IT'S been 100 years since the Kyabram RSL opened its doors to returned service men and women.
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Through a lifetime of conflict - including two world wars - the RSL has stood as a pinnacle of comraderie, community and the spirit of Australia.
"We are really proud of our history and everything that the RSL has meant to this community over the last 100 years," president Stan McIntosh said.
On July 21, members celebrated the anniversary with a lunch at the Kyabram Club and were joined by Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh.
It was also the launch of a book that local Chris George painstakingly put together, celebrating 100 years of history.
The challenge of telling the story of a century of highs, lows, heartbreak and triumph was certainly not lost on her.
It's has been quite the mission condensing the character and milestones of the Ky RSL into a single document.
And she found some favourite stories along the way.
‘‘Some of my favourite stories I’ve found come from the 60s — there seems to have been a lot of characters around the RSL club then," Ms George said.
"There is one particular story of an Anzac Day Carnival where a ‘Diggers Race’ was held and there was quite a bit of jostling and even a false start. Apparently one bloke even completed the race with a pipe in his mouth."
Another favourite is the story of a ‘friendly’ Anzac Day footy match in the same era.
‘‘From all reports there was quite a bit of sledging and apparently the boys had to get permission from their wives in order to play,’’ said Ms George.
Already, the book has sold out and more copies are at the printers.
"It's a really wonderful way for us to celebrate our history and take care of it," Mr McIntosh said.
"As president, I am still learning a lot, but its clear that the community are still really invested in the RSL and want to support us.
"Way back it was about giving returned soldiers a place to meet up and remember their mates.
"And now you can see a lot of street names around Kyabram are directly names after those men. They were big men in town and we are very proud to be continuing that legacy."
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