Clunes RSL sub-branch president Norm Shearer said the “rough and ready” flag had attracted attention for all the wrong reasons and was a cause of concern for the RSL branch and community.

Mr Shearer said he understood the flag would be attended to once extensive renovations to the town hall had been completed – but he could not understand the hold up.

“I can’t see why the shire can’t get a new flag … you’ve got it up there on the town hall and it doesn’t look very nice,” Mr Shearer said.

Ex-servicemen Dave Reynolds said the flag should be raised and lowered every night or be highlighted by lights. Neither are done.

“I’m a proud Australian and as an ex-serviceman it upsets me and a lot of RSL people,” Mr Reynolds said.

Clunes ward councillor Neil Newitt shared the disappointment in the flag’s condition but said building works currently prohibited access to the flag pole.