A fun day out for veteran health

A local veteran enjoying the festivities. 

Held at Ascot Park on 31 October, the event celebrated Veterans’ Health Week and its ‘Get Moving’ theme with a day of activities and workshops to encourage veterans, their families and the local community to get active.

Cricket and touch football games, a giant waterslide and a rock-climbing wall for children were on offer, as well as yoga in the park, guitar lessons, and an introduction to slow BBQ cooking and smoking. 

RSL Queensland, Brisbane North District President Merv Brown (OAM), said the event was a perfect opportunity for the community to connect with the local Sub Branch and learn more about its services. 

“RSL Sub Branches are important to their local communities and play a critical role in supporting local veterans and their families to achieve a high quality of life,” Mr Brown said. 

“The Community Open Day is a fun, new way for us to encourage connection between Defence families and the community and to let them know about the programs, services and support networks that are available to them through RSL Queensland.” 

The Start of a Tradition

RSL Queensland members Slavko Jankusik, Allan Hanson, William George (Bill) O’Chee are pictured with some of the memorabilia on display.

The Sub Branch’s Secretary Shane Bliss said the event was a great success and would become an annual event on the organisation’s calendar.

“I would say we have had about 350 people attend to take in the absolutely outstanding music, great kids’ rides and enjoy a delicious lunch,” Mr Bliss said.

“We also had a lot of interest in the services and programs offered by RSL Queensland to veterans and their families.

“I said from the beginning of planning this event that if we can connect just one veteran in-need with an RSL Queensland service, then this day has been a success.”

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