Mount Isa veterans revitalised

Before Mount Isa RSL Sub Branch moved to its new location within the Irish Club, its membership had dropped to less than 50 members.

After the closure and sale of the previous Sub Branch building in 2013, Sub Branch members relied on the support of the Buffs Club, Leichhardt Services Bowls Club and the Irish Club to ensure they could continue their Sub Branch activities in the local community, but that has changed since the opening of the new RSL space inside the Mount Isa Irish Club in March 2024.

At first glance, many wouldn’t think of Mount Isa as having a large veteran community. The mining town is known for its large number of fly-in fly-out workers and backpacking community, but that doesn’t tell the full story.

“We do have a lot of ex-Defence members here in Mount Isa,” Mount Isa RSL Sub Branch Treasurer Darrell Saddington says.

Army veteran and Mount Isa RSL Sub Branch Treasurer Darrell Saddington 

“Getting current serving Defence members to sign up is something we’re working on. We’re now able to get out into the community, talk to Defence and ex-Defence members, and get them to sign up.”

This proactive approach – which includes using social media, setting up stalls at local shopping centres, going to town functions and visiting schools – led to a membership increase of more than 50%, with the number of members now standing at 116.

For Darrell and his fellow members, however, it isn’t just about the numbers. 

Darrel with  RAAF veteran Peter Roberts, who serves on the Sub Branch's welfare committee 

“Our members are the lifeblood of the RSL and our Sub Branch. Without them, we can’t keep the Sub Branch open,” Darrell explains.

“It’s so important that the younger ones, the veterans coming back now, know what services are available to them – mental health, homelessness and financial assistance. RSL Queensland is for them as well.”

It takes a village

The Irish Club has been incredibly supportive of the Sub Branch, providing the new space free of charge. The space not only includes the Bill Hilton Room but also a storage space, courtyard and office. It has also allowed the Sub Branch to start a regular roster of events outside of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day to foster mateship within the veteran community.   

Sub Branch members have found a permanent home at the Irish Club

“We’re trying to hold regular functions on top of our members’ morning tea on Tuesday and member meetings,” Darrell says.

“We generally try and have a function once a month on a Friday or Saturday,  whether it’s a pizza night or a trivia night or even a Halloween evening for the kids.”

That community spirit also extends outside the Sub Branch.

“We are also developing functions outside of the Sub Branch – going to the Bowls Club, to the cinema – those kinds of things so we can encourage that camaraderie.”

A space for connection

Former RAAF technician, Peter Roberts, says the camaraderie is a big part of why he joined the RSL in 1994 and continues to be a member, today serving on the Sub Branch’s welfare committee. 

“It’s a place to get together. Our Tuesday morning breakfast started out as just two of us but now it’s usually between 12 and 15 every week,” he says.

“I keep in touch with people from other RSL Sub Branches too. That companionship means so much to me and a lot of other veterans. It means we get out of the house and also get to help others.”

Mount Isa Irish Association General Manager, Bernard Gillick (right) believes in the importance of the RSL

Mount Isa Irish Association General Manager, Bernard Gillick, couldn’t agree more.

“The RSL is a service that can’t be replicated by anything else. It’s important to us that those who’ve served our country have a space where they can come together whenever they wish.”

The camaraderie that comes from being a Sub Branch member is what drives Darrell. 

Darrell behind the wheel of the Sub Branch's courtesy bus

“I look at how we can help those who need our assistance – whether that be with welfare, homelessness or financial aid. As a veteran, I think it’s important that I give back to the RSL and help those in need.”