Forest Lake puts down its roots

Passion and purpose 

The Sub Branch boasts a tight-knit community of 127 League members and 61 social members, including two active foundation members. Most recently, the Sub Branch completed the refurbishment of its first clubhouse.  

Two of the Sub Branch’s dedicated committee members – District Delegate Dan Baldwin and Secretary Sharron Ford – shared the story of this ambitious project.  

District Delegate Dan Baldwin and Secretary Sharron Ford

Dan joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as an airman in 1969 and served for 22 years. In 1975 he was accepted to undergo a three-year tertiary degree and received his commission in 1977.  

Since finishing his military career, Dan has thrown himself into various volunteer roles serving the Forest Lake community. He has been a member of his local RSL Sub Branch for seven years. 

“I was not initially interested in joining the RSL, but one of my dear friends Mr George Churchward (a WWII veteran and RSL member who recently turned 100 years old) convinced me by sending a recruiter over to my house,” Dan chuckles. 

“However, I love being here and am proud of the initiatives we have implemented over the past few years, such as our assistance dog training program. Everyone here has a different skill set, so we work together as a team and learn a lot from each other.” 

Sharron became involved in the Forest Lake RSL Sub Branch in 2017, after her husband Steve (a RAAF veteran) was first elected to the committee. She initially supported him as Assistant Secretary, before stepping up into her current role when Steve became President. 

“Working with the RSL allows us the opportunity to give back to the men and women who have served, while providing a safe environment to our members,” Sharron says.  

“I have formed many lifelong friendships in our Sub Branch and throughout the RSL District. The RSL motto of ‘care, commemoration and camaraderie’ is one that we hold high in our hearts.” 

Home, sweet home 

Forest Lake & Districts RSL Sub Branch members recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Sub Branch’s first meeting, which was held in September 1998. However, despite enjoying substantial growth in that time, the Sub Branch did not have a place to call home for more than 20 years. 

“Before we had this clubhouse, meetings would usually be held at someone’s house, a golf club or somewhere else,” Sharron explains. 

Stemming from a momentous act of generosity from the local Nashos, the Sub Branch was gifted a derelict WWII building in the Wacol Heritage Precinct in 2019. Previously part of the Wacol Army Barracks, the Precinct is also home to a chapel and hall, which are managed by the Nashos, as well as a military museum run by the Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles and Ex-members Association Inc. In providing a home for the Sub Branch, a new space for veterans was born. 

“For many years we searched for a place to call home. About three years ago, we started the rebuild and our members spent many hours demolishing the buildings’ contents to turn it into our clubhouse,” Dan says. 

“However, COVID-19 quickly stopped our progress, so we couldn’t start work again until April 2021, and we’ve only been able to complete the final touches like pathways this year,” Sharron adds. 

Although it took longer than planned, the finished space is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Sub Branch community. Every part of the clubhouse has been thoughtfully designed for veterans and their families, from the handmade commemorative quilts and artworks decorating the walls, to the barbecue lawn and communal hall where regular social gatherings are hosted. 

“Our new building is getting plenty of use and the events we have been able to start this year have been a great success,” Dan says. 

“2023 has been our year to give back to our members. We now have regular coffee mornings, barbecue lunches and meetings here. Members bring their families, and the kids play games outside. It’s great to see.” 

To learn more about Forest Lake RSL Sub Branch or to arrange a visit, find their details here.