Sub Branch acts as HQ for flood clean up effort

DRA (the veteran-formed and driven volunteer group) worked with Moreton Bay Regional Council to coordinate civilian volunteers to support the flood clean up following the recent severe weather event in South East Queensland. 

When a large headquarters was needed for the Moreton Mud Army, Pine Rivers RSL Sub Branch President Margaret Lord says the William Abell Community Centre (WACC) was one of the first to be approached by DRA.  

“They needed space for volunteers who were coming from all across Australia, car parking and plenty of room for briefings and debriefings,” she says. 

“We were only too happy to help and rescheduled our AGM to make sure the space was available.”

Once the ball was in motion, the Sub Branch was transformed into a disaster relief hub with a temporary shower block and beds that could be stacked each morning. 

“A lot of our members were very supportive of it. Some couldn’t get out and volunteer as part of clean-up efforts but being on-site at our Sub Branch supporting the volunteers and Disaster Relief Australia was a way they could play a part in the community clean-up effort,” Margaret explains.

“We were proud to be able to coordinate everything as quickly as we did and see the outpouring of help in whatever way members were able – from cooking meals and even offering rooms for veterans experiencing hardship from the floods.”

Margaret says although it was a unique situation, the level of community support shown by members during the event was something they’re used to seeing regularly. 

“This is something that our Sub Branch carries out regularly. Not just during a disaster. We always try and help where we can.

“And for anyone stopping in that wasn’t aware of all the ways RSL Queensland can help them, it was a chance for us to share what we can do for them.”

As the Sub Branch returns to normal, having rescheduled its AGM, they’re looking ahead to ANZAC Day and hosting services at the Sub Branch.

“We have about 20,000 people attend our ANZAC Day services traditionally, so it is a huge day for us. If there are any veterans out there who want to give us a hand, we would never knock them back!”

Want to stay informed? Subscribe today and get the latest news, services, events and more direct to your email inbox.