RSL Victoria Statement on Mentone RSL Sub-Branch
RSL Victoria notes the recommendation by the Administrator of Mentone RSL Sub-Branch Inc. to place the incorporated association into voluntary liquidation, and the creditors agreement to proceed to voluntary liquidation at today’s meeting.
The Sub-Branch closed on 5 November 2025 and has been in administration since 5 December 2025.
An independent investigator commissioned at the time identified financial irregularities and governance failures at the Sub-Branch. In response, the RSL Victoria State Executive suspended the charter of Mentone RSL Sub-Branch for 12 months (starting 8 January 2026) and stood down all members of the Sub-Branch Committee.
RSL Victoria has a responsibility to ensure all Sub-Branches uphold financial, governance and transparency standards. When these standards are not met, or when there is a risk that standards may be compromised, RSL Victoria has a duty to act to protect the integrity of the organisation and the interests of veterans.
The investigation is nearing completion, and its findings will be provided to RSL Victoria and any other appropriate bodies in the coming weeks.
Separately, RSL Victoria commissioned an independent engineering assessment of the Mentone RSL premises. The report found investment of more than $1.1 million was required to address safety, compliance and ongoing maintenance issues necessary for the building to operate as a commercial hospitality venue.
During this charter suspension process RSL Victoria committed significant resources to support efforts to preserve the future of the Sub-Branch. A Management Advisory Group was established and met weekly to explore options and progress the position to the most favourable outcome possible for members and the local community.
The Administrator expressed a desire to see the commercial hospitality venue re-open, called for expressions of interest, and subsequently engaged with a potential investor. RSL Victoria made it clear that any consideration of reopening would depend on the presentation of a legally viable commercial proposal and clear assessment of the investment needed to bring the site up to an operational standard.
Ultimately the investor opted out of this process, and today the creditors voted to approve the Administrator’s recommendation to place the incorporated association into voluntary liquidation.
Commercial hospitality venues within the RSL network play an important role in generating income that supports veteran wellbeing programs and services. However, it is essential that these venues be financially sustainable in their own right. RSL Victoria and its network of Sub-Branches exist to support veterans and their families, not to subsidise hospitality operations.
RSL Victoria acknowledges the disappointment this outcome will cause for members, veterans and the broader Mentone community.
The organisation remains committed to ensuring that veterans in Mentone continue to have access to support, advocacy and welfare services; Bentleigh and Highett RSL Sub-Branches have been working with RSL Victoria to fill this role.
All Life, Service and Affiliate Members of Mentone RSL Sub-Branch will remain members of RSL Victoria Headquarters.
RSL Victoria will communicate a plan for memorabilia and any other important updates concerning the Mentone RSL Sub-Branch at a later date.
