Sub Branches dig deep to help those In need

We know that many RSL Sub Branches have been assisting their local communities with disaster relief following the floods in South East Queensland. One of the Sub Branches to pitch in was Helidon RSL Sub Branch. Helidon became an official evacuation centre for the Lockyer Valley over the weekend, helping many people who got stranded on the Warrego Highway. 

The Sub Branch offered a warm, dry place for people to sleep, hot meals, coffee, biscuits, and a friendly chat to lift the spirits of those in need. 

“We are all volunteering our time for those in need who cannot return home. If anyone is needing somewhere to sit and talk, we are here for you,” Helidon RSL announced on its Facebook page. 

Two of those who benefited from the Sub Branch’s generosity were Julien and Matthew from Chinchilla, who are pictured with Sub Branch President Chris Forden. The men were caught in floodwaters on Friday afternoon and were lucky to be towed to safety by a good Samaritan.  

They took shelter at the evacuation centre and enjoyed a hot meal before Chris helped get their car – which had been inundated with water and wouldn’t start – back on the road safely. 

Veteran Flood Recover Support in Wide Bay Burnett

With the recent floods in North Queensland, Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch Secretary Danielle Brearley had the idea to put forward their “shed load of gear” at their Veteran Support Centre to their fellow RSL Sub Branch community in Maryborough.  

“I thought, why can’t we pass these things on and offer it to Maryborough RSL Sub Branch. It’s a simple way we can get back to the grassroots actions of helping out mates when they need it,” she says.  

“We’ve got a fantastic community around us in Bundaberg of civilians and veterans who are eager to donate items that can help veterans in need. I hope this is the start of us sharing more resources in the future.”  

With the current flood disaster engrossing South-East-Queensland, the Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch set up a collection point for goods to be donated to Gympie RSL Sub Branch who are distributing supplies for veterans and their families in the Gympie area.

Thanks to all the amazing Sub Branch volunteers who are giving back to their communities in these extremely difficult times. If you're a veteran who needs support - flood-related or otherwise - please contact your nearest RSL Sub Branch

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