KALAMUNDA RSL

History

Located at 35 Canning Road, Kalamunda stands a well-known building, weathered over the years, it is by no stretch of the imagination in pristine condition and certainly not the most attractive building in the Shire, but it is the spiritual home of the 120 plus members of Kalamunda (previously known as Darling Range) RSL sub-branch, their guests and visitors.

 

It is open for companionship on a Friday evening, from 5.00 pm, and general meetings are held at 6pm on the last Friday of each month. Visitors or potential members are always welcome.

 

The Kalamunda Sub-Branch was granted its charter in 1919. Originally known as Kalamunda Returned Soldiers, Sailors and Airman’s Imperial League Australia, it held its first meeting under a pine tree opposite the original Kalamunda Hotel. Through the years the name was changed to the Darling Range Returned and Services League (RSL), which reflects the growing number of eligible members who have not necessarily seen active service.

 

A Darling Range RSL Women’s Auxiliary was formed in 1931 with twenty-one members. During the depression, Paddy Connolly gave them one pound per week to assist the distressed in the district.  Many more years later, an ex-service women's group was formed to provide a sense of belonging for those ladies who had undertaken military service and wished to meet at a more sociable hour.  Neither of those groups now exist, but in their heyday they gave valuable support to the sub-branch.

 

In 1940, a Mr and Mrs Lowden donated their house and land to the sub-branch on the condition that one room was always available for destitute returned servicemen travelling through the area. The stone wall and original entrance gate were given by the Brine family in memory of their son who was killed in the war.  During World War II the house earned its own place in wartime history, as it was the Volunteer Air Observation Corps lookout for the skies over the area.  These volunteers kept watch twenty-four hours a day and recognised and reported all aircraft spotted.

 

Mr Paddy Connolly, publican of the ‘second’ Kalamunda Hotel, gave the sub-branch three blocks of land in Haynes Street, all or part of the area now occupied by Brumby’s and the ANZ Bank.  In the early 1950s these blocks were sold to provide finance to build the hall in front of the existing house. The hall officially opened in 1954.

 

Over the years, the Kalamunda RSL has served as the support and 'home' of many current and ex-service men and women in the City of Kalamunda.  With a strong sense of comradery, the members of today host many social and remembrance events to pay tribute to the lives of those lost serving their country as well as commemorating the achievements of those that have fought for the Australia we know today.

 

The Kalamunda RSL always welcomes new members. For information on membership, please visit our membership page.