The Port Macquarie RSL Sub-branch is opening its doors to affiliated membership.
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The move could eventually lead to non ex-service personnel holding a formal position within the sub-branch.
However, the president's role must still be filled by an ex-serviceman.
Current president Greg Laird OAM has held the position for over 15 years.
But he admitted - at 70 years of age - his current three year term "will certainly see me out".
The decision to open up membership to affiliates is slowing creeping across sub-branches throughout Australia as existing membership ages, Mr Laird acknowledged.
"Port Macquarie RSL Sub-branch confirmed its new position at our recent annual meeting," he said.
"We had a meeting of members and, while we had to achieve a 75 per cent majority, it was actually passed unopposed.
"The membership believes that there are a lot of people out in the community who are very capable and who would like to help the RSL sub-branch.
The membership believes that there are a lot of people out in the community who are very capable and who would like to help the RSL sub-branch.
- Greg Laird OAM
"We (current members) are getting older and everyone has played their part in giving service to the organisation.
"Most of our members have done their time in their working life and their contributions to the sub-branch. They have now retired."
Mr Laird said many of the current committee were restricted in their opportunities to travel or visit family members.
The existing committee was elected at the annual meeting and will continue to serve out their three year terms.
However, he said, the sub-branch was now looking for people who want to make a contribution to the RSL movement to get involved.
"This period of time will give someone the chance to join up and see how the RSL movement operates and how they could, potentially, uphold the good traditions of the RSL Club.
"The Port Macquarie RSL Sub-branch has been, in the main, fortunate that everyone who has served this organisation has been pretty fair dinkum.
"We want that tradition to continue," he said.
Mr Laird said there were a couple of criteria that potential members needed to meet.
These included, that the person is related to an ex-service person, has been presented a higher award for services rendered courtesy of the RSL or has made a significant contribution to the RSL movement.
"More and more RSL sub-branches are moving down this model," Mr Laird added.
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pic in april 18.
