On April 6, 1919, The Victorian Returned Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's Association presented a charter to the Ararat RSL to open the now 100-year old establishment.

"That was back in what is now the mechanics institute which was our first home," Ararat RSL president Frank Neulist said.

"We have shifted three times since then. We later shifted into Queen Street, then back in 1995 we purchased the Victorian Railways Institute building in High Street and after a number of renovations we are what we are now."

Mr Neulist said the RSL has played an "extremely important" role in the Ararat community in those 100 years.

"Our objects are to look after welfare of returned servicemen. Even though now we have a commercial enterprise too, that still remains our sole priority," he said.

"Having the commercial arm allows us to fulfil our objects to help veterans and widows. Any money we raise goes towards them and making our premises better which helps us do more for them.

"We never forget those that went before because they made everything we have today possible."

The organisation will celebrate the centenary on Saturday night with a dinner, 100 years to the day since opening.

"We have about 30 spots left for people wishing to celebrate the occasion," Mr Neulist said.

"We have got a lot of dignitaries coming on the night such as the president of Legacy, the Ararat mayor, former Victorian RSL president and a few others."

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