Hervey Bay Sub Branch Inc.

Hervey Bay RSL Sub Branch offers a warm welcome to veterans in the local area. The Hervey Bay Sub Branch is part of the Wide Bay and Burnett District of RSL Queensland.

Contact Info

Website: https://www.herveybayrslsubbranch.com.au/

Facebook Page: Hervey Bay RSL Sub Branch Facebook page

History

On 17 May 1929 the first official meeting of the Pialba Sub-Branch of the Returned Sailors’ & Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia was held in the Pialba Shire Hall. Through enthusiastic efforts to raise funds over the years, the Sub-Branch has grown in colossal proportions to many other Sub-Branches around the State.

Inauguration of a Women’s Auxiliary in support of the League and its policies occurred in 1929. There were many fundraising schemes that consisted mainly of organising and catering for social functions. The proceeds of such events contributed to the growth of the Sub-Branch and to satisfying diggers’ appeals for relief. Indeed it was the efforts of these women, together with those of the Sub-Branch, that allowed the RSL Club in Hervey Bay to reach its present capacity.

Pialba Railway Square Common became the site of Hervey Bay’s first cenotaph, which was unveiled on 17 July 1921.

Hervey Bay has a large population of returned servicemen and women in Australia. It was therefore a fitting tribute that a memorial of national significance should crown Freedom Park in the year of the Gallipoli centenary. The Light Horse War Memorial in Freedom Park, Hervey Bay, features a striking bronze statue of a mounted Australian Light Horseman mid-charge, commemorating the ANZAC Centenary and honouring both the soldiers and the 132,000 horses that served in World War I.

Positioned in the heart of the memorial precinct, the statue symbolises the legendary charge at the Battle of Beersheba in 1917, serving as a powerful tribute to Australia's mounted troops.

Information

The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch is established for the principal purpose of promoting the interests and welfare of former and serving members of the ADF and their dependants by:

• Assisting and caring for the sick, elderly and needy
• Preserving the memory and records of those who served, suffered and died for the Commonwealth of Australia
• Encouraging the members of the League and citizens to serve the Nation with a spirit of self sacrifice and loyalty
• Nurturing of the youth of Australia to ensure that the strength, vitality and security of our Nation is preserved and enhanced.

In addition, we assist the veteran community of Hervey Bay by the provision of pension and welfare advocacy for compensation and benefits; medical treatment and other forms of welfare.

Annual General Meetings are held on the last Saturday in February

General Meetings are held three times a year in May, August and November

Committee Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month

Veteran Welfare Services Offered:

• Welfare Checks & Visits: Volunteers and support staff conduct regular visits to veterans in hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences to ensure their wellbeing.
• Crisis Support: Assistance is available for veterans facing emergencies, including help with crisis care and emergency accommodation.
• Advocacy & Pension Support: The Sub-Branch offers help with disability pensions, compensation payments, income support, and treatment options for entitled veterans and their dependents.
• Community Engagement: They host commemorative events and services, such as ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, to honour service members and foster community connection.
• Volunteer Opportunities: The Wellbeing/Support team welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds, especially those with experience in nursing, community services, or Lifeline.

Diggers Luncheon

The Sub Branch hosts a regular Diggers Lunch at the Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club.

These luncheons are held specifically for the purpose of getting socially isolated veterans together for a social outing with like minded people.

The criteria for eligibility to attend a Diggers Lunch is as follows:

The person must be:

• ex-service;
• visited by one of our Support Officers; and
• virtually immobile, do not or are unable to get out and about and mix with other ex-service persons.

Contact our Wellbeing Office on 4184 9496, if you (or if you know a veteran) would appreciate a visit by one of our Support Officers.

Monthly Veterans Day

The Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club host a Veterans Day on the first DVA payday of the month in the ANZAC Sports Bar.

Live music, trivia quiz with prizes and meat tray raffles.  Join us for great banter and a good time.  See the RSL Club website for details https://www.herveybayrsl.com.au/

Commemorative days

To ensure the effort and sacrifice made by the Hervey Bay veteran community and members of the ADF is commemorated appropriately.

• National Day for War Animals
• ANZAC Day
• KRAIT/Rimau Commemoration
• Korea War Veterans Day
• VP Day
• Vietnam Veterans Day
• Peacekeepers Day
• Remembrance Day

Services offered

We help with information and assistance on any of the following:

• Service related medical conditions
• Reassessment of accepted conditions
• Lodgement of appeals to the Veterans’ Review Board and/or Administrative Appeals Tribunal
• War Widow/Widower benefits.