LABOR has made its second capital announcement for Bendigo, promising $1.7 million to upgrade the Soldiers Memorial Institute on Pall Mall.

Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters made the announcement on Wednesday morning, covering the federal contribution for the $4.2 million project should Labor win the upcoming election.

The RSL had been calling for the $1.7 million, after securing funding from the City of Greater Bendigo.

The council is still waiting on $1.2 million from the state government.

The project includes the construction of a new two-storey museum at the back of the historic institute, in an attempt to attract the best war exhibits from across Australia.

The RSL will also be a co-location point to provide support for veterans.

Ms Chesters said the upgrade would be an important project for Bendigo.

“The centre’s fully trained pension and welfare officers work closely with all ex-service organisations, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Centrelink to help provide support services for our veterans,” she said.

“The upgraded Bendigo RSL Soldiers Memorial Institute is an ideal place to locate these services for our veterans.”

The council was waiting for a response from the Coalition government regarding their National Stronger Regions Fund application for funding for the project.

Ms Chesters said Labor’s funding would come from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Bendigo District RSL started a fundraising campaign to raise $500,000 for their contribution to the project.

Chairman of the project control group Paul Penno said the RSL was grateful for Labor’s commitment.

“We don’t need to re-state how important this project is to the culture and history of Bendigo,” he said.

“The enthusiasm with which Lisa Chesters pursued our Stronger Regions Fund application has been constant and ongoing, and today marks another step.

“We have the opportunity for both parties to put their case forward.”

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Rod Fyffe joined Ms Chesters and Paul Penno from the Bendigo District RSL to make the announcement.

Labor also promised $2 million to fully fund the upgrade of the Bendigo Tennis Centre.