Strengthened relations makes for a brighter future

Throughout 2021, the Sub Branch has embraced various support initiatives available through State Branch, from the rollout of the Managed IT Services to the piloting of ‘Adopt a Sub Branch’. The insights gained between teams have been profound.  

Kawana Waters RSL Sub Branch Deputy President Daniel Ansett says, “The relationship with State Branch has evolved dramatically over the last few years. As part of the pilot program, we had Members from the State Branch come down and help with welfare, wellbeing visits and technology assistance. And I think they enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed having them. 

“Because of the relationship we’ve forged with the State Branch, we are now a long way down the track to having our wellbeing advocates classified as essential workers and knowing they’ll be able to continue supporting those who need it during any future lockdowns.”  

The Sub Branch is also now up and running with RSL Queensland’s Managed IT Services roll out, something Daniel says makes life a lot easier.  

“Being in the 21st century, everything is done on computers now,” he says. “We always struggled. Now we don’t have to worry about information security or maintenance. If there is a problem, we can pick up the phone and it gets sorted by the experts at RSL Queensland.”  

Daniel says the new IT rollout also means they have greater capacity to reach out to the community via programming and newsletters for Sub Branch Members.   

A SUB BRANCH WITH STRONG COMMUNITY TIES

Sub Branch President Gary Penney

Kawana Waters RSL Sub Branch is used to forging relationships that strengthen community ties.  

Kawana Waters Sub Branch President, Gary Penney says in 1983 they partnered with the Kawana Surf Club when both organisations were looking to build new headquarters.  

“It is quite unique, but it demonstrates the power of working with your community,” he says.  

David Johnson, who is involved with Kawana Surf Life Saving Club, and has been associated with the Sub Branch for over 13 years, says there’s a very close link between both organisations.  

“It blends two very iconic brands and gives us a strong relationship at a local level,” he says. “We’ve got a very strong Sub Branch, a very good Surf Life Saving Club and it strengthens the overall relationship when we are involved in what each party is doing.”  

The strength, of course, is based on keeping Members at the heart of all that they do.  

“Everything we do here is based on the Veteran's family. To us, it doesn’t matter where you served, how long you served, whether you’ve deployed overseas or not – they’re all inclusive and all important,” Gary says.  

“And because of this our age spectrum is right through from early 20s all the way through to our oldest Member who recently turned 100.”  

Daniel says the Kawana Waters Member community broke every misconception he had of RSL Queensland.  

“I tried a few Sub Branches before I joined Kawana Waters and I didn’t quite fit,” he explains. “There’s quite a few characters and they’re very accepting of the younger members in the Sub Branch. We look after each other like a big family.”  

CULTIVATING A NEW GENERATION

Sub Branch Deputy President Daniel Ansett 

Bambi McLeod, whose father was a past President of the Sub Branch and served in the Air Force for almost 30 years, is one local who has experienced the Sub Branch’s openness.  

“I’m considered a Social Member,” she says. “I like to come along and support what they do. I used to come down here with my Dad and help him set up for ANZAC Day. It was something the whole family was involved in.”  

With her father having recently passed away, the potential opportunity to become a formal member under the proposed Member Value Proposition is an emotional prospect. 

“I would love to be able to be a family Member of RSL Queensland. My Dad did a lot of community work and I would like to carry that on,” she says. “To have newer, younger people coming in would be a great thing to help.” 

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