Gaythorne Sub Branch Inc.
Introduction
The Gaythorne RSL offers a warm welcome to veterans and their families from all over Brisbane and South East Queensland. The Gaythorne Sub Branch is part of the Brisbane North District of RSL Queensland.
Gaythorne is located 7 kms north-west of Brisbane City, settled on the slopes of Enoggera Hill. Many of the streets are named after World War 1 sites.
The suburb adjoins one of the largest military barracks in Australia, the Gallipoli Barracks. Because of its rich history and collection of post war memorabilia, Gaythorne RSL holds one of the biggest Anzac Day services in Brisbane.
Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch is part of the Brisbane North District and is located on the premises of Gaythorne RSL.
From our earliest years, we’ve been providing assistance, welfare and social connection to local ex-service and current service men, women and their families.
A wellbeing hub, where the community can meet, socialise and be entertained.
Information
Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch Inc is open from 8:30am – 1:30pm, Monday to Friday
Gaythorne RSL have a restaurant and other facilities operating 7 days per week.
Services offered
The Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch Inc is established for the principal purpose of promoting the interests and welfare of former and current serving members of the ADF and their dependants.
Veterans requiring assistance with DVA claims are encouraged to contact our Welfare Administrator before lodging paperwork on 07 3355 4655 (option 1).
Our Welfare Administrator organises ANZAC Day and other significant veteran events. Our dedicated team of volunteers assist with our badge and poppy sales and fundraising through the year.
We have several trained Veteran Advocates and a Welfare team operating at the Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch and offer the following services:
- Advocacy – DVA Claims Processing
- Welfare Support Services
- Padre Services
- Poppy Funeral Service
- Badge Sales
- Commemorative Services
- Social Connection through our Social Clubs
social clubs
Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch have several Social Clubs that members are a welcome to join at any time. The Social Clubs available to members are:
Cards - 500
Wednesday 1pm – 4:00pm
Venue – Gaythorne RSL – Room DF4
Cost - $10.00
Cards - Euchre
Thursday 7pm – 10:00pm
Venue – Gaythorne RSL – Room DF4
Cost - $10.00
For enquiries – John Underhill – 0409 066 098
Indoor Bowls
Tuesday 10:00am – 1:00pm
Venue – Gaythorne RSL – Room DF3
Cost - $5:00 per year and $5:00 per week
For enquiries – Jill Ashdown – 0412 651 826
Mitchie Day Club
Wednesday 10:00am – 12:30pm
Venue – 7th Day Adventist Church, Mitchelton
Cost - $15 and includes activities, morning tea and lunch
For enquiries – Bev Bell 0423 176 504 or Lesley Morrison 0417 605 310
Golf Club
Meets twice per month
For enquiries – Tim Asher 0414 552 667
WAR WIDOWS
Brisbane West (Gaythorne)
For enquiries – Narelle Stanton 0418 731 686
HISTORY
Norm Cox, an original member of the Mitchelton Sub Branch, and a foundation member of Gaythorne RSL, sat down with one of our team to recall some of the history of Gaythorne RSL Inc.
The Mitchelton RSL was formed in 1947 to a group of World War II diggers who were looking for the opportunity to get together and share camaraderie together on Sundays. In those days it was a long trip from Alderley to the Samford Pub, so a local watering hole was needed. For some years they met most Sundays at the Mitchelton Hall, behind where the Gaythorne RSL now stands. In 1952 the group had grown and wanted to establish a more permanent association, build a club house, and secure a liquor licence.
Enoggera RSL had a similar history and met regularly at the Enoggera School of Arts in Wardell Street.
In 1953 the two groups met at the Mitchelton Hall to iron out the combining of the two groups into one club, this would therefore give them enough clout to convince the Liquor Licencing Board into giving them a licence.
There was a heated debate on what to call the newly formed club. Norm Cox raised his hand and suggested ‘Why not meet half way and call it the Gaythorne RSL? After all its half way between Enoggera and Mitchelton.’ The motion was put forward and quickly seconded by Allan Bailey and the vote was carried. The new club was officially called the Gaythorne RSL Club.