Once in Defence, always in Defence: Sub Branches keep veterans connected

YouTube thumbnail image: Kelly Hammant pictured in front of her 'Deadly' mural at Robertson Barracks in the Northern Territory in 2020. Photo credit: Department of Defence.

Growing up on North Stradbroke Island, Kelly would hang out at the local RSL while her mum worked, later working there herself during high school, cleaning the hall. The commemorative pieces adorning the walls proved to be inspiring for Kelly. 

“When I was a kid, I always looked at the memorabilia that was up at the RSL. So, I guess it was always on my mind, especially the later years of my school time. I was either going to join the Army or be a police officer. I wanted to give back to the community and help people,” Kelly says. 

“I decided to join the Army. And I’ve never looked back. Ever. The Defence Force has been my whole life.”

Kelly Hammant, then 29, pictured in 2007 while serving as Operations Sergeant for the Force Level Logistics Asset in Baghdad, near the entrance to her workplace at FLLA-B.

A long career of service

Enlisting at 17, Kelly spent the next 27 years in the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps, before transferring to the Royal Australian Air Force as a Logistics Officer, where she has served for the last three years.

Deploying 11 times over her career, Kelly has served in roles such as Operations Sergeant for the Force Level Logistics Asset in Baghdad, and the Logistics Warrant Officer for Shadow Group One in Tarin Kowt.

But it is the humanitarian aspects of her deployments that have stayed with her.

“It was so fun… to see us supporting Indonesia and the traditional people over there by dropping rice in the Blackhawks was amazing. [And] in Afghanistan, giving lollies out to the young children and seeing their faces light up,” Kelly says.

“The exchange of small things that we see is very large in other people's eyes.”

Kelly says serving in the Defence Force has been an honour and more than a career.

“It doesn't just give you a career, it gives you a life, and it gives you a mateship forever,” Kelly says. 

“I am always in contact with my mates, whether it be from 1996 or mates I've only just met in the Air Force recently. But I know that the mateship will always be there.” 

Kelly Hammant holds an Aboriginal hunting stick called a waddy, nulla-nulla or boondi during former AFL player Rhan Hooper's visit to RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland in 2023. Photo credit: Department of Defence.

Joining the Defence culture 

From the moment you put on the uniform, Kelly says, you’re joining the culture of Defence. And once you’ve joined, you’ll always be part of it. 

“Whether they're still serving in the Defence Force or whether they're now civilians, veterans will always help one another out, they'll always help the community out,” Kelly says.  

“And they never ask for anything in return. That's what the culture is all about – teamwork.” 

It’s this same culture that draws Kelly to her local RSL Sub Branch. Not long after enlisting, Kelly was asked if she’d like to become a member of Redlands RSL Sub Branch, and she didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes’. 

“I joined because I wanted to be part of an organisation that honoured the service and sacrifice of veterans while providing friendship, support and a place to stay connected with the wider veteran community,” Kelly says.

Kelly Hammant was part of the catafalque party at Redlands RSL Sub Branch’s ANZAC Day service in 2025.

RSL Queensland membership connects veterans, current serving personnel, families and supporters to a strong community built on purpose and mateship, where they can access local support, advice, camaraderie and face-to-face connection through their local Sub Branch. 

“I didn't know very much at the time about being a member because I had only just joined the Army. But I'm so glad I joined because it will always give me that connection to Defence,” Kelly says. 

“The Defence Force has a different language to the everyday Australian, and sometimes it's really difficult to talk about what you want to talk about with a civilian who hasn't served the country.  

“So, the RSL is a fabulous place for young and old to come in and just feel relaxed, talk the talk and have those war stories that everyone loves to share.” 

As well as connection and support, Sub Branch membership offers meaningful ways to participate in life outside of Defence, including commemoration, volunteering, fundraising, staying informed and contributing to the future of RSL Queensland. 

Joining also strengthens the veteran community and helps RSL Queensland better support, advocate for, and serve veterans and their families. 

“It means that veterans have someone to rely on. They have that support for the rest of their lives,” Kelly says.

Kelly Hammant with student Lishainah Ulugia.

Relying on the RSL during transition 

Having been a member of RSL Queensland for almost 30 years now, Kelly says it has meant so much to her, as it does to other veterans.  

“Being a member means that I still have a connection to Defence when I transition out. I can take my family to a safe place and talk about everyday things or talk about my experiences in the Defence Force,” Kelly says. 

Preparing to leave after 30 years of service, Kelly says she knows the RSL will be a big support throughout the transition. 

“I rely on the RSL whilst in uniform, and I am going to rely on the RSL for support when I get out of the military, because it's very difficult for veterans to transition,” Kelly says. 

“It's emotional and I'm not even out yet. So, the RSL is going to be my best friend for at least the first 12 months of my transition. And I know that they're going to be welcoming.”

Connect with a community at your RSL Sub Branch 

To anyone considering becoming a member of an RSL Sub Branch, whether still serving or having already transitioned out, Kelly says: “Go for it!” 

“It's a welcoming place. Veterans don't walk this life alone; once you’re out of the uniform, it's not the end for you. You always have support.” 

“You will always have a community, and you'll always have friendships at any RSL.”

Kelly Hammant with Aunty Lorraine Hatton OAM and WO1 Martin Davies at the unveiling of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Memorial in Brisbane's Anzac Square in 2022; and Kelly Hammant addresses students before they tackle the over water obstacle course at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera in 2021. Photo credit: Department of Defence.