Keep the fire burning

Lessons in laughter 

Did you hear the one about the veterans nearly getting expelled from high school? It's a story that makes Greg Peake OAM laugh as he recounts his many experiences working with high school students as part of Kedron-Wavell RSL Sub Branch’s School Liaison Program. 

It turns out that students were very keen to hear about the “mischief” veterans got up to at school back in their day. This kind of fun, cross-generational connection is helping more young people learn the ANZAC story, attend commemorations, join the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or cadets, and develop valuable leadership skills. 

Kedron-Wavell RSL Sub Branch School Liaison Officer Greg Peake OAM and Brisbane North District President Mark Orreal with students from the School Liaison Program.

Life changing experiences 

Greg started the Kedron-Wavell School Liaison Program in 2007 and has fostered strong connections with principals at the five participating high schools. The 12-month program is for Year 11 and 12 students interested in leadership. Students apply, explain why they want to join, and are chosen by the school. 

Current School Liaison Sophie van Buren from Craigslea High School learned about the program from a friend.  

"She told me cool stories about fun days out, hilarious moments with students from other schools, telling jokes to the Sub Branch during their speeches and chatting with RSL members," Sophie says.  

"The program sounded like so much fun, a good opportunity for learning and that it would help me become school captain in Year 12. It was an easy choice and I’m really glad that I did it."

Sophie and fellow students on the School Liaison Program 2026 trip to Canberra.

Each year, one of the key activities of the program is a trip to Canberra with 10 students for ANZAC Day, where they visit the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House. After the trip, students present a report to the Sub Branch about their learnings and are recognised for their participation.  

Following this, two veterans visit the school to experience a day in the life of today's classroom – and try not to cause too much trouble!  

School Liaison students also do a presentation at their school assembly, which helps everyone understand the experience.

A program that builds confidence

As part of the program, students attend monthly Sub Branch meetings and present to members about what they're doing at school.

"When they come to their first meeting in February, they’re a bit nervous, but by March or April you can see their confidence has grown," Greg says. 

"We have a tradition where they always build a dad joke into their talk, and they get a pack of lollies for the best joke. It’s a great turnout of veterans for those meetings – we get 50 to 60 people. They really get a kick out of it and love talking to the students."

Assisting in the Sub Branch office is also part of the role. In the lead-up to Christmas, students call veterans for a chat and check in. They return to help with preparations for ANZAC Day, such as preparing memorabilia and sending out the newsletter.

School Liaisons attend various Legacy charity events too, and twice a year join RSL members for a Charity Day at a local water ski club for Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Make a Wish and Legacy. 

On Charity Day, after serving the barbecue, students ride the tubes behind a speedboat.

A deeper understanding of Defence life 

Understanding the current responsibilities of the ADF is an eye-opening part of the program for students. Last year, students helped with the clean-up at Theodore after the floods and visited a unit at Enoggera for a ‘Day in the Life of a Soldier’, where they were paired with a soldier for a day of activities. 

Past students describe these experiences as life changing. Dom Smith, Padua High School Liaison in 2022, remembers attending the Dawn Service at the Royal Military College Duntroon. 

"Standing there in unity with my fellow liaisons during a moment of commemoration was a truly moving experience. The vivid memory is something that I will never forget and I am truly grateful for the experience," Dom says.  

"Gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of our national history, while also establishing lifelong connections, are two aspects of the program that have had a strong impact on me and every other student who has participated." 

Former Padua High School Liaison Dom Smith, with friends in front of Parliament House, following the Dawn Service at the Royal Military College Duntroon.

New generation of leaders 

Greg speaks highly of the students who have participated in the program over the years. He is also proud of the ripple effect he sees across the community from this relationship building.  

"Padua College has about 850 students in the school. All of Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 turned up for the ANZAC Day service, which was around 500 students," Greg says.  

"Other schools involved are also increasing their numbers at commemorations. This year, we had about 200 veterans and thousands of school children at the Kedron-Wavell service. The more the merrier!" 

Participation in Kedron-Wavell’s School Liaison Program provides a practical blueprint for other Sub Branches who aim to increase connection with younger generations.  

"Keep the fire burning," is Dom's message to any Sub Branch considering their own student program. 

"Preserving traditions and stories is paramount to continuing the veteran legacy. Sharing your stories is all it takes to inspire a new generation of leaders." 

For more information about the School Liaison Program, please contact secretary@kwrsl.org.au