Continuing a legacy: The story of Nebo Citizens' Auxiliary

From Sub Branch to Citizens' Auxiliary 

It all began with WWII veteran, Bill Bruce. Bill had been a member of Nebo RSL Sub Branch for almost 60 years and was now the last returned serviceman in town. Despite his best efforts to keep the Sub Branch going, dwindling membership numbers forced him to make a difficult decision and at the age of 95, he agreed to formally close the Sub Branch in 2012.  

In its place the Nebo Citizens' Auxiliary was established – allowing community members, including Ruth Bethel and Wayne Hungerford, to continue his legacy serving the rural central Queensland town they call home. 

“Bill was concerned about what would happen if there was no longer an RSL Sub Branch in Nebo. He raised his concerns with RSL Central Queensland District and State Branch, we had a meeting and everyone thought it was a great idea to start the Auxiliary,” Ruth recalls. 

“We needed a President, and someone said I seemed to have a bit to say, and that’s how I became President for the first year,” Wayne remembers. 

Ruth comes from a long line of Nebo locals with military ties; many uncles, great-uncles, cousins and even an Aunt served during both World Wars, and her mum and Bill Bruce were cousins. So, as Bill’s age began to take a toll, the local community came together to ensure his legacy continued.   

“A lot of the locals were interested [in volunteering] as most of them have family members on our honour boards,” Ruth said. 

“Bill was the main driving factor, but we were all keen to do something for the RSL and step up.”

Photographs from the past

For the Nebo community, it isn’t just about ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. Since 2012, Ruth has led a dedicated photography project; her mission – to find a uniformed photo of each person listed on their memorial board to display alongside their name, rank and achievements.

“It started when someone put up a photo of their father in uniform after he passed away and then other families started to do the same. It looked a bit mismatched with all the different frames and sizes, so we decided to start over and do it properly,” Ruth says.

Finding the right photos hasn’t been an easy task. Ruth has had to track down families who’ve left the area and has spent many hours visiting the Australian War Memorial in an effort to properly memorialise all the WWI and WWII veterans from the area. 

Of the 90 names on the memorial boards, they now only have 20 left to go, mainly from WWI

Ruth has been the driving force behind the project for over a decade, but with the finish line in sight, her and her small group of volunteers have no plans to stop now. 

“I also want to add those who’ve served since in conflicts like Vietnam and Afghanistan, because we can’t forget them either. It’s up to us to keep their stories alive,” Ruth says.

Volunteering into the future

The photo wall isn’t the only project the Auxiliary has on the go. Wayne recruited his sister to help digitise every record from both the Sub Branch and the Citizens' Auxiliary – a process that took several months. 

These projects highlight just how important it is to have a team of volunteers. 

“It’s not just one person, it’s a whole community,” Wayne explains.  

“We’ve got a brilliant little committee but it's the community rallying together that makes everything happen,” Ruth agreed.  

Over the years, they have obtained four Lone Pine seedlings, which are now spread out at schools across the District; updated the technology and gazebo used for commemorations; and are planning to create a memorial outside the hall, as well as secure funding for a bronze statue.  

Despite being volunteers for decades, Ruth and Wayne’s shared passion for supporting the community has not faded.  

“Volunteering isn’t just one thing,” Ruth said 

“Everyone's got their strengths, so whatever yours is, there’s a space for you.”