How Hughenden keeps the flame of veterans’ legacy burning

Every April in the quaint but cosy town of Hughenden, almost everyone in the community comes together to commemorate ANZAC Day.  
Led by Hughenden RSL Sub Branch, local businesses, community groups and members of the public join forces to honour the town’s veteran community through events and services held across the day.  

Hughenden RSL Sub Branch Acting President David Jardine says this sense of community runs strong within the town, but also within the Sub Branch. 

“We’ve all got a good sense of duty to the community and to the RSL, and I think that stems from our commitment to Australia when we joined the armed forces,” he says.

“We build that sense of camaraderie within our Sub Branch and the community through the commemorative services that we provide each year – our main one being ANZAC Day.” 

David served in the Australian Army for six years and discharged in 1979, returning home to manage his family’s farm after the passing of his father. He‘s been a member of RSL Queensland ever since. 

“I initially joined Chinchilla RSL Sub Branch after my service and was a member there for about 10 years,” he recalls.

David and his family later moved to Hughenden, then Atherton and back to Hughenden, where he joined the Sub Branch in 2019.

“But even before I officially joined this Sub Branch, my family and I would always attend the Dawn Services here,” he says.

“All Sub Branch members and the community hook in to participate in the ceremonies. Seeing how much the community gets involved on the day is really good to see.”

Rounding up the troops on ANZAC Day

On ANZAC Day, David helps with things like the gunfire breakfast and the lowering of the flag, but Sub Branch Secretary Treasurer Jenny Murdoch runs the show. 

“Although we all have our parts to play, ANZAC Day is ably organised and run by Jenny. She’s the organiser and – like the good troops we are – we do what we’re told!” David says gleefully.

Jenny is an Air Force veteran who grew up in Hughenden and has been with Hughenden RSL Sub Branch since 1995.

“I grew up with all the Sub Branch presidents, the members and their children, so joining Hughenden RSL Sub Branch seemed like the natural thing to do after my service. I was then put on the committee in 2000,” Jenny says. 

Sharn Greenway, St Francis Catholic School Principle; Barb Smith, Director of Community Services, Flinders Shire Council; Jenny Murdoch, Hughenden Sub Branch Secretary Treasurer; David Jardine, Hughenden RSL Sub Branch Acting President

“A lot goes into planning ANZAC Day, but I’ve been doing it for nearly 25 years now so I’ve sort of got it down pat! It’s just great. 

“We’ve got a good system going; you know who to ring up from the local businesses, the council, the schools... Everyone in the community is very supportive. It’s just awesome to have the community come together like this.”

One of Jenny’s connections is Director of Community Services at the Flinders Shire Council, Barb Smith. 

“I’ve been living in Hughenden for about five years now and can say it’s a lovely, embracing and welcoming little town,” Barb says. 

“Everyone pitches in and volunteers their time for various things. A lot of people wear multiple hats for a lot of different community groups; people are always looking out for one another.”

Barb says ANZAC Day is an important day for the town. 

“ANZAC Day brings people together,” she says. “It’s great to see so many community groups lend a hand to the Sub Branch and come together to honour and respect our current and former serving Defence members.

“A lot of people in the town have a veteran in their family, so ANZAC Day holds a special place within people’s hearts and gives them the opportunity to pay their respects and remember those close to them.”

Keeping the candle burning

It was important for David to instil the significance of ANZAC Day into his children and grandchildren.

“In 2015, I took my two boys to visit Gallipoli and Israel as my great-uncle was killed before the Battle of Beersheba,” he recalls. 

“We also visited ANZAC Cove. I remember when we got to the beach, we all sat down to take in the atmosphere and the emotion of the place. It was a special moment for us.

“That trip helped them understand the commitment those young ANZACs had to not only their country, but also their mates. How that service, sacrifice and mateship is so ingrained in all service members today.

“Now, my children take their children to Dawn Services and have instilled this knowledge into them – that what we have today wouldn’t have been possible without the service and sacrifice of those veterans before us.”

Keeping the legacy of the Sub Branch alive was important to Jenny when she joined the Sub Branch committee.

Jenny plays a big part in organising Hughenden's ANZAC Day events

“I remember when I initially joined the Sub Branch, I would see how the older veterans used to come together, share their stories and bond over their experiences,” she reflects. 

“Back then, there wasn’t much discussion about mental health support, but seeing them get together and talk to mates who understood them really stuck with me. 

“As the years went on, they all passed away, and I felt a sense of duty to maintain this space of connection to honour them. Today, I feel I’m keeping the candle burning for them.”

Another way the Sub Branch continues to honour the legacy of service personnel is through its engagement with local schools on ANZAC Day. St Francis Catholic School Principal Sharn Greenaway has been involved with Hughenden RSL Sub Branch since she was a student herself.

“I’ve been a part of the ANZAC Day parade and worked with the Sub Branch my whole life,” Sharn says. 

The Hughenden RSL Sub Branch

“We are a small school of 33 children and almost all of them attend the ANZAC Day march, whether it's on horseback or marching with our school. It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of. 

“We also teach them a lot about ANZAC Day in the lead-up to the commemoration to make sure it’s relevant for them and they understand why we’re doing what we’re doing.

“I think it’s important for the students to understand the bigger picture and our community’s history of service. It’s also important to me to make sure the younger generation have ties to the older generations and understand what was sacrificed for our country and community.”

Beyond ANZAC Day

Beyond commemorations, Hughenden RSL Sub Branch also connects with the community through its hall. 

“Recently we received funding from RSL Queensland’s Sub Branch Grants Program to renovate our 100-year-old hall, which was fantastic,” David says. 

“We’ve been hiring it out to the local community and hosting dinners and events for dignitaries here. It’s been great.  

“These spaces are the sort of things that rural communities need and it’s a privilege for the Sub Branch to be the one that can provide that space.”