Rec Connect
Get active, get creative and get connected. Discover free recreational events for veterans and their families – held throughout the state, throughout the year.
Meet, move, make for a more connected life
RSL Rec Connect helps veterans and their families connect through a diverse calendar of recreational events.
Be it active, creative, outdoors or indoors, each Rec Connect event is designed to help participants feel happier and more connected with others.
Rec Connect events are held throughout the year, in various locations across Queensland. There’s something to suit all interests and fitness levels, and it’s a great chance to meet other veterans and their families.
I’m so grateful that I have finally found something I love to do and such a wonderful community. I encourage veterans to get out of their comfort zone and try something new. You never know where or who it might lead you to.
- Sharon,
Veteran
I really enjoy the diversity of activities on offer, the conversations, and the happiness it creates for my dad. Rec Connect gives all of us a relaxed, enjoyable way to socialise and try new activities that we mightn’t otherwise try.
- Melissa,
Daughter of veteran
Upcoming Rec Connect events
If no events are currently scheduled, email partnerships@rslqld.org to register your interest for future events.
Friday, 29 August 2025 | 8.45am - 12.00pm and 12.45 - 4.00pm
Rec Connect – Sandblasting workshop
ipswich
RSL Rec Connect helps veterans and their families connect through a diverse calendar of recreational events. RSL Rec Connect events are held throughout the year in various locations across Queensland. Veterans and current serving Defence members, and their partners and children over 18 years of age are welcome.
Learn the basics of Sandblasting in this highly rated workshop and create your own piece to take home.
During this workshop, you will see demonstrations from glass artisans and learn how to stencil, mask and sandblast a permanent design onto a glass. This workshop requires no previous experience and is a great opportunity to learn something new with other like-minded people.
Requirements
- This activity is open to ADF Veterans, current serving Defence members, their partners and children (must be aged over 18 years old)
- All attendees must wear enclosed shoes and bring a water bottle.
Please note that prior to the event, you will be required to complete an RSL QLD waiver which will be emailed to you after registration. All attendees will be unable to participate without completing the waiver.
Location: Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, North St, North Ipswich QLD 4305
Cost: Free
If you have any questions about this event, please contact partnerships@rslqld.org
If the event is full, please click register to join the waitlist. Waitlist members are often contacted to take last minute tickets
Friday, 12 September 2025 | 9:45am - 1:00pm
Rec Connect - Clay Workshop
millbank
RSL Rec Connect helps veterans and their families connect through a diverse calendar of recreational events. RSL Rec Connect events are held throughout the year in various locations across Queensland. Veterans and current serving Defence members, and their partners and children over 8 years old are welcome to this event.
Learn the basics of Hand-building Clay in this highly rated workshop and create your own piece to take home.
Join us for a relaxed and creative hand-building clay workshop! No experience needed—just come ready to get your hands dirty and enjoy a fun time together! You will finish the day with your very own pieces created by your hands! This workshop is a great opportunity to learn something new with other like-minded people. Lunch will be supplied.
Requirements
- This activity is open to ADF Veterans, current serving Defence members, their partners and children (must be aged over 8 years old)
- All attendees must wear enclosed shoes - aprons will be provided.
What to bring
- Enclosed Shoes.
- Aprons will be provided.
Please note that prior to the event, you will be required to complete an RSL QLD waiver. All attendees will be unable to participate without completing the waiver.
Location: Veterans Service Centre, 71 Takalvan St, Millbank QLD 4670, Australia
Cost: Free
If you have any questions about this event, please contact partnerships@rslqld.org
If the event is full, please click register to join the waitlist. Waitlist members are often contacted to take last minute tickets
Thursday, 18 September 2025 - 19 September 2025 | Time: see event details
Rec Connect – BBQ Class (Cairns Region)
manunda
RSL Rec Connect helps veterans and their families connect through a diverse calendar of recreational events. RSL Rec Connect events are held throughout the year in various locations across Queensland. ADF veterans, current serving Defence members, and partners are welcome to this event.
In this class, the FNQ BBQ & Outdoors team demonstrate how to create delicious and exciting dishes on various Weber BBQs. This event hosts two sessions, please register for one session only.
Event highlights
- Learn tips and tricks you can use at home, including take home recipes
- Sample BBQ rubs and sauces
- Feast on all items cooked in the class
- Small group size allows for lots of BBQ banter with other Defence community members
- Alcohol free event, non-alcoholic drinks provided.
Requirements
- This activity is open to ADF Veterans, current serving Defence members and partners.
- All attendees must wear enclosed shoes.
Location: 23 Anderson St, Manunda, QLD, 4870
Time: Friday 19th September: 5:00pm-7:30pm | Saturday 20th September: 3:00pm-5:30pm
Cost: Free
Please note that prior to the event, you will be required to complete an RSL QLD waiver. All attendees will be unable to participate without completing the waiver.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact partnerships@rslqld.org
If the event has sold out, please click register to join the waitlist.
Stay up-to-date with the latest veteran stories
2025 Rec Connect events announced
From camel tours to sandblasting, this year’s RSL Rec Connect events are not to be missed! Check out what’s on.
Sailing towards a new horizon
After an accident left Air Force veteran Sharon Dalton as a wheelchair-user, she found an unexpected new passion: sailing.
Celebrating an Invictus champion
Invictus Games gold medallist Adam Jackson is pushing his limits and inspiring others through his achievements in adaptive sports.
Veterans forge connections while trying their hand at blacksmithing
Ipswich-based veterans and their families recently got the chance to try the age-old technique of blacksmithing at a series of free workshops delivered by RSL Queensland.
