Maryborough RSL Sub-Branch

08/10/2026

REMINDER - Sunday 11 October - the Maryborough RSL Sub-Branch would like to invite all veterans and their families to attend a morning tea at the Services and Citizens club on Sunday, 11th of October to watch the televised Ceremony from the Australian War Memorial.

From 2001, more than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan and the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) in relation to Afghanistan. In response to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, Australian forces contributed to a multinational attempt to bring security to Afghanistan, stabilise the wider region, and defeat terrorist activity. For more than two decades, Australians contributed reconstruction efforts focused on creating safe conditions for democratic governance, mentoring and training, and humanitarian aid.
Australians served our country with courage, professionalism, commitment and integrity. We remember the Australians who lost their lives during, or as a result of, their service and acknowledge the physical and mental impacts that service has had on many of our veterans and their families.

The Maryborough RSL Sub-Branch would like to invite all veterans and their families to attend a morning tea at the Services and Citizens club on Sunday, 11th of October to watch the televised Ceremony from the Australian War Memorial.
• 10:00am – Pre-service televised program commences
• 10:30am – Official televised service commences
• 11:30am - Official televised service concludes

29/09/2026

🎬 The Forgotten Horses of Fraser (K’gari)

Step back into the First World War era with this moving 30-minute fictional film, narrated through the eyes of a horse. After surviving a shipwreck off Sandy Cape, a mare and her c**t journey from K’gari’s bushland and beaches to Egypt, where they serve alongside the Australian Light Horse.

A heartfelt tribute to the horses and people who left Australia’s shores to serve.
This locally made short film is being shown at three locations:
• Saturday 24th October – 12pm @ Bigscreen Cinemas, Hervey Bay
• Tuesday 27th October – 1pm @ Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
• Saturday 7th November – 10.30am @ Boat Club, Hervey Bay
For more information and to book tickets please visit https://brolgat.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/169630

Written by Violet Whitaker | Produced by Fisch Rasy | Directed by Violet Whitaker, John Dines & Sabrina Dervis

’gari

28/09/2026

Expression of Interest:
Proposed Sub Branch Shirt

We are seeking expressions of interest in a proposed Sub Branch shirt for Sub Branch members and people in the wider community who would like to show their support.
The Sub Branch will invite local school students to submit shirt designs. The designs will then be presented to Sub Branch members to vote on.
Interested? Please register your interest before COB 29th October by responding to this post or phoning the office on (07) 4333 1208.
Please note: Registering your interest does not commit you to purchasing a shirt. Further details will be provided if there is sufficient interest to proceed.

25/09/2026

It is with sympathy that the Sub Branch wishes to advise of the passing of our member Mr Graeme Joblin. The celebration of life service will be held Monday 28th September, 10.30am in the Memorial Garden, Services Club Maryborough.

24/09/2026

President Chris is down at the markets today with merchandise and raffle tickets for sale - 1 for $2 or 3 for $5.
1st prize - Vietnam Digger Figurine
2nd prize - Sands of Gallipoli with medallion
3rd prize - Hummer model bricks

11/09/2026

From 2001, more than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan and the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) in relation to Afghanistan. In response to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, Australian forces contributed to a multinational attempt to bring security to Afghanistan, stabilise the wider region, and defeat terrorist activity. For more than two decades, Australians contributed reconstruction efforts focused on creating safe conditions for democratic governance, mentoring and training, and humanitarian aid.
Australians served our country with courage, professionalism, commitment and integrity. We remember the Australians who lost their lives during, or as a result of, their service and acknowledge the physical and mental impacts that service has had on many of our veterans and their families.

The Maryborough RSL Sub-Branch would like to invite all veterans and their families to attend a morning tea at the Services and Citizens club on Sunday, 11th of October to watch the televised Ceremony from the Australian War Memorial.
• 10:00am – Pre-service televised program commences
• 10:30am – Official televised service commences
• 11:30am - Official televised service concludes

03/09/2026

Recognising the crucial role of the Merchant Navy
3 September 2026

Each year on 3 September, we commemorate Merchant Navy Day. This day marks the anniversary of the sinking of the first Allied merchant ship during the Second World War. Merchant Navy Day is a day to reflect on the important role of Australia’s merchant mariners in times of war.

