When golf is more than a game

For many veterans, one of the biggest challenges of leaving the military is losing the camaraderie and support network. Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch is helping combat this challenge through community events like its ADF Golf Day.

Now in its fourth year, the annual event brings together current serving Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans, spouses and families from across South East Queensland for a day of connection, conversation and community.

More than a day on the course

The day out on the green has become a valuable opportunity for veterans who may otherwise find themselves socially isolated, says Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch advocate, Francis "Blue" Reidy OAM.

"A lot of veterans [in our region] are somewhat isolated. They live in their own little pockets of community, and this is a great opportunity to spend time together, network and go away with new friendships that didn't exist before."

Having served 40 years in the Australian Army before retiring, Blue understands firsthand how difficult the transition to civilian life can be.

"Going into civilian life is a shock, especially when you've been in Defence for so many years," he said.

"Transitioning out is hard, and it's also hard for families. This community has enabled me to transition back into civilian life and actually do it with some ease.

Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch advocate Francis “Blue” Reidy OAM (left) and Sub Branch President John Robinson OAM at the Kilcoy ADF Golf Day

Connecting generations of service

The success of the ADF Golf Day lies in its ability to attract people from all stages of the military journey. Serving members travel from bases including HMAS Moreton and RAAF Amberley, while veterans who join range from those who have recently transitioned out of the Defence Force to Vietnam veterans.

For Blue, these cross-generational connections are invaluable.

"I think it's a great opportunity for younger veterans to be mentored by older veterans," he says.

"At the same time, it keeps the older generation engaged with what's happening in Defence now. It makes them feel they're still part of the team and gives them the chance to offer a few words of wisdom about surviving [the challenges of] Defence life."

With the event taking over the local golf club, Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch President John Robinson OAM says the golf day perfectly reflects the welcoming and community-minded spirit of the rural town.

"They're coming together and enjoying each other's company. It’s a really great day."

Veterans and families connecting at the Kilcoy ADF Golf Day

The families behind the uniform

While the connection between current and ex-serving is important, the event also recognises the important role families play in military service.

Blue is quick to acknowledge that his own Army career would not have been possible without the support of his wife.

"When I was in service, I did 40 years, and that's only because my wife was there 100% supporting me," he explains.

That family focus is reflected throughout the work of the Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch, which not only engages with veterans, but the wider community as well.

From advocacy and wellbeing services to volunteer transport for oncology patients and supporting bereaved families, the Sub Branch has become a hub for people who need support.

A community that gives back

That support extends beyond Sub Branch members, with the wider Kilcoy community playing an important role in standing behind veterans and their families. From supporting local events to helping preserve military history, the community continues to honour those who have served and keep their stories alive.

Funds raised through the ADF Golf Day will help maintain the new memorial just outside town and support the development of a new Walk of Honour. Together, these projects will create lasting tributes to local servicemen and women, while giving future generations a place to reflect on their service and sacrifice.

For John, projects like these demonstrate the strong connection between the town and its veteran community.

"People here genuinely care about our veterans and their families," he says. "Whether it's supporting events, helping raise funds or contributing to projects that honour service, the community really gets behind us."

Those efforts ensure the stories of local veterans continue to be remembered, while also creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect with and better understand the military community.

Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch

A place to belong again

The Kilcoy ADF Golf Day also provides an opportunity to introduce veterans and their families to the services available through the Sub Branch.

"It's an education opportunity for us, as a Sub Branch, to showcase all the different ways we can offer support. If people understand the support that's available, they know they can come to us if they fall on hard times.”

John says that sense of belonging is ultimately what makes RSL Queensland Sub Branches and community events so important.

As President, he has seen many veterans transform from disconnected and isolated, to active   members of the Sub Branch family.

"It's the satisfaction of seeing a veteran walk through the door, being quite withdrawn, and then after a while becoming part of our close-knit Sub Branch," he says.

In a world where many veterans can feel detached from the people who understand their experiences, Sub Branches and events like the Kilcoy ADF Golf Day provide something simple but powerful: a chance to reconnect.

Whether it's through a round of golf, a shared story, or a conversation over lunch, those connections help strengthen the veteran community, support successful transition from service, and remind veterans and their families that they are never alone.