Celebrating a century of veteran stories

In 2025, our magazine celebrates 100 years of veteran storytelling – a significant anniversary that very few periodicals have reached.  

This milestone is therefore one we are extremely proud of, and one which we owe to the loyalty of our readers from the Queensland veteran community and beyond. Queensland RSL News’ longevity is a shining testament to your unwavering support, and it has been our honour to play a part in preserving your legacy and recognising your service. 

A cover of the Queensland Digger in 1945

In the spirit of celebration, we are excited to showcase some highlights from previous editions and reflect on the people who brought them all to life. 

The history of our member magazine 

RSL Queensland (then the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (Queensland Branch) and Allied Organisations) has been writing and publishing veterans’ stories since around 1918, originally under the title The Crusader.  

However, it wasn’t until 1924 that the seed was planted for a formal member magazine to begin circulation, following the success of a special one-off periodical called The Queensland Digger. Officially launched in April 1925, The Queensland Digger set in motion the publication that exists today. 

For more than 40 years, the journal covered everything from the homecoming of Australia’s WWI and WWII soldiers, to the opening of Brisbane’s Shrine of Remembrance and Eternal Flame, the groundbreaking formation of the RSL Art Union (now the Dream Home Art Union), and the pageantry of the first RSL Girl in a Million Quest.

An advertisement for the Dream Home Art Union in an early edition of The Queensland Digger

In 1962, The Queensland Digger changed its name to Vigilance and after a hiatus from 1967 until 1989, made a comeback as Queensland RSL News.  

Since then, the magazine has promoted the launch of Mates4Mates, commemorated dozens of ANZAC and Remembrance Days, and celebrated RSL Queensland’s 100th anniversary. Since 1925, we have proudly produced hundreds of editions containing thousands of stories, and to this day, Queensland RSL News continues to inform, connect and engage countless veterans, family members, friends and advocates across the country. 

A space for community and connection 

Perhaps most importantly, our centenary is an opportunity to reflect on this magazine’s role in uniting RSL Queensland members and the broader veteran community. The long road from The Queensland Digger to Queensland RSL News has undoubtedly been paved by those who have generously shared their stories, knowledge and ideas with us and for that, we are eternally grateful.  

We acknowledge that each contributor has shown courage in sharing a part of themselves with our community. By reading their stories, we have felt their pride and pain; we have learnt about moments of triumph and tragedy; and we have commemorated the fallen and honoured the living.  

The Queensland Digger from April 1935 shows the Shrine of Remembrance in Brisbane

Our contributors’ constant willingness to publicly share their wisdom and experience has often been motivated by a sense of camaraderie and connection to you, our readers. Whether you have personally experienced or have supported someone who has navigated the unique challenges that come with dutifully serving your country, these stories are for you.  

In bringing us closer together, we can confidently say that Queensland RSL News remains a publication that recognises the contributions of veterans and is dedicated to honouring their service. 

Preserving our history 

Not only has our member magazine published hundreds of these incredible veteran stories over the years, but it has also played a leading role in preserving RSL Queensland’s rich history.  

To truly appreciate this milestone, we need to go back to 1925. If you visit the State Library of Queensland’s website, you’ll find magazines dating back to the very first edition of The Queensland Digger, published on 15 April 1925. 

It’s remarkable to see how far our organisation has come, while staying true to its founding values. This first edition marked the start of what would become a cornerstone of RSL Queensland’s communication and a trusted voice for veterans. 

A 2006 edition of Queensland RSL News

In the features articles within Queensland RSL News during 2025, you’ll learn about the evolution of RSL Queensland’s member magazine over the past century, and how conservation teams from the State Library of Queensland are working with us to preserve and digitise our collections for future generations.  

Your trip down memory lane includes anniversary well-wishes from Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, RSL Queensland CEO Robert Skoda and RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM. Our celebrations continue as we share the spotlight with WWII veteran Eric Geldard OAM of Miles RSL Sub Branch and the team at Redlands RSL Sub Branch, both blowing out 100 candles alongside us in 2025.  

More centenary stories will be shared throughout the year as we revisit our the archives, so keep an eye out over the coming months for these exciting features. 

Our legacy as a voice for veterans 

Ultimately, marking one century of publication cements the enduring legacy of The Queensland Digger, Vigilance and now Queensland RSL News as a voice for RSL Queensland and its members. We are proud of how far we have come – our magazine has not only shared stories, provided resources, and kept Queensland’s military history alive, but it has also remained adaptable and relevant by adhering to RSL Queensland’s and, by extension, the veteran community’s core values.  

A framed piece of RSL Art Union memorabilia 

While the content within each edition has progressed considerably since 1925, care for our veterans, camaraderie among our community, and commemoration of service have remained at its heart. As we spend 2025 reflecting on our history and celebrating our success, we also encourage you to join us in upholding these values.  

Check in with the veterans in your life, attend your local commemoration services and pass down a legacy of service to your children and grandchildren. Your ongoing support will help us take on the next 100 years with a sense of hope and anticipation for what lies ahead.  

Thanks to our readers 

As we look towards the future, we extend our deepest thanks to you, our readers, for being the driving force behind the success of RSL Queensland’s member magazine. Whether you joined us during the days of The Queensland Digger, Vigilance or more recently as Queensland RSL News, it is you who have allowed us to reach this incredible milestone of 100 years.