From little things, big things grow in Mount Larcom

Mount Larcom RSL Sub Branch is part of the Wide Bay and Burnett District. Its President, Chris Feros, and Secretary, Cyndie Feros work tirelessly with their community to build awareness, support and spirit through the values of the RSL.

A dynamic duo

President Chris Feros and Secretary Cyndie Feros have worked hard to grow the Sub Branch

Christopher enlisted in the Army in 1989, serving as an SDS driver (Signals Dispatch Service) and Western Sahara peacekeeper in Africa. He was medically discharged in 1994 following a truck accident that required serious medical treatment.

Cyndie, Chris’s mother, pays tribute to her family’s military service through her involvement at RSL Queensland. Her grandfather, three uncles, husband, brother-in-law, cousin and two children are among those who have served. 

The mother and son team has been at the helm of Mount Larcom’s RSL Sub Branch since 2018, working passionately on their mission to bring their community together.

“Before we became a Sub Branch, I offered my services as Secretary because they didn’t have anyone to take notes at meetings,” Cyndie recalls. “Once I became secretary of the chapter, I realised we could expand, and it became very important to me that we grow.”

Chris, Cyndie and their team are dedicated to giving back to the community in multiple ways. They organise raffles, sausage sizzles, school visits, veteran support initiatives, awards, and commemorative events for ANZAC Day and Beersheba Day to promote peace and remembrance. Most recently, they refurbished their building’s kitchen to host volunteer and community events and installed a stainless steel kitchen in their barbeque area.

“When we first joined, there were only three active veteran members,” Chris says. “We now have about 70 members from Vietnam up to Afghanistan. About 50% are League and 50% non-League. Our members are diverse; some are Reservists, Navy, Air Force, and Army.”

Small community, big heart

Chris is an Army veteran who served as a UN Peacekeeper

Approximately 360 people call Central Queensland’s Mount Larcom home. Cyndie describes the town – which is about 70km south of Rockhampton and 30km west of Gladstone – as “a pitstop for grey nomads”.

“We have a mixed community here ranging from pensioners to farmers and families. We are very supportive of everyone here – just like our Sub Branch,” Chris says.

“Even though we are a small town, many of our community members are associated with volunteer groups and essential services,” Cyndie adds, referencing organisations such as the Queensland Country Women’s Association, State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service, which often work together with the local RSL.

Despite its size, Mount Larcom has a proud history of Defence service, which can be traced back to WWI. The town’s RSL Sub Branch routinely hosts events to commemorate the sacrifice of members of the Defence Force, including animals.

The Sub Branch is currently renovating its museum and memorial garden dedicated to the town’s military history, which they hope will become a point of pride in the community.

“When I first got here, there was only a very small ANZAC Day service, but now we also do Remembrance Day, War Animals Day, Merchant Navy Day, Vietnam Veterans’ Day, and Beersheba Day. Next year we hope to add War Widows Day. The more commemorative days we host, the more the community seems to get on board,” Chris explains.

“The trains that run the coal even stop travel through Mount Larcom now on ANZAC Day, so they don’t disrupt our service!”

Big plans for the future

The Sub Branch is a reflection of Mount Larcom's proud military history

Despite the substantial growth of the Mount Larcom RSL Sub Branch, Chris and Cyndie will not be slowing down anytime soon. One of Cyndie’s top priorities is establishing memorial sites for the people and animals who sacrificed for their country.

“We want to erect a flagpole and illuminate it so that people can see that we have a connection to service in this town,”Cyndie says. “We also want to set up a garden and transcribe our Honour Roll onto plex so that people can do a walk of honour.”

Chris also has a strong vision for the future of Mount Larcom RSL Sub Branch through community service.

“Because we live so rurally, one of the things I would like to do is hire a van or bus through the RSL so we can offer travel to our community members who need some help with their hospital stays and doctor’s visits,” Chris explains.

“My vision is also about getting us into more schools, because the more involved we get with our community, the more they will get involved with us.”

When asked what keeps them motivated in their work, both Cyndie and Chris have a simple answer.

“I feel like I’m achieving things. This is what gets me up every morning. I dedicate at least 70 hours per week to the RSL so we can expand and become something the community is proud of,” Cyndie says.

“I don’t want little RSL Sub Branches to feel that they can’t grow. It takes work, but we are an example that you can grow,” Chris adds.

“We’re not here just for veterans, but for the community and veterans’ families too. This is how we show we care.”

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