August 2025 Update
Q&A With Bob Lunnon, President Forestville RSL sub-Branch Committee
Following our recent DA approval for new Club facilities and a boutique retirement community, we've received a number of questions about the impact of the redevelopment on the Forestville RSL sub-Branch, the Cenotaph, and commemorative events including Anzac Day and Remembrance Sunday.
These queries are best answered by Bob Lunnon, President of the Forestville RSL sub-Branch Committee representing its 343 members since 2018. Bob is also a member of the club’s ‘Redevelopment Sub-Committee’. We invited him to share his answers to the questions below:
Q: Is the RSL sub-Branch supportive of the redevelopment plans?
A: Yes, the Forestville RSL sub-Branch Committee and members are supportive of the Club redevelopment plans. In my role as sub-Branch Committee President, I spoke in support of the redevelopment at the December 2024 Information Session on behalf of the sub-Branch and also addressed the Sydney North Planning Panel expressing the full support of the sub-Branch in July 2025.
Q: Where will commemorative services including Anzac Day and Remembrance Day be held during construction?
A: While the new Club is being built, Anzac Sunday, Anzac Day and Remembrance Sunday commemorative services will continue to be held at the Cenotaph in its current location, including the existing Club car park.
Anzac Day 2025
Q: Is the Cenotaph being removed as a result of the redevelopment?
A: No, the Cenotaph is being relocated to a more suitable location nearby.
Q: Where will the Cenotaph be located on completion of the project?
A: The Forestville RSL sub-Branch, as Custodian of the Cenotaph and Memorial Garden, is in active discussions with Northern Beaches Council to relocate the Cenotaph to a site adjacent to the northern end of the Anzac Memorial Pathway in the Forestville War Memorial Playing Fields, which is included on the NSW War Memorials Register. This was unanimously supported by Forestville RSL sub-Branch members at a General Meeting on 5th February 2025. The project has the written support of RSL NSW in achieving this outcome. It is intended that the Cenotaph will be in place by the completion of the new Club.
Q: Where will commemorative services including Anzac Day and Remembrance Sunday be held when the redevelopment is complete?
A: It is intended that the Cenotaph will be in its new location, 50 metres south from the new Club entrance and still within the War Memorial area, by the completion of the new Club. Anzac Sunday, Anzac Day and Remembrance Sunday commemorative services will be held at the Cenotaph in its new location, using the adjacent car park.
Q: Will there still be space for Anzac Day and Remembrance Sunday commemorative services?
A: Yes, there will be plenty of space for our commemorative services. In fact, we anticipate that the new location will be far more convenient for those attending commemorative services to better see and actively participate in the service than the present location. As they have done for many years, the Club have also confirmed that the new club facilities will continue to be available for post-service hospitality, including breakfast following the Anzac Day Dawn service for example.
Stay Connected
We’re committed to keeping you informed about the progress of this exciting project. To ensure our members remain accurately informed, we encourage you to visit www.heartofforestville.com.au and contact us with any questions by clicking here.
We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress in the coming months and years ahead.
Regards,
Tony Mooney, President and Ian Thomson, CEO
Forestville RSL