From the President
19 September 2018- From the President
With the Centenary of Armistice drawing ever closer, the Premier has recognised the great work of our Sub Branches across the State.
I know many of our Sub Branches have special activities planned to mark the Centenary of Armistice, and we want to make sure that every community across Queensland has an opportunity to participate – as does the Premier and the Queensland Government.
The Queensland Government is therefore offering Sub Branches funding of up to $3,000, specifically to support their delivery of commemorative events for the Centenary of Armistice.
Applications for the Queensland Remembers funding program close on 12 October 2018. For more information, please visit qld.gov.au/remembranceday.
As we get closer to the Centenary of Armistice, I hope to be able to share more exciting news about events across the State.
On Wednesday 5 September, I attended the Battle for Australia Commemoration Service, which was also attended by the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency Paul de Jersey and his wife. Despite a sudden downpour, the Chermside service was well attended by representatives of many ESOs.
The following Saturday saw me attend Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley Sub Branch for their Sub Branch and Women’s Auxiliary Presidents’ dinner. As well as excellent food, the evening featured several interesting speeches aligned to the Armistice.
Last Saturday, I was invited to attend the unveiling and presentation of the Rats of Tobruk hearthstone at Malanda RSL Sub Branch. Due to the long dry spell, the Hearthstone was recently recovered from the Tinaroo Dam, and will now go on permanent display at Malanda RSL. After their efforts in Northern Africa, the Rats of Tobruk trained in jungle warfare on the Atherton Tablelands before travelling to New Guinea. I had the privilege of meeting two of the original ‘Rats’, Henry Tranter and Gordon Wallace, who were present for this well attended, magnificent event.
On Sunday, I was pleased to attend the Far North District council meeting to speak with them about RSL’s current challenges and answer their questions. I enjoyed the interactions over the weekend and look forward to catching up again.
Regards,
Tony
The Queensland Government is therefore offering Sub Branches funding of up to $3,000, specifically to support their delivery of commemorative events for the Centenary of Armistice.
Applications for the Queensland Remembers funding program close on 12 October 2018. For more information, please visit qld.gov.au/remembranceday.
As we get closer to the Centenary of Armistice, I hope to be able to share more exciting news about events across the State.
A busy fortnight
An important part of my role as State President is ensuring that RSL Queensland is represented in a number of forums – with government and fellow ESOs, and at various Sub Branch events. This aspect of my role has kept me pretty busy over the past two weeks!On Wednesday 5 September, I attended the Battle for Australia Commemoration Service, which was also attended by the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency Paul de Jersey and his wife. Despite a sudden downpour, the Chermside service was well attended by representatives of many ESOs.
The following Saturday saw me attend Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley Sub Branch for their Sub Branch and Women’s Auxiliary Presidents’ dinner. As well as excellent food, the evening featured several interesting speeches aligned to the Armistice.
Last Saturday, I was invited to attend the unveiling and presentation of the Rats of Tobruk hearthstone at Malanda RSL Sub Branch. Due to the long dry spell, the Hearthstone was recently recovered from the Tinaroo Dam, and will now go on permanent display at Malanda RSL. After their efforts in Northern Africa, the Rats of Tobruk trained in jungle warfare on the Atherton Tablelands before travelling to New Guinea. I had the privilege of meeting two of the original ‘Rats’, Henry Tranter and Gordon Wallace, who were present for this well attended, magnificent event.
On Sunday, I was pleased to attend the Far North District council meeting to speak with them about RSL’s current challenges and answer their questions. I enjoyed the interactions over the weekend and look forward to catching up again.
Constitution taking shape
The Constitution Working Party spent two days last week discussing the draft Constitution, including reviewing the 80 or more suggestions made by our members. Each one of these suggestions was given due consideration, and most were implemented. A draft version of the Constitution will be available for perusal and discussion very soon.VVCS rebrand
The Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Services (VVCS) recently hosted a presentation for stakeholders on changes within the organisation. Although its services will remain the same, the organisation is adopting a new name – Open Arms – to reflect those changes. I provided some feedback on issues that I had become aware when previously dealing with VVCS and was given an undertaking that things were changing.Regards,
Tony
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