Sub-branch president Cliff Richards said the $3.8 million project would positive for war veterans and the public.

“It’s been a total renovation,” he said.

“And the one thing that I’m proud to say is that all the renovations have been linked to the benefits of the veterans and our families.

“We’ve stayed away from commercial operations and invested heavily in the future of our veterans, especially the young veterans.”

The interior and exterior of the Havilah Road building has been renovated and a memorabilia park developed.

The RSL has also had concept plans drawn up for the military museum in Pall Mall, which would see an exhibition space created near Bendigo Creek and 1950s renovations removed.

Secretary Paul Penno said the next step was to get engineering designs created.

“We can then approach all levels of government to get total funding for the project,” he said.

“We had a very positive result from the Minister about our plans.”

Senator Michael Ronaldson said the federal government would need to consider the cost of the museum project before considering funding.

“It’s a project that will come at significant cost, but it’s a project that I hope will get support across the board from local, state and federal governments,” he said.

“I think we’ve got to see what the cost is first and that’s the start of the process which is being gone through.

“It’s a very important building for Bendigo and its contents are just as important for the people of Bendigo.”