Holland Park Mt Gravatt Sub Branch
Introduction
Holland Park/Mt Gravatt RSL Sub Branch offers a warm welcome to all veterans in our local area. The Holland Park/Mt Gravatt RSL Sub Branch is part of the South-Eastern District of RSL Queensland. www.rslsouthqueensland.org/branches/hpmg
History: Holland Park-Mt.Gravatt sub branch rsl: 1961-2021
A group of WWI Veterans got together and formed a group in the Mt. Gravatt area after the war. In 1923 the Fallen Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall was opened on the corner of Creighton Street and Logan Road Mt. Gravatt, where Kentucky Chicken traded for many years until it closed a few years ago.
Many diverse functions were held in this Hall over the years, by the veterans and others in the community.
With the joining of World War II members, the group applied to the South Eastern District. RSL for a Charter. This was granted to the Logan Sub Branch in 1947.
In the mid 50’s due to age and illness, the WWI Veterans decided that the Logan Sub Branch would fold and the WWII veterans looked for an alternate venue. The group conducted meetings at the Marquee Hall which was then part of Mountain View Hotel, later to become the Holland Park Hotel.
In the late 50’s a block of land at 58 Arnold Street Holland Park was leased from the Brisbane City Council. Fundraising began in earnest including regular ‘chook’ raffles at the two local hotels. Women’s Auxiliary and friends of members also helped with the fundraising. A loan was obtained from the Commonwealth Bank and building began.
On completion of the original building, the Holland Park-Mt. Gravatt Sub Branch was granted their Charter in April 1961. It was decided to add an extension to the west side of the building and when this was completed, the official opening of the Memorial Hall was conducted on Saturday 14th December 1963 by Sir Raymond Huish CBE.
The Memorial Hall became a centre for activities for the Sub Branch members, their families and others in the local community and was supported by an active Women’s Auxiliary. Due to falling numbers the Women’s Auxiliary folded in late 2007 and was replaced by the Citizens Auxiliary.
Anzac Day Services were an annual event in the Hall until the attendance became too great to accommodate. Plans were drawn and applications made for funding of an outdoor memorial. Thanks to Brisbane City Council and Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs, funding was supplied and a Memorial was constructed adjacent the Hall and was unveiled and dedicated on the 90th Anniversary of the first Remembrance (Armistice) Day 2008.
Both Anzac Day and Remembrance Day Services attract large numbers of veterans, school children and local community members each year.
By 2009, the Hall was showing its age and in need of major refurbishment. Funding was sought from the Federal Government Stimulus Plan, the Sub Branch’s provided a contribution and the Brisbane City Council provided the balance of the funds.
The Refurbished Hall was operational by the end of February 2010 to the delight of the members and the community.
Remembrance Day 2015 saw the dedication of numerous plaques set into the Memorial Wall honouring those who served and paid the supreme sacrifice during conflict and peacekeeping operations from the Boxer Rebellion to Afghanistan.
Honour Boards and Memorabilia in the Hall honour past members.
During 2018-19 more changes to the Hall were required with the installation of a Disability Lift and other alterations for the building to become Disability Compliant.
Over the years, the Sub Branch has provided many functions, advocacy and welfare programs and Commemoration Services for the members, their families and others in the local community.
2021 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Sub Branch and the beginning of the process for the Sub Branch to become Incorporated.
The Sub Branch operates the Veteran and Community Drop In Centre every Tuesday morning (9am – Midday).
Information
The Holland Park/Mt Gravatt RSL Sub Branch is established for the principal purpose of promoting the interests and welfare of former and serving members of the ADF and allied defence forces (Veterans) and their dependants through predominantly:
- providing assistance and care for the sick, elderly and needy;
- preserving the memory and records of those who served, suffered and died for the Commonwealth of Australia; and
- providing a safe place for veterans and their families to come together and socialise
In addition, we assist our local veteran community through the provision of all forms of welfare support including referral to qualified personnel for the provision of pension and welfare advocacy for compensation and benefits, medical treatment and other forms of welfare.
Annual General Meetings: Held on the last Sunday in February commencing at 11am.
General Meetings: Held on the last Sunday of every month, excluding December and January, commencing at 10am.
Committee Meetings: Held in conjunction with General Meetings, or as required.
Commemorative days: To ensure the effort and sacrifice made by the Holland Park/Mt Gravatt veteran community and members of the ADF is commemorated appropriately, each year the Holland Park/Mt Gravatt RSL Sub Branch conducts Anzac Day and Remembrance Day Services.
Annual Reunion Lunch: Held on the third Saturday in July each year for members and invited guests.
Circumstances permitting, the Sub Branch conducts quarterly bus trips for veterans, their families and community members.
Enquiries from other community organisations regarding use of the RSL Hall to support their activities are welcome.