After a two year ban on fundraising, Albury's RSL Sub-branch are ecstatic to be back selling poppies ahead of Anzac day.
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Sub-branch president Graham Docksey said the two year fundraising halt, which was prompted by a scandal at the state level, had drastically impacted the club's finances.
"It was very significant for us," he said.
"We're only a small sub-branch and we do a lot of work for the community, particularly now Anzac is coming up, we have expenses, we have support but we do have to pay for PA systems etc."
RSL NSW voluntarily suspended all fundraising in 2017 after new leadership discovered some of its processes were 'technically' illegal under state charity laws.
The league was subject to an inquiry by a former Federal Court judge and probe by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission after a series of impropriety allegations under previous management. There was no suggestion sub-branches were acting improperly.
"[The ban] had a dramatic impact on our ability to make sure we could pay our bills," Mr Docksey said.
"Like everyone else we have rates to pay, water and gas bills and we need to keep our doors open to members.
"All those little expenses add up."
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Mr Docksey said the ban had also eroded public trust.
"It has impacted us and our ability to raise funds but we need to move beyond that now and look to the future," he said.
The ban might be lifted but the club still is still facing challenges.
"One thing we do need is members," he said.
"The RSL is looking for younger members who can take our place and continue to provide these ceremonial activities for our community."
Mr Docksey said it was great to be able to sell poppies again and they have had a very positive response from the community.
"A couple of members of the public asked a young girl selling purple poppies what their significance was," he said.
"The purple poppies are in memory of all the animals that died in wars."
The Albury RSL sub-branch will be selling poppies and badges across Albury on Thursday this week and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week.
Mr Docksey said people could also purchase poppies from Anzac House in Albury.
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