Beaudesert veteran shares passion for learning and volunteering

Researcher and veteran Dr Robert (Bob) Maher has been an RSL member for more than 20 years. His extensive education, which includes two PHD’s, has allowed the 85-year-old to volunteer and contribute various projects and initiatives to RSL South Eastern District. 

The Beaudesert RSL Sub Branch member, who also served 12 months as Senior Vice President for RSL South Easten District (SED) and three years as Vice President on the SED Board, says his fascination of study and volunteering has motivated him to propose many different ideas over the years. 

“I am committed to lifelong learning, and I believe we should never stop no matter our age,” Bob says. 

“I’d encourage all individuals to put their ideas forward and never underestimate their hard work, because one person has the ability to make a big impact within their local Sub Branch.” 

Bob Maher handing over the keys to a mobile education and community engagement trailer (donated by the Beaudesert RSL Sub Branch) to local fire brigade member Terry Watkins

Serving in the Army in the 7th Signal Regiment in Cabarlah from 1958-1975 and participating in multiple deployments overseas, the Queensland veteran says his time in service was very enjoyable. After discharging however, he didn’t think to join his local RSL until some mates and a local Rotary Club encouraged him to do so. 

“When I decided to join the RSL in 2003, I had just started getting interested in the welfare and wellbeing space,” Bob explains. 

“I thought it was a fitting group to join and my time in the Army instilled a getting things done attitude in me.” 

Knowledge is power for Dr Maher  

One of Bob’s largest pieces of work was a 600-page research paper on the history of RSL South Easten District (SED) from 1926-2007. 

“I volunteered many hours of my time over two years to complete it and I uncovered amazing findings about the District,” Bob says.  

“I believe the research paper is a great tool of reference for the District and can act as a good model to follow for achieving some of the goals and priorities that exist today.” 

“SED’s dedication to Australian society was way ahead of its time. What they were trying to achieve when it came to addressing Defence and veteran issues, education, employment, multiculturalism and lobbying to all levels of government was outstanding.” 

Advocating for veterans   

In addition to the research paper, the Beaudesert local is also proud of the insights he has shared to help advance veteran welfare and wellbeing.  

“I’m the type of person that if I identify a problem, I want to find a solution, but it’s important that the research is proven and valid,” Bob explains.  

And research continues for Bob today. His most recent project has been a commemorations document, which has been presented to his District showcasing information on 18 commemorative anniversaries, which he hopes could be utilised for Sub Branch services throughout the year. 

“All of our battles, conflicts and peacekeeping operations have a different history and background. I wanted to create a document to highlight them so individuals and the broader public can learn more about these significant dates as well as veterans’ experiences.”   

Celebrating Volunteers 

With a vision to acknowledge and recognise the efforts of community volunteers, Bob – with the help of Beaudesert RSL Sub Branch – established the Australian Volunteers Memorial in July 2021. The memorial, located in Beaudesert, honours the millions of hours donated by volunteers around Australia from the past 100 years.  

Bob says the memorial was enacted in conjunction with the 100th birthday of the Beaudesert RSL Sub Branch and features a large V structure displaying a variety of volunteer-based organisations as well as plinths with plaques honouring war volunteers. 

“It is a small tribute to say thank you to the volunteers in our community and recognise their significant contribution to society.”