Building strength together: How RSL Queensland is supporting Townsville’s soldiers and families

On any given day in Townsville, members of the 3rd Brigade can be found pushing their limits physically or mentally – whether it be running the annual Brigade Cross Country or scaling the cliff face of Castle Hill. 

For officers like Major Joseph Smith, resilience and teamwork aren’t just values; they’re vital parts of life in the military. 

“Resilience isn’t something you can just turn up and turn on. It's something you've got to test a lot and practise a lot,” MAJ Smith says. 

For many years, RSL Queensland has been supporting the physical and mental resilience of soldiers through its partnership with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which includes initiatives based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville. 

Investing in high performance 

Rebranded as the Human Performance Centre in 2019, the facility aims to enhance the wellbeing and maximise the potential of high-performing teams. 

Katie Maloney, RSL Queensland General Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Research, says RSL Queensland’s role is about equipping soldiers with the tools to thrive throughout their Defence careers. 

“This year we were able to support the ADF personal trainers in setting up a recovery area to help improve physical performance,” Katie explains. 

Whether deployed, on exercise or abseiling down Castle Hill, strong teams are essential for mission success. Having specialised recovery equipment available on base, thanks to RSL Queensland’s support, plays a crucial role in helping soldiers sustain their health, fitness and performance long-term.  

Mental endurance is just as paramount as physical strength for current serving members. 

“Our partnership also enables initiatives such as 3rd Brigade engaging with top sports psychologists to build mental resilience,” Katie adds. 

Speaking to the far-reaching impact of these programs, Lieutenant Colonel Simon O’Regan, 3rd Brigade Senior Health Officer, notes that better people make better soldiers.  

“If we can contribute to people performing at their optimum, they're going to bring better performance to the team – and teams are the foundation of how we operate in the army,” LTCOL O’Regan says.  

By helping to establish recovery spaces and connect soldiers with sports psychologists, RSL Queensland’s partnership ensures that physical and mental fitness are treated as equally vital to operational success. 

Supporting the whole family 

Having served more than 30 years in the Australian Army, LTCOL O’Regan knows firsthand that behind many a soldier is a family navigating the challenges of Defence life. 

He credits his wife with much of his success and says having spaces where families can connect and feel supported is vital. 

That’s where the Geckos Family Centre, also supported by RSL Queensland, plays a significant role. 

“The Geckos Family Centre is a fantastic initiative that looks after our families, providing them the environment where they can connect with like-minded families,” LTCOL O'Regan says. 

Conveniently located on base, the centre provides services and social events like playgroups, parent groups and fitness programs, helping to keep Defence families more connected. 

Advocacy and ongoing support 

RSL Queensland’s support doesn’t stop at physical and mental wellbeing. On-base advocates at Lavarack Barracks ensure serving members can access trusted advice and assistance with DVA claims and other services. 

“It's an extension of the health and wellbeing support that RSL Queensland has been providing to serving members and veterans since 1916,” Brigadier Ben McLennan, Commander 3rd Brigade says. 

“We’re really grateful for not only what RSL Queensland does, but the way they do it – enabling us as individuals and as a team to reach our high-performing potential.” 

RSL Queensland remains committed to empowering current and former Defence members and their families through care, commemoration and camaraderie. 

“This partnership with the ADF is an investment in the overall wellbeing of members and their families,” Katie says. 

Together, RSL Queensland and 3rd Brigade are strengthening not just soldiers, but the entire Defence community, building resilience that endures long after the uniform is hung up.