WAVERLEY, VIC. — The Waverley RSL Sub-Branch last week announced the purchase of the ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley hotel as its new home.
The Sub-Branch’s current site at Coleman Parade, Glen Waverley, was acquired by the State Government as part of the construction of the Suburban Rail Loop in May 2025, with full closure originally due in February 2028.
This purchase is a morale boost for Waverley RSL members, who earlier this month had to deal with an extensive fire at the current premises that has left it unlikely to reopen, according to Neil Slaughter, President of Waverley RSL Sub-Branch.
“This is a momentous day for the members of Waverley RSL, after five years of uncertainty, we now have a long-term home that can generate funds to support veterans and families,” Mr Slaughter said.
“It is a bold step towards the future, and now the hard work begins to ensure we operate a successful hospitality and accommodation business that will raise funds for veterans and their families in the region and support the veteran network across Victoria,” he said.
The purchase of ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley, which contains 155 accommodation rooms, a restaurant, a bar and conference facilities, is a significant moment in the evolution of the Sub-Branch and the RSL network in Victoria.
Whilst subject to planning, Waverley RSL Sub-Branch intends to provide a new version of its current member operations on the ground floor of the six-storey building, offering dining and hospitality for members and guests and delivering enhanced wellbeing support to veterans and families living in the local community.
The facility will feature the Sub-Branch’s memorabilia and other recognition of its service heritage.
Commemoration of ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and other significant events for veterans will continue to be held by the Sub-Branch for the wider community of Waverley. Once the Sub-Branch is fully operational, the daily 6:00pm ode to the fallen will be observed in the members’ areas.
This will be the first RSL Sub-Branch in Melbourne to operate an accommodation business, and the first in Victoria to have accommodation as its primary income source.
Waverley RSL Sub-Branch is expected to soon have a presence in the new premises, located at 295-297 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley, with full operation of its new Sub-Branch set for sometime in 2027.
The accommodation business will continue to be operated by the current managers Accor, under its ‘ibis Hotel’ brand, with the Waverley RSL intending to work closely with Accor to integrate operations over the next few years.
“The finalisation of this deal is especially timely given the devastation of the fire earlier this month that will see us without operations until 2027. We will work with RSL Victoria and other stakeholders to consider an interim home before we take over the ibis Hotel
“I want to thank Fire Rescue Victoria for their magnificent efforts to save much of our important memorabilia. These items will take pride of place in our new venue,” Mr Slaughter said.
The RSL Victoria State President, Dr Mark Schröffel, is grateful that the Waverley RSL sub-branch was able to diversify, due to compulsory acquisition by the State Government.
“We are delighted that Waverley RSL Sub-Branch has found a home and congratulate them for their work over the last five years get to this point.
“Waverley’s unique circumstances of compulsory acquisition have allowed them to do something different, and while that opportunity is not available to most Sub-Branches, it is a sign that revenue diversification is something the network is taking seriously,” Dr Schröffel said.
