WITH Anzac Day commemorations less than two weeks away, Casterton’s RSL Sub Branch is out and about in the community – but not just with the Anzac Appeal.

This Saturday, branch members are teaming up with Casterton Memorial Hospital’s Community Health team and Glenelg Shire Council, for a free community kayaking day at the Ess Lagoon.

The branch’s Peter Green said members were excited to be out and about in the community and looking forward to a day a ‘The Essla’.

“The community really only sees the RSL when we pop up on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, but we’re active behind the scenes all-year-round … we’re keen to get out there and more involved in the community and an event like this, which is a great activity for good mental and physical health and a really social event, is a wonderful idea,” Mr Green said.

The kayaking day will run from 10am until 1pm; The RSL members will be providing a barbecue lunch on the day for a gold coin donation.

Kayaking is free and bookings for one-hour slots can be made by phoning 5554 2555; anyone without a booking is welcome to head down to the Ess Lagoon at anytime.

RSL members also met last week to receive a cheque from the Patriots Motorcycle Club – the proceeds from funds raised during the club’s annual remembrance service at Diggers Rest, late last month.

A recognised Military Motorcycle Club (MMC) for the Permanent, Reservist and former Serving Members of the Australian Defence Force and accepted Allied Defence Forces, patriots members gathered at Wayne and Lerida Southern’s Dunrobin property for their annual commemorative service and catch-up.

The gathering also included raffles of items donated by the Southerns and local businesses and the proceeds – more than $960 – was presented to the Casterton RSL Sub-Branch last week, to assist with the ongoing restoration of the branch’s premises.

“We learned a lesson this year – buy more raffle books!” retired Warrant Officer Class 2, Mr Southern said.

“Everyone was very generous and we ran out of tickets.”

The Anzac Appeal has also kicked off with merchandise including the traditional rising sun pins now available for purchase around town.

RSL members will also be posted in Henty Street up until Anzac Day and all proceeds support the national effort.

The ANZAC Appeal is a major fundraising campaign to raise money to support veterans and their families, who have been impacted by their service and sacrifice.