Yeppoon Sub Branch Inc.

The Yeppoon RSL Sub Branch, part of the Central Queensland District, is a welcoming and inclusive hub on the Capricorn Coast that brings together veterans and social members alike. More than just a club, it serves as a centre of connection, service, and support, driven by passionate volunteers who are dedicated to honouring those who have served and preserving their legacy within the local community.

A Living History

From humble beginnings in 1920 to the strong, vibrant community we are today, the Yeppoon RSL Sub Branch is about resilience, remembrance, and unity. Whether you join us for a meal at the Diggers Café, enjoy local music on our new under covered decks, or stand with us at the Cenotaph — you have a place here.

Volunteers - The Heart of our Community

Our volunteers are the backbone of everything we do. Behind the scenes and out in the community, their dedication keeps the RSL strong and vibrant. 

You’ll find them:

• Organising weekly, monthly and special event raffles

• Coordinating working bees to maintain our facilities

• Planning and delivering meaningful memorial events

• Cleaning and maintaining our premises

• Beautifying gardens and lawns

• Conducting Poppy Services for fallen veterans

• Ensuring compliance with OLGR, ACNC and all relevant RSL obligations

We are accountable to our members and the community. Every dollar raised is managed carefully to support both remembrance and action.

We're Always Looking for New Volunteers!

Have you ever thought about becoming a volunteer at the Yeppoon RSL Sub Branch?

Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet great people, make new friends, and be part of a welcoming team. It's fun, incredibly rewarding, and a wonderful way to give something back to your local community.

There are plenty of ways you can help, including:

• Serving behind the bar

• Assisting with raffles and events

• Helping with general maintenance around the grounds

• Mowing lawns and trimming trees

• Lending a hand wherever it's needed

Whether you can spare a few hours a week or just help out now and then, every contribution makes a real difference.

No special skills are needed—just a positive attitude and a willingness to get involved.

Come along, make new friends, have some fun and help keep your Yeppoon RSL Sub Branch a great place for everyone. We'd love to welcome you to the team!  Call us or drop us an email.

We're also seeking more Volunteer Welfare Officers. If you're interested in helping support our veterans and their families, we'd love to hear from you. We can put you in touch with Ron Watson, who will explain the role and what's involved. Ron has been a passionate advocate for our veterans and would be delighted to welcome more volunteers to the team.

Music, Mateship, and a Place to Belong

At the Yeppoon RSL Sub Branch, it’s more than service — it’s about community, connection and celebration.

Join us each week for live music on the deck:

• Friday evenings – Unwind with fantastic local talent, raffles, and a hearty meal.

• Saturday evenings – Expect a musical surprise! It might be karaoke, music bingo, or DJ Rock’n’ Rod spinning classic hits from the '80s.

• Sunday afternoons – Soak up the relaxed vibes with live acoustic sets and casual dining at Soldier Boy restaurant. Don’t miss the members draw from 6:30pm to 7:00pm!

Whether you're a veteran, a neighbour or just passing through, you’ll always find a warm welcome and friendly faces here.

Soldier Boy Restaurant

A relaxed, licensed dining venue with plenty of indoor and outdoor under covered seating.

• Thursday (Dinner only): 5:00pm   8:00pm

• Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Lunch 12:00pm   2:30pm • Dinner 5:00pm   8:00pm

Bookings are recommended, especially on weekends.  email: soldierboyyeppoon@gmail.com

Our menu features RSL favourite classics with a twist: chicken parmy’s, light tapas, hearty slow cooked roasts… and more, everything is freshly prepared onsite by Michelle & Mary.

Location and Contact

Cnr Normanby & Hill Streets, Yeppoon QLD 4703

PO Box 312, Yeppoon QLD 4703

Phone: (07) 4939 4933

Email: bookings@yeppoon.rslqld.net.au

Facebook: http://facebook.com/YeppoonRSL

A Legacy of Service: The History of the Yeppoon RSL

Beginnings after World War I

As early as November 1920, documents show Yeppoon RSL was active, with a request to Livingstone Shire Council to set aside land for a “Memorial Hall.” On 13 January 1921, a similar request went to the Department of Public Lands, naming H.F. Hetherington as Hon. Secretary. While many founding names are lost, these records confirm formal organisation by early 1921.

