The group has lodged a development application with George Town Council to re-establish itself at 44 Macquarie Street, which was previously a gym.

It comes after the state government announced it would provide the sub-branch with a grant to purchase a building in the area and form a new base.

George Town sub-branch secretary treasurer Robyn Moody said the need for increased space was one of the main motivators for the move. 

“We need a separate space for our welfare and pensions office,” she said.

“When this building became available, we began the process for trying to purchase it. 

“The feedback we have gotten so far is that people think it is a good idea.”

George Town sub-branch president Don Mackrill described the move as a “breath of fresh air.”

“It will allow to better fulfill our objectives as a sub-branch,” he said.

“We want to provide a confidential space for well being discussions, which we haven’t been able to do because everything has been in the same room.”

The application will be on display at the George Town Council offices until May 26, upon which it will progress to the next stage of the approval process.

Members from the sub-branch have begun updating the proposed facility in preparation for an inspection from George Town Council.

Mr Mackrill said he hoped the sub-branch would be in its new home by “the end of June.”

“All the volunteers we have working on the building this week are over the age of 70, so it’s going to take a bit of time, but we will get it done,” he said.

“The idea is to provide a comfortable space for invited guests of the sub-branch.

“There will be limited bar services, but we don’t want to compete with the RSL Club.”

For more information about the sub-branch, visit www.rsltas.org.au/george-town-sub-branch