Veteran’s 20 years of volunteering celebrated

Across 20 years of volunteering for the Cairns RSL Sub Branch, Stan has given countless hours to fellow veterans and the wider community.  

Known locally as a fountain of knowledge on the military history of Cairns, Stan often steps in to help families locate war graves and loved ones who are buried in the Cairns District. 

But it’s his involvement in the final farewell to veterans, through a poppy service at their funeral, that Stan finds the most moving experience.  

“I still get emotional when I get down to their list of service and their service record. It breaks me up, even though I don't personally know the veteran that I'm conducting a service for,” Stan says. 

Stan conducted his first poppy service 20 years ago, and in April, he conducted his 159th. 

“The poppy service is for any veteran that passes away, irrespective of whether they’re a member of the Sub Branch or not.” 

Nashos sparks dedication to honouring veterans 

Stan served as a National Serviceman (Nasho) for six months in 1952. He was among the early intakes of the scheme, which started his decades-long association with the Defence community.  

“I was lucky enough to be selected to do my service with the RAAF in Townsville, known as 10GR Squadron, for general reconnaissance. It was quite an experience,” Stan says.  

Stan Carswell MBE giving a speech on Vietnam Veterans' Day on behalf of the NASHO's in Cairns.

After his service, Stan lived and worked in Papua New Guinea for 20 years before returning to northern Queensland with his family. He joined the Cairns RSL Sub Branch shortly after and has been actively involved in it ever since.  

Stan has held various positions on the Sub Branch’s board over the years and served as Deputy President for RSL Queensland Far Northern District, all the while volunteering for any role that needed filling.  

“I was the coach driver for the Far Northern District as we travelled around to the regions to hold our meetings in different locations, and I was the Sub Branch representative for the Warhaven Homes Governing Committee for many years,” Stan says.  

“Every ANZAC Day I serve rum and milk from the bar here; I’ve been doing it for about 18 years. My dear wife Agnes used to join me, but when she passed away three years ago, I decided to continue doing it on my own, and they’ve named the bar after me in honour.” 

Stan and fellow Sub Branch member at a morning tea

Stan is currently assisting the Sub Branch with preparations for their Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemorations.  

“I’ve been researching Vietnam veterans that may be buried in and around the cemeteries up here. There is one that we’ve been looking at – an ex-National Serviceman, actually. He was killed in action – just 25 years of age. I went to the cemetery yesterday to locate his grave site.” 

Volunteering efforts recognised and celebrated 

Stan’s willingness to put his hand up and his dedication to helping others haven’t gone unnoticed. His service as a volunteer in his Sub Branch and the local community was recognised and celebrated when he was named the ‘2022 Volunteer of the Year’ at last year’s Cairns RSL Sub Branch Christmas party. 

Cairns RSL Sub Branch President Nathan Shingles, who presented Stan with the award, speaks highly of his fellow veteran and RSL member. 

Cairns RSL Sub Branch President Nathan Shingles and Stan Carswell MBE

“Stan is a much-loved member of the Cairns RSL Sub Branch. He always goes above and beyond when caring for our Defence family,” Nathan says. 

The award was a pleasant surprise for Stan, who says he doesn’t do what he does for the accolades.  

“I feel very humble and grateful. I don't do what I do for any bouquets or anything like that,” he shares.  

“I volunteer because I feel that I'm in a position to offer something and to do something for the Sub Branch.” 

Learn more 

National Volunteer Week shines a light on the ways volunteering brings us all together, builds community and achieves vital work across Australia. Find your local RSL Sub Branch and become a member of RSL Queensland, or learn about other volunteering opportunities at volunteeringqld.org.au.