105 years of dedication

Veterans in Goondiwindi celebrated their Sub Branch's 105-year anniversary

For over a century, the Goondiwindi RSL Sub Branch has been supporting local veterans and their families in their rural country town.

Reflecting on their 105th anniversary this year, Goondiwindi RSL Sub Branch President Bill Brassington says the group is taking this time to celebrate their successes and the role the Sub Branch plays in the local community while also looking towards the future. 

“I’ve been President of the Sub Branch for four years now and I just admire the camaraderie we have within our membership and our small town,” Bill says.  

“I think we have the best community; the town is always there to help us with our initiatives or ideas, and we strive to help them in any way we can too.

“This anniversary represents a special milestone, and we hope the Sub Branch sees another 100 years supporting the community.”

Fostering care, commemoration and camaraderie 

Goondiwindi RSL Sub Branch President Bill Brassington 

Goondiwindi RSL Sub Branch is proud to operate their own military museum which includes memorabilia from World War I through to more recent conflicts. With an influx of monuments coming through their door, the Sub Branch recently secured a grant to expand the space. 

“It’s great to have a place where local veterans and their families can display treasured items,” Bill says.

“The museum is also a space where veterans can come for a cup of tea, and the community is also encouraged to stop by to view the different memorabilia.”

Along with cultivating connections between veterans and the community, Bill says the Sub Branch places an emphasis on providing wellbeing support to its 45 members.

“We have a combination of younger and older veterans within our Sub Branch so the needs of our members can vary,” Bill explains.

“For example, a lot of our younger veterans served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Timor and some are unfortunately dealing with PTSD, so having our advocates connect them with the right services is one area of support we offer.” 

Driven by a strong commitment to providing care and support for local veterans, Bill says the Sub Branch also prioritises organising commemorative services throughout the year – ANZAC Day in particular brings large crowds with upwards of 3,000 people.

“The Sub Branch prepares almost a year in advance and we work as a team by delegating tasks to each member so everyone can contribute and the commemoration runs smoothly.”

Honouring veterans 

Goondiwindi on ANZAC Day 

For the past three years, the Sub Branch has been involved in a grave dedication project for their local cemetery. Bill says the project holds great significance as they work to identify and honour the veterans’ final resting place.

“We have enacted 19 headstones and plaques so far. There are around 360 veterans buried in this cemetery from various wars and conflicts, so it’s important to us to make sure everyone is recognised and honoured,” Bill explains. 

In addition to this important project, Goondiwindi RSL Sub Branch is currently in the midst of implementing a new sandstone pillar memorial for the nearby town of Toobeah. Bill says the monument is scheduled to be ready ahead of this year’s Remembrance Day commemoration.

“The memorial honours four veterans from Toobeah who served in World War I and II.