Australia’s merchant mariners (also commonly known as merchant seamen) sailed under the Australian Red Ensign. This flag was affectionately called the ‘Red Duster’. It is a version of the Australian national flag that was first flown 125 years ago on 3 September 1901. Australia’s Red Ensign has a red background instead of the usual blue background. It was first introduced in February 1903.

In times of war, the Merchant Navy provided an invaluable lifeline to Allied countries, including Australia. They gave vital support to the armed forces through the transport of personnel, supplies, equipment and am******on, and provided care for the wounded and sick. Although the majority of merchant mariners were men, some women and teenaged boys also served in wartime merchant ships. They sailed through turbulent waters across the globe. They carried out their duties in diverse areas, from the Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Circle to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They endured the extremes of nature and the weather, including sleet and snow in winter or the unending heat of the tropics.

Their ships were often unarmed, relying on escorting warships and aircraft to defend them against attacks by enemy submarines, warships and aircraft. Despite the constant threat of attacks and sea mines, members of the Merchant Navy worked tirelessly to supply both the home front and the battlefront.

Approximately 20,000 Allied merchant mariners lost their lives in the First World War and more than 45,000 in the Second World War. The Australian Merchant Seamen's Memorial at the Australian War Memorial records the names of 182 Australian merchant mariners known to have died during the First World War and a further 386 during the Second World War. The total number of Australians who served or lost their lives is unknown, as many served aboard other Allied merchant vessels.

Today, we recognise those merchant mariners who served aboard troopships, hospital ships, and cargo ships. Australia’s merchant mariners played a vital role in nearly every major conflict of the twentieth century, including the two world wars, Korean War, Malayan Emergency, and Vietnam War. Their actions are a reminder that service comes in many forms.

We remember their vital contributions to the war efforts, acknowledge the risks they took, and the crucial role they played. We remain grateful for their service and sacrifices, both in times of war and peace.

Lest we forget.

For more information, please visit https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/commemoration/days/merchant-navy-day

Sourced from https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-stories/recognising-the-crucial-role-of-the-merchant-navy-0

02/09/2026

On Tuesday 1st September, in conjunction with Wide Bay Burnett District office, we were pleased to host the Life Members Luncheon at the Maryborough Services & Citizens Club. The luncheon was to say thank you to those members who have supported and served our veterans over many years of volunteering, whether it be as Directors on their Sub Branch Board or as members of individual Sub Branch Women's or Citizen's Auxilliaries. Maryborough RSL Sub Branch President Chris Nelson & Wide Bay Burnett District Deputy President Graeme Davis presented our life members with certificates of thanks, statements of volunteer service & a small momento in the form of an individual keyring to the 8 life members present. The RSL could not do the work they do without the generous and dedicated support of the many volunteers who step-up everyday in a myriad of ways. We would also like to thank Krystel, Chris & the wonderful staff at the Services Club - Maryborough for going the extra mile & keeping our life members all fed & hydrated with scrumptious meals & plenty of refreshments.

02/09/2026

It was pleasing to see that the first stage in the cleaning process of the cenotaph has started. This is a 2 step process due to the marble needing specialised cleaning products and tools to protect the stone itself. Huge thank you to FCRC for helping protect & preserve our Cenotaph. The entire process should be finished in time for Remembrance Day on 11th November. Lest we forget.

26/08/2026

Vietnam Veterans’ Day

On Tuesday 18 August 2026 we gathered as a community to honour all Vietnam Veterans. It was a poignant service that was well attended. Despite the rain, it was heartening to see so many people take the time to honour the service and sacrifice of those who served during the Vietnam War. We were very fortunate to have Vietnam veteran, Des, as the guest speaker who spoke of his time at The Battle of Long Tan.

Lest We Forget.