By Tyler Wright
Hills residents will be able to enjoy a free music event at the Dandenong Ranges RSL in February in an attempt by the organisation to forge social connections after the easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
RSL president Bob Richards said the ‘All Rhythm, No Blues’ event is a first for the association, with local band Flying Home providing entertainment on Sunday 19 February.
“I know that many of my members did get affected by the social isolation of the last couple of years, and coming out of that they were so keen to get together and have functions at the RSL,” Mr Richards said.
Members, veterans, ex-service personnel and locals are welcome at the event, which will run from 1pm to 4pm in the backyard of the RSL.
“It’s a small venue so we can’t have any more than 100 at a time in the backyard and that’s what our licence allows us, but we expect people to come through and rotate through the place during the day,” Mr Richards said.
“They’ll come in, maybe listen to few sets and have a drink and then go on to other events in Sassafras.
“The cafes will be open and all the businesses in Sassafras will be open, so hopefully people will make it a day.”
Mr Richards is hoping to cover the cost of the band and some administrative overheads through applying for Yarra Ranges Council’s small grants program, which offers up to $1,000 for community organisations which are supporting people impacted by emergencies such as Covid-19 and the June 2021 storm event.
The Dandenong Ranges RSL is located at 1773 Mountain Highway in Sassafras.
