Celebrating 100+ years of community spirit

‘The Hole in the Wall’ 

Following World War I (WWI), the Geebung community came together to honour the men who left the district to serve the country and never returned.  

On land gifted by the local Gerns Family, the Geebung Memorial Hall was officially opened in April 1923 by then Governor Sir Matthew Nathan to commemorate WWI and the five local boys lost in the war. 

Having now served the community for more than a century, the hall, where Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley RSL Sub Branch now stands, is remembered fondly as ‘The Hole in the Wall’.  

Sub Branch President Denis Webb, who has been part of the community since 1972, explains that the 'The Hole in the Wall’ wasn’t just used by RSL members for meetings; it was a lifeline for a community. 

“As well as being a picture theatre, with a dance hall and a place for fellowship and enjoyment of refreshments throughout the years, it also served as a health centre for mothers and their babies, supporting them if there was something wrong,” Denis says. 

Sub Branch Vice President Ross Davis, a long-standing member since 1978, remembers it as a lively and welcoming space. 

“Sometimes you'd walk up the front stairs of the old ‘Hole in the Wall’ building and there'd be a darts game going on and you had to basically duck the darts as you were walking in through the entrance," Ross says, laughing.  

Beyond its many uses, the hall provided a place for veterans to gather, share stories and support one another. It was a hub built on camaraderie and care. 

With camaraderie comes growth 

As the veteran community grew after WWII, the Sub Branch evolved. A brand-new Geebung-Zillmere RSL & Services Memorial Club opened in 1982 beside the original hall, which was later removed to make space for parking.  

Over the years, nearby Sub Branches joined forces, creating today’s Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley RSL Sub Branch.  

“All the changes over the years have been well received by the community and the Sub Branch members,” says Ross. 

One of the most significant changes came in 2016, when the Sub Branch amalgamated with Geebung Zillmere RSL Services & Memorial Club to become Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley Sub Branch Inc, trading as Geebung RSL. 

“The Club has more than 21,000 social members, and they really help us to support the Sub Branch and support those who served,” Denis explains. 

Today, the Sub Branch has more than 260 service members and more than 140 volunteers, offering veteran advocacy, welfare support and community outreach. 

“We always say, ‘Come and join us!’. We meet monthly and enjoy activities and bus trips, as well as provide hospital visits to those in need.” 

A legacy after 102 years 

In October 2023, Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley RSL Sub Branch celebrated its centenary with a special dinner and commemorative merchandise, honouring the service people who have walked through its doors. 

“The anniversary served as a reminder that the Sub Branch has survived for that long, and that the welfare of those veterans has been looked after ever since day one. That's our legacy,” Ross says. 

Today, the Sub Branch’s walls tell a century of stories through its Remembrance Wall, the Walk of Honour and the in-progress Memorial Garden (complete with a family of curlews who have become honorary members).  

Commemorative services throughout the year continue to honour veterans from all conflicts, including a Memorial Day for those who served in East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq. But just as importantly, the Sub Branch is looking to the future.  

Youth engagement remains a key focus through initiatives such as ‘Stories of Service’, where local students interview veterans to learn firsthand about their experiences.  

In 2024, selected students even joined a sponsored tour of France to gain a deeper understanding of wartime history. Some of the Sub Branch’s artwork was also created by Aspley State High School students. 

Prioritising youth involvement at the Sub Branch, Ross says, “We know we're not going to be here forever, so it's important that children carry on the stories and traditions as such.”  

Honouring its original commitment to support and remember those who served our country, Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley RSL Sub Branch continues to embody the spirit of care, commemoration and camaraderie. 

“We're always looking to improve the Sub Branch for the benefit of the members and for the welfare of the veterans. Keeping it a happy place – that's our priority,” Ross says. 

A hundred years on, ‘The Hole in the Wall’ still stands for what it’s always stood for: mateship, memory and community.