In April 2025, the Federal Government made a funding commitment of $1.6 million for the Doreen RSL to establish a permanent base at the Brookwood Community Centre in Doreen. At the Council Meeting on 21 April 2026, Council considered a range of options that would allow the Doreen RSL use of the Brookwood Community Centre. It resolved that the preferred option is to lease part of the Brookwood Community Centre to the Doreen RSL, while maintaining the remainder of the centre for community use.

Before making a final decision, Council is committed to hearing from the community in relation to this proposal.

For further information, including the Doreen RSL’s full proposal for the use of the Brookwood Community Centre, view the Council Meeting report on our website - Scheduled Council Meeting 21 April 2026.

Notice of Intention to lease

Whittlesea City Council (Council) gives notice under section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020 of its intention to enter into a lease with Doreen RSL Sub-Branch (ABN 35 352 474 841) (the Tenant) for part of the premises known as 25 Hazel Glen Drive, Doreen and described in certificate of title Volume 10475 Folio 715 (Premises).

The principal terms of the lease will be:

Term

Five (5) years

Further term

Five (5) years, by mutual agreement

Commencing rent

$40,670.40 per annum, excluding GST and outgoings

Rental review

3% on each and every anniversary of the Commencement Date

Permitted use

Use as a Returned & Services League Sub-Branch for the purposes of administration, member services, welfare and support services for veterans and their families, and for associated social, commemorative and community activities.



The Doreen RSL currently meets at the Laurimar Recreation Reserve under arrangements with the resident sporting clubs. The RSL is however looking to move from casual hire of a venue to a permanent, dedicated space and expand its hours of operation.

In April 2025, the Federal Government made a funding commitment of $1.6 million for the establishment of a permanent base for the Doreen RSL at the Council-owned Brookwood Community Centre in Doreen.

At the April 2026 Council Meeting, Council considered a range of options that would allow the Doreen RSL use of the centre and resolved that the preferred option is to lease part of the Brookwood Community Centre to the Doreen RSL, while maintaining the remainder of the centre for community use.

The proposal outlines the following conditions:

  • Doreen RSL will have exclusive access of the Hazel Glen Room, community office and adjoining corridor
  • alcohol sales are not permitted
  • food sales are not permitted within the operating hours of the adjoining cafe
  • an outdoor alfresco area, a smoking area, and gaming facilities are not permitted. Television screens are not to be used to broadcast sporting or other content for gaming or wagering purposes
  • the remainder of the facility would continue to be Council-managed and available for community hire
  • occupancy would be through an initial five-year lease, with a five-year extension option (by mutual agreement)
  • any facility modifications would be delivered within the $1.6 million Federal Government funding allocation, with no contribution from Council.

Proposed Operation times and attendance

  • Proposed Hours:
    • Wednesday 3pm - 8pm
    • Thursday 3pm - 8pm
    • Friday 3pm - 10pm
    • Saturday 12pm - 10pm
    • Sunday 12pm - 8pm
  • Expected attendance
    • Weekdays - Approximately 30-60 People at any one time
    • Friday (peak) - up to 60 - 130 people during evening periods
    • Weekends - approximately 30-80 people at any one time
  • Limited major events (e.g. ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day), with larger gatherings

In accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy, the community is invited to make a submission on this proposal from 4 May 2026. All submissions must be in writing and submitted no later than 11.59pm on 31 May 2026.

Submissions can be provided in the following ways:

Submissions will be heard at a Hearing of Submissions Committee Meeting on 11 June 2026.

Have your say

In accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy, the community is invited to make a submission on this proposal from 4 May 2026. All submissions must be in writing and submitted no later than 11.59pm 31 May 2026.

Submissions will be heard at a Hearing of Submissions Committee Meeting on 11 June 2026 at 6pm and held at Council Chambers, Civic Centre, South Morang.

A person making a submission may request, in their submission, to attend the meeting in person, or to have someone they name represent them.

Council will consider any submissions before making a decision on whether to grant the proposed lease at a Council Meeting scheduled on 21 July 2026. 

Submission Form

FAQ's

Project timeline

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Notice of Intention to lease

    21 April 2026

    Council resolved to consider a Notice of Intention to lease part of Brookwood Community Centre to Doreen RSL

  • Timeline item 2 - active

    Submission period

    4 May - 31 May 2026

    Notice of Intention to lease submission period is open.

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Hearing of Submissions Committee Meeting

    11 June 2026

    A Hearing of Submission committee meeting held to consider submissions. Anyone who opted to speak to their submission in person can attend at 6pm, Council Chamber, Civic Centre, South Morang.

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Council meeting for Council decision

    21 July 2026

    A report will be prepared and presented to Council for decision.

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:

Contact Information
Name Engagement Team
Phone 03 9217 2170
Email engagement@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Website www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au