Serving after service

“Like most ex-service men and women, when you retire you want to give back. Volunteering with RSL is meaningful work, and I love the social aspect of being with and assisting other veterans.”

From organising commemorations in every corner of the state, to supporting veterans in their local communities, our volunteers are at the heart of everything RSL Queensland does. We couldn’t do it without people like Ian Gray, Deputy President of Redlands RSL Sub Branch.

Ian, 82, has been volunteering for Redlands RSL Sub Branch since 2002, when he signed up to the Sub Branch as a Service Member not long after his retirement from a career as a project safety officer. He epitomises the spirit of the volunteers who serve RSL Queensland and their community every day.

With much more time on his hands, Ian felt a duty to his community, much like he did when he served in the Australia Defence Force for 9 years spanning the late 1950s and 1960s.

For the past 19 years, Ian has volunteered at the Sub Branch at least two days a week, and often more.

Ian says one of the most enjoyable aspects is honouring veterans in the community when they celebrate their 100th birthday.

“We always arrange a dinner for them, make up a cake with their service number, and present them with a plaque from RSL Queensland.

“It’s something the veteran and their families really enjoy, and it shows how much we value their service.”

Ian is also heavily involved in engaging local school students through the Honour Our Fallen education program, which encourages young people to take an interest in Australia’s military history and honour our fallen veterans by placing Australian flags on their gravesites.

He also passionately supports local Army, Navy and Air Force cadet programs, and with the help of the Redlands RSL Sub Branch community, assists with fundraising for their training and equipment needs.

A few months ago, Ian’s outstanding contribution to the RSL was recognised when he received RSL Australia Life Membership.

“I like being part of the RSL because every day we support veterans doing it tough,” he says. “We do a great job here through our advocacy, and I plan on serving them for as long as I can.”

In 19 years of volunteering for the Redlands RSL Sub Branch, Ian has amassed an extensive list of contributions and achievements. Here are just a few highlights:

2007: Oversaw the establishment and opening of the Redlands RSL Military Library and Museum

2015: Planned and established the Australian War Animal Memorial at Redlands RSL ANZAC Park in recognition of the four-legged animals who also served our nation

2017: Dedicated the first Australian War Animal Memorial in Pozieres, France, a village which featured heavily during the infamous Battle of the Somme in 1916

2018: Helped establish the Honour Our Fallen education program at schools throughout the Redlands.

2021: Received RSL Australia Life Membership in recognition of his continuous 19 years service to RSL and the community