Marian Sub Branch Inc.

Introduction

Marian Sub Branch currently consists of 32 Service Members and 8 Non League Members.

The Sub Branch welcomes new members both service and non-service. It is part of the Central Queensland District of RSL Queensland.

History

RSL Marian Sub Branch was founded in 1946. The inaugural President of the Sub Branch was Reg Smith. The Sub Branch is located in an area of the Pioneer Valley, approximately 30 km west of Mackay. The Sub Branch serves the township of Marian and surrounding areas. Mackay Sugar’s ‘super mill’, Australia’s third largest sugar factory, is located in Marian.

The Sub Branch holds its meeting in the Marian Memorial Community Hall and actively involved in fundraising to build the hall in the 1970s. The new hall is built on land once owned by the Sub Branch and on which was built the original home of the Sub Branch. The original meeting hall was donated to the Marian Scout Group and subsequently relocated to Reg Smith Park to make way for the new hall.

In the 1996, the Sub Branch, in conjunction with the Mirani Shire Council, embarked upon a project to establish a cenotaph in Blackmur Street, adjacent to the hall. ANZAC Place, as the precinct has become known, incorporates the cenotaph, a playground and sufficient space to conduct significant ceremonies such as ANZAC Day. The Cenotaph is built on land donated by the long established Paul family of Marian. A cairn on which is mounted a plaque, suitably inscribed, acknowledges the generosity of the Paul family. Frank Paul is currently a member of the Marian Sub Branch.

Marian is bordered by the sub branches of Walkerston / Pleystowe, North Eton, Mirani and Kuttabul.

Information

Marian Sub Branch has access to a full time Veteran Services Officer who can assist veterans with welfare enquiries. Please call 0488 966 006 or 49561013

Membership and Sub Branch enquiries can be directed to the following sub branch officers;

President: John Edwards.

(07) 4949 2694

0427 592 694

e mail: eddy1950@bigpond.com

Secretary: Jeff Riddel

(07) 4959 5943

0447 519 180

e mail: riddel@bigpond.com

Treasurer: Peter Gibbon

0408 975 057

e mail: peter.gibbon@cqu.edu.au