RSLQ 2021 Annual Report

15 RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2021 Year In Review I n my first full year in the role of State Deputy President, I have felt embraced and supported as I’ve experienced the achievements and challenges of the year alongside our members. Our ability to perform our duties in person over recent years has been impacted by restrictions around COVID-19. I acknowledge how challenging this time has been for many of our members and Sub Branches. While the pandemic continues, at least we now appear to be taking steps towards greater personal involvement and interaction due to the easing of restrictions. I was fortunate to attend numerous Sub Branch and District Annual General Meetings throughout 2021, as well as taking part in commemorative services to honour our veterans. I would like to thank those who have invited and hosted me; it was my privilege to join with you on those occasions. It is always a pleasure to meet our membership and to hear their views. The support that I have received from our membership, and that I see amongst our members, is comforting. It is also very gratifying to witness the assistance that Sub Branches and Districts give freely to each other to aid in their endeavours to help veterans, or as we see during times of natural disasters, to return to business as usual as quickly as possible. This year saw significant changes in the leadership of our organisation. In September, Robert Skoda stepped up into the position of Interim CEO, and on 9 December, the membership elected Major General Stephen Day DSC, AM as the new RSL Queensland State President. It has been a privilege to be a part of this dynamic team, and I believe we are in very capable hands on the way forward for veterans and their families. There is much to look forward to in 2022. Work will commence on the purpose-built Veteran and Family Wellbeing Centre at Stafford, in Brisbane North. And a motion will be put to delegates at the RSL Queensland AGM in June for the addition of a skills-based Board to the current Constitution. Both actions represent opportunity and progress, with benefits certain to be felt by RSL Queensland and throughout our veteran community. I look forward to the next 12 months of my tenure, where I hope to be able to meet more of our members and actively participate in events that I have the privilege of being invited to. It is an honour to represent our members and continue to support them. State Deputy President's Report STATE DEPUTY PRESIDENT’S REPORT Wendy Taylor State Deputy President, RSL Queensland /