The Yeppoon Honour Board: A Community’s Promise

Between 1917‑1921, the Yeppoon community raised £53, 2s, 6d via public subscription. This funded a marble slab honouring 65 locals who served overseas in WWI. First displayed in a silky oak cabinet at the railway station, in 1953 it was moved to its place in front of the Cenotaph — a place of memory and honour.

The Cenotaph: A Place of Remembrance

Erected in 1952 at James & Normanby Streets on land approved by Livingstone Shire Council. Funded through Melbourne Cup sweeps and public appeal, the Cenotaph remains central to Yeppoon’s major commemorative services today.

Military Museum: A Regional Treasure

Originating in the 1940s, the Yeppoon RSL Military Museum has grown steadily. Since 2007, it has been housed in a dedicated building behind the RSL. With over 5,500 objects, the collection includes photographs, documents, medals, uniforms, personal mementos, and items from the 42nd Battalion (Capricorn Regiment).

Opening hours: Mondays 8:30am ‑ 11:00am or by appointment.

* School excursions & community tours are warmly welcomed.

Phone: (07) 4939 4933 or

Email: secretary@yeppoon.rslqld.net.au

Commemorative Days We Observe

We come together annually to honour service and sacrifice through:

• ANZAC Day

• Rimau Commemoration

• Korea Memorial Day

• Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day

• Vietnam Veterans’ Day

• Peacekeepers Day

• Remembrance Day

These ceremonies unite veterans, community groups, schools, and families at the Cenotaph and across the RSL grounds.

Leadership and Membership

Our volunteers are our guardians — ex servicemen and women and community members working together to preserve this living memorial.

• The Executive Board (elected each May at the AGM) currently includes 10 members:

• President: Jeff McIlroy

• Deputy President: Ashley Klease

• Treasurer: Ashley Klease

• Secretary: David McPherson

• Committee: Cheryl O’Connor, Gary List, Glenn Hutchings, Janelle Hermann, Joe Russell, Karen Campbell & Kym Calder.

Our Purpose and How you Can Join

The Yeppoon RSL Sub Branch exists to:

• Care for former and serving Defence members and their dependents

• Preserve the memory and records of all who served, suffered, or died for Australia

• Promote loyalty, service, and self‑sacrifice among members and citizens

• Support welfare, education, and youth development

• Honour significant events and maintain dignity, honour and remembrance

Membership Info:

• Service Membership: $20 / year

• Social Membership: $10 / year, or the most popular is $20 for 5 years (equates to $4 per annum).

• Social membership renews in December each year

Meetings:

• AGM: Second Saturday in May

• Board Meetings: Monthly, second Saturday of each month before General Meeting

• General Members Meeting: Bi‑monthly, 11:00am on the second Saturday every second month

Services Offered

The Yeppoon RSL Sub Branch provides guidance, information, and support across a range of veteran and community services.

Our knowledgeable volunteers can assist you with:

• Service-related medical conditions
  Support with claims, entitlements, and understanding DVA processes.

• Reassessment of accepted conditions
  Assistance with reviewing and updating previously accepted conditions.

• Appeals and Tribunal Lodgements
  Help lodging appeals with the Veterans' Review Board (VRB) and/or the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

• War Widow/Widower Benefits
  Information and help navigating entitlements and applications.

• Welfare & Hardship Assistance
  We are here to listen and support you. Assistance may be available through our dedicated internal and external officers at Yeppoon RSL Sub Branch. Please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to help in any way we can.

• Function Room Hire
  Our facilities are available for hire for private functions, commemorations, and community events.

Phone: (07) 4939 4933 or

Email: secretary@yeppoon.rslqld.net.au or president@yeppoon.rslqld.net.au