Peter Jones hangs up his hat after more than six decades of service

Peter Jones has had a remarkable career spanning six decades

Veteran and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Membership, Peter Jones reflects on decades of service and the wins that warmed his heart as he prepares to call it a day at RSL Queensland. Peter will officially hang up his hat after more than six decades of service. 

Those decades span a military career that encompassed two deployments to Borneo and Vietnam, an education career that saw the former teacher rise to the ranks of deputy principal at Caloundra State High School, and a lifelong commitment to community service that saw the passionate Sub Branch member and volunteer receive a Life Membership in 2005. 

Those decades also encompassed a career with RSL Queensland that started back in 2006 when Peter became Secretary at Brisbane North District – all the way to the role of CRM Membership SME at 100 Wickham Street. Here, his passion for data played a big part in driving our organisation’s membership numbers skyward in recent years. 

While it’s safe to say that Peter’s earned some time in the sun (he’s got a few cruises booked in for some much-needed R&R) the passionate vet said RSL Queensland’s cause and that of the Sub Branches would remain close to his heart. 

“I’ve spent a great portion of my life in community service, and that’s because I’ve always wanted to help others,” said Peter. 

“While I enlisted in the Australian Army as an apprentice in 1960 and served overseas twice, I didn’t suffer any major catastrophes except for breaking my foot while I was jumping over a fence, so it has been my privilege to serve and support veterans who did the hard yards. 

“And that’s why keeping my local Sub Branch alive at Deception Bay is the big one for me. That’s the most impactful community service project I’ve been a part of.  

“Back when I was elected Secretary in 1994, we only had 19 members and over the years I have poured my heart and soul into it keeping it going. We managed to build that membership up to 100 at one stage.” 

A 21-year-old Peter in Borneo in 1965

Peter served his Sub Branch as Secretary for 28 years and was also named President of the Deception Bay RSL Sub Branch in 2013 – serving in that role until last year. He also served as Treasurer and Pension and Welfare Officer before being elected as Treasurer at Brisbane North District – ahead of his paid position as Secretary in 2006 – which combined with the role of RSL Queensland Memberships team in 2010. 

Over the years, Peter was also an RSL Trustee of the ANZAC Day Trust (2007-2012), a DVA Veterans Children Education Scheme RSL Board Member (2012-2020) and in 2019 was awarded the RSL Meritorious Service Medal. 

Speaking of medals, the remarkable vet received an Australian Active Service Medal (1945 to 1975 Clasps Malaysia and Vietnam), a General Service Medal (1962 Clasp Borneo), a Vietnam Medal, an Australian Defence Medal, a South Vietnam Campaign Medal (Star) and Pingat Jasa Malaysia.  

Then there are the many other community organisations Peter served in, such as APEX. 

“Having a supportive wife has allowed me to be a part of so many community service roles and I believe what makes a community great is the organisations within it.” 

It’s that passion, knowledge and dedication to his craft and the community that will ensure he’s sorely missed at RSL Queensland, said Jazz Tyrril – Marketing Manager Membership & Network. 

“Peter offers that vast experience that crosses over from Sub Branch land into state land and he’s the guru of MMS – which is the database we use here,” said Jazz. 

“His ability to know which data to pull out and his knack for always being on the ball is outstanding and he has a gift for getting to the bottom of any kind of anomaly and rectifying it. 

“Peter is the kind of guy that lives RSL Queensland’s values every day – he embodies that service to others, and he’ll be sorely missed.” 

As to what’s first on the retirement agenda for Peter, he said downsizing from his Deception Bay home was high on the list – “I’ve got 48 years’ worth of clutter to get rid of” – followed by the aforementioned cruises around Australia and beyond with the love of his life. 

“I’m happy to be retiring after all these years but I’m truly appreciative of my time here at RSL Queensland and the incredible projects I’ve had a chance to be a part of,” Peter said.  

From all of us here at RSL Queensland, thank you Peter for your incredible service to our organisation, to our nation and to the countless veterans you’ve supported over the years. 

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