RSL Queensland

It’s Father’s Day, and we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all the dads who have served or continue to serve our nation, often while being away from their families.

To all the amazing dads, grandfathers and father figures in our community, your dedication and sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do.

📷 Defence Australia

Today, on Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day, we remember and honour the service and sacrifice of Australian military personnel who served during the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation. These conflicts, spanning from 1948 to 1966, were pivotal moments in our history, with 62 Australians giving their lives in defense of freedom and peace in Southeast Asia.

Today’s date coincides with Merdeka Day (Freedom Day), marking the Federation of Malaya's independence from the United Kingdom in 1957. It is a time to reflect on the bravery and dedication of those who served, often in harsh and dangerous conditions, to protect our values and support our allies.

“We acknowledge and reflect on the many Australians who lost their lives in both missions and honour the bravery of all who served.” - RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM.

Lest we forget.

📸 Australian War Memorial | Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment wave to local children in Northern Malaya, 1959

When Air Force veteran Jamie McLellan found out there were veterans experiencing homelessness in his neighbourhood last year, he knew something needed to be done.

Jamie is President of the Springwood Tri-Service RSL Sub-Branch, and with the help of other Sub Branch members, and community organisations, he developed the Sub Branch’s Homeless Veterans’ Program. The program offers support and assistance to local veterans who have fallen on hard times.

Find out more https://rslqld.social/4d0Mtkt.

Springwood Tri Services Sub Branch Support Homeless Veterans | Latest News | RSL Queensland When Air Force veteran James “Jamie” McLellan received a phone call about some local veterans who were experiencing homelessness in the area last year, he knew that something needed to be done.

Today we remember Lance Corporal Stjepan Milosevic, Sapper James Martin and Private Robert Poate from the 3 RAR Task Group who were killed and two of their comrades who were wounded in an insider attack at Patrol Base Wahab in Afghanistan on 29 August 2012.

Lest we forget.

📸 Defence Australia | Army members lay a wreath to honour those lost in the attack at a memorial service at Gallipoli Barracks.

The RSL Goondiwindi Sub Branch recently celebrated 105 years of supporting veterans 🎊

Reflecting on this milestone, Sub Branch President Bill Brassington said members were proud of their successes and looking towards the future.

“I’ve been President of the Sub Branch for four years now and I just admire the camaraderie we have within our membership and our small town. This anniversary represents a special milestone, and we hope the Sub Branch sees another 100 years supporting the community.”

Read more at https://rslqld.social/3yIpf4w.

RSL Queensland | Goondiwindi For over a century, Goondiwindi RSL Sub Branch has been supporting and providing services to their local veterans.

Funded by RSL Queensland and facilitated by our partner organisations, RSL Peer-Led Programs (formerly Wellness Programs) offer mental health and wellbeing support for veterans and their families. From holistic health and emotional healing to active experiences and family connection, RSL Peer-Led Programs give veterans and their families the opportunity to learn, grow, heal and bond with others who’ve walked the same path.

If you or someone you know would like to participate in these programs, visit https://rslqld.social/peer-led-programs.

For veterans looking for hope and healing, REBOOT Recovery is a three-day program providing practical long-term solutions for managing the spiritual trauma of combat. This program is delivered face-to-face and online by PTSD Resurrected and is designed to enable veterans and their families to thrive.

There are two online programs remaining in 2024 - secure your tickets for 26 August and 23 October now at https://rslqld.social/4fZPOTx.

PTSD Resurrected | Find Help | RSL Queensland For veterans looking for hope and healing, REBOOT Recovery delivered by PTSD Resurrected is a three-day program providing practical long-term solutions for dealing with the internal values conflict and spiritual trauma of combat. Find out more here.

Join us and Mates4Mates at the “It’s ok to laugh” Laughter Clinic and HALE Workshop, a mental health presentation tailored for Defence personnel and their families. The presentation will include an ‘Introduction to Humour and Laughter Education (HALE)' workshop. HALE is aimed at reducing baseline levels of stress, anxiety and depression by promoting positivity and building resilience.

Current and ex-serving Defence members and their families are encouraged to attend this event, which will be held in person at the Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre Brisbane. Limited numbers are available so make sure to secure your spot today at https://rslqld.social/3yQ0piY.

📍 Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre Brisbane - Level 1, 274 Stafford Road, Stafford, Brisbane

📅 Thursday 29 August, 11:00am – 1:30pm

Applications for the 2025 Premier’s Anzac Prize are closing soon! Apply today at https://rslqld.social/4dpEY7K.

🌟 Incredible opportunity for secondary students 🌟

The Premier’s Anzac Prize offers Queensland secondary students (and teacher chaperones) a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the Anzac legacy through research, workshops and visits to significant memorial sites in the UK and on the Western Front (France and Belgium).

This engaging program is designed to deepen understanding of the Anzac spirit and its modern relevance.

Applications are closing soon for the 2025 Prize. Don't miss out on this enriching journey!

🔗 Discover this year's program, hear from previous recipients and download the application at the link in comments. 🌍✈️

The RSL Queensland Employment Program team is inviting Defence and veteran partners to attend an information session at the Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre in Brisbane. This in-person session will cover key skills and practical advice for navigating the civilian job market, and attendees will be connected with an Employment Consultant to assist them with their job search moving forward.

Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) will also provide an overview of employment support available to the partners of current-serving ADF members through the Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP).

While this workshop is targeted at the specific experiences of Defence partners, veterans are also welcome to attend.

📅 Tuesday 27 August, 10AM- 12PM

📍 Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre - Level 1, 274 Stafford Road, Stafford, Brisbane

Book your spot at the session today https://rslqld.social/3AweEtZ.

Yesterday saw communities across the nation pause in recognition of Vietnam Veterans’ Day. These moments were captured at commemorative services held by the Canungra RSL Sub Branch Inc, Oakey RSL Sub Branch, and the Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia (Qld Branch).

Thank you to everyone who paid tribute to Australia's Vietnam veterans.

“Vietnam Veterans’ Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War, and acknowledge their ongoing legacy and contribution to the community we know today.” - RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM.

RSL Queensland is calling on all Queenslanders to honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s Vietnam veterans today.

Read more at https://rslqld.social/3M9YOro.

Recognising the legacy of Vietnam Veterans - President Message | Latest News | RSL Queensland Vietnam Veterans’ Day – is an opportunity to pay tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War, and acknowledge their ongoing legacy and contribution to the community we know today. A message from RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM

Veteran Dave Day will remember Australians who served in Vietnam at the recently relocated Canungra Vietnam War Memorial on 18 August. This will be the first commemoration hosted at the memorial’s new location after it was moved to be more accessible to the public.

Dave served as a national serviceman in the Australian Defence Force and was deployed to Vietnam in 1967. He found it difficult to readjust to civilian life after returning from the war but found solace in the veteran community. Dave is now President of the Canungra RSL Sub Branch Inc, and is calling on his local community to honour Vietnam Veterans' Day.

Find out more about the Canungra Vietnam War commemorative service https://rslqld.social/3YQePu3.

Canungra veteran calls on community this Vietnam Veterans Day | Latest News | RSL Queensland Dave Day is calling on the community to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day at the first service of the recently relocated Canungra Vietnam War Memorial.

Ahead of Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Des Kearton has recorded an oral history of his time in service with the State Library of Queensland. Des deployed to Vietnam as a vehicle mechanic with the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and was involved in the Battle of Coral Balmoral. After discharging from the Army, he joined the Nambour RSL Sub branch and worked to support other veterans.

Learn more about Des ⬇️

Vietnam Veterans' Day is commemorated on 18 August each year to honour all Australians who served in the Vietnam War. A recent addition to our collection is a recorded oral history of Desmond Kearton, an army vehicle mechanic with the 1st Independent Armoured Squadron Workshop, Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Enlisting at the age of 18, Des was involved in the Battle of Coral and Balmoral, tasked with fixing Centurion tanks without protective helmets or flak jackets. After his discharge from the Army in 1986, Des worked with Nambour RSL to assist and support other veterans. In the oral history, Des discusses his service as well as the impact of post-war reparations for Vietnam veterans and its impact, including events such as the Australian Welcome Home reunion in Sydney in 1987.

You can watch a short 9 minute digital story - https://ow.ly/xipb50SWpN1
Or the full 1 hour 11 minute oral history - https://ow.ly/SKF150SWpN2

Desmond Kearton was also featured by RSL Queensland for Vietnam Veterans' Day - https://ow.ly/UGE650SWpN3

"Fellow citizens, the war is over."

On the morning of 15 August 1945, then-Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley announced to the nation the surrender of the Empire of Japan and the end of the Second World War. Chifley went on to say, "Let us remember those whose lives were given that we may enjoy this glorious moment and may look forward to a peace which they have won for us. Let us remember those whose thoughts, with proud sorrow, turn towards gallant, loved ones who will not come back."

Acting Queensland Premier Ned Hanlon announced that "peace celebration holidays" would commence immediately. The next day, 60,000 Queenslanders cheered on the 9,000+ service members who marched through the streets of Brisbane.

On this, the 79th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, may we remember all those who served.

RSL Sub Branches will be holding commemorative events today in Moorooka, Chermside, Caloundra, Murgon, and Hervey Bay. If you're in these areas and would like to attend, visit our website for details https://rslqld.social/3X5mm7c

📸 State Library of Queensland | A victory parade through the streets of Brisbane.

On Sunday 18 August, Australia will pause to honour those who served in the Vietnam War. More than 60,000 Australians deployed to Vietnam from 1962 to 1973, with some returning for humanitarian operations in 1975. Sadly, 523 Australians were killed in the conflict.

RSL Queensland Sub Branches across the state will hold commemorative services in memory of Australia’s Vietnam veterans. To find your local Vietnam Veterans’ Day service, visit https://rslqld.social/45tLl5u.

“The best way to overcome troubles from your service is to talk about them and surround yourself with a community that understands and supports you.”

Vietnam veteran Brