April is a time of remembrance across Australia — a time when communities come together to reflect on the Anzac Spirit, the courage and mateship of those who served, and the legacy they leave behind.
At the Camberwell Pompey Elliott RSL Sub-Branch, this spirit runs deep. In 2025, our reflection is shaped not only by national commemoration but also by the richness of our local heritage.
As we honour Anzac Day and the stories of those who served, we also pause to reflect on our evolving identity — one that proudly carries forward the legacy of Tramways East Melbourne (TEM).
The unveiling of a commemorative seat on Remembrance Day 2024, along with the completion of a new reflection garden, serves as a lasting reminder of the generations who came before us — and of the enduring promise to never leave a mate behind.
Honouring the Tramways East Melbourne RSL – Visit the reflection area to read the plaque, located under the custom seat.
A Legacy of Service: The Story of Tramways East Melbourne
Before it became known by its acronym, TEM, Tramways East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch was a cornerstone of the veteran community in Victoria. Formed in the aftermath of World War I, it provided a place of connection, healing, and support for returning servicemen and women. More than a meeting place, it became a sanctuary where shared experiences forged lifelong bonds – bonds built on camaraderie, service, and resilience.
The sub-branch’s history is rich with milestones. From its earliest days, TEM was closely connected to the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, with many of its members working as tram drivers and maintenance staff. The patronage of Major General Sir Robert Risson, then Chairman of the Board, ensured that TEM thrived not just as a club, but as a vital support network. His belief in “looking after our mates” became a guiding principle – one that continues to shape our culture today.
The Spirit of Mateship Lives On
When Camberwell City RSL and Tramways East Melbourne merged to become the Camberwell Pompey Elliott RSL Sub Branch in 2023, it was more than an administrative change – it was the blending of two proud histories into one unified future. While our new identity is future-focused and progressive, it remains deeply rooted in the traditions and values that shaped both sub branches.
The seat recently unveiled in our reflection garden honours TEM’s 103-year legacy. Positioned thoughtfully along the path of passing trams, it invites both quiet contemplation and connection to the past. The number 391, engraved into the seat, pays tribute to TEM’s last home on Gore Street, Fitzroy – a subtle but powerful nod to the generations who found community within its walls.
This commemorative space is not just about remembering; it is about continuing. Continuing to gather, to serve, and to support – in the spirit of those who came before us.
A Garden for Reflecting
Surrounding the seat is our newly designed reflection garden, a tranquil space created with intention. Here, native plantings and peaceful landscaping provide a natural setting for members, families, and visitors to pause and reflect. It is a space that invites storytelling, silence, and the simple act of remembering.
In this garden, the Anzac Spirit takes root – a living reminder of sacrifice, service, and solidarity. And just as nature cycles through seasons of growth and renewal, so too does our commitment to honouring the past while embracing the future.
The detail captured in the commemorative seat is a testament to the history of TEM RSL.
Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future
As we marked Anzac Day April 2025, we not only remember the fallen — we honour all who served, including those whose stories are woven into the fabric of our own local history. We thank the many who carried the torch of leadership across the decades: past presidents, secretaries, treasurers, and members of Tramways East Melbourne and Camberwell City RSL Sub Branches, who helped shape the strong, supportive community we are proud to be part of today.
Let April be a reminder: reflecting is not passive. It is an active choice — to remember, to honour, and to live in the spirit of those who made our freedom possible. To keep their stories alive, to carry forward their values, and to ensure that no one is ever left behind.
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