keeps people connected. When locals choose to eat or celebrate here, they’re helping us keep that going.”
That support shows up in different ways through the Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship, which sends Year 11 students to walk the Kokoda Trail, RSL Active’s monthly activities like archery and horse riding, and through the Veterans’ Morning Tea, now drawing more than 80 people every second Tuesday of the month.
“The Kokoda kids come back completely different,” Chris says. “They train, they learn about a local soldier, they walk the trail and when they return, they speak at our events about their journey, not just the physical challenges, but the emotional ones as well. It’s pretty special to see.”
When asked why it’s important to shop local, Chris answered without hesitation. “It helps the town’s economy, it helps employment, and it helps us give more back — whether that’s support for veterans, scholarships for students, or grants for community groups,” he said. “It’s not just about us. It’s about our staff, our suppliers, and the people who live here. When locals support local, it keeps that cycle going.”
Local Tips from Chris