Bentleigh RSL Sub-Branch and Melbourne Racing Club partner on Cheltenham site
Bentleigh RSL Sub-Branch has entered into an agreement with Pegasus Leisure Group (PLG), the hospitality and leisure operating entity of Melbourne Racing Club (MRC), for PLG to lease and operate the Cheltenham-Moorabbin RSL commercial venue.
The outcome will see veteran support in the local area remain, provide a sustainable income source to help fund that support and ensure the commercial venue continues in the community.
The Cheltenham-Moorabbin RSL Sub-Branch amalgamated with Bentleigh RSL Sub-Branch in 2015, with Bentleigh assuming veteran support responsibilities for both sites.
“Partnering with MRC at the Cheltenham site will allow us to focus on the core operation of local veteran support in the area,” said Bentleigh RSL Sub-Branch President Warrick McDonald.
“The leasing arrangement will see a welfare support presence remain at the site, and the income derived from the MRC lease will support that core mission.”
The Bentleigh RSL Sub-Branch patriotic fund will remain the owners of the site at 289 Centre Dandenong Road, Cheltenham. MRC will operate the hospitality and entertainment venue via its operating entity Pegasus Leisure Group.
Bentleigh RSL will continue to hold commemorative events such as ANZAC Day services at the Cheltenham site.
“The partnership between both entities also promises to strengthen the hospitality venue offering for members and patrons,” said Mr McDonald.
“This is a positive outcome for local veterans and their families, members of the Sub-Branch and the broader community.”
The agreement will help support the ongoing operation of the venue while ensuring continuity for members, patrons and the local community. Members will continue to have access to the hospitality venue and will retain their RSL membership.
Russell Evans, CEO of Pegasus Leisure Group, said:
“Pegasus Leisure Group is pleased to be partnering with Bentleigh RSL to operate the Cheltenham venue.
“This is a well-established local venue with strong community connections, and our focus will be on continuing its hospitality operations while respecting the important role Bentleigh RSL plays in supporting members, veterans and the wider community.
“Pegasus Leisure Group has worked successfully in partnership with RSL clubs across Victoria, and we look forward to building on that experience at Cheltenham Moorabbin RSL.”
RSL Victoria is supportive of the partnership, CEO Sue Cattermole saying:
“RSL Victoria’s State Executive has approved and is supportive of the new partnership between Bentleigh RSL and MRC.
“This is an example of our Sub-Branch network focussing on the best use of its resources to provide sustainable veteran support across Victoria.”
