The Coalition today matched Labor’s $1.7 million funding commitment, which secures most of the funding needed for the project.

Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch senior vice president Grant Thompson welcomed the news, saying the building needed restorations and had water damage in parts.

There are also plans to expand the building and develop another display area.

“The building needs quite a bit of restoration and this (funding) secures that,” Mr Thompson said.

“It will bring the building into the future and enhance the programs that we run with school children and the broader community. 

“The sub branch is very happy both sides have made the commitment and we can move off into the future.” 

The project was listed by the City of Greater Bendigo as one its key election priorities.

Mayor Rod Fyffe welcome the commitment from both major parties to funding the project.

“The $1.7M will go mostly towards the development of a new gallery space at the rear of the existing building that would be capable of displaying touring exhibitions from the War Memorial in Canberra,’’ he said.

“This funding will help transform the iconic Soldier’s Memorial Institute into a modern building that will be another great addition to Bendigo’s list of attractions and help residents and visitors to learn more about the region’s history.”

The Council has committed $800,000 and the RSL has committed $500,000 towards the project, and a $1.2M grant application has been submitted to the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund.

Liberal candidate for Bendigo Megan Purcell said it was a “project involving a building that needs a bit of love’’. 

“This is a fantastic project for the community that has been pushed strongly by the RSL, the City of Greater Bendigo council,” she said.

“It was their influence that got it across the line along with Minister for Veteran Affairs Dan Tehan.”

Mr Tehan saw what work the building needed when he visited Bendigo in May.

“He came to Bendigo and saw what needs to be done,” Ms Purcell said.

Nationals candidate Andy Maddison said it was a tremendous announcement.

“This an amazing project for the community. All parties involved have worked hard to get funding,” he said. 

Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, said the announcement was great news for the Bendigo RSL and the City of Greater Bendigo.

“From the beginning this has been a key project. I am proud Labor has committed $1.7 million,” she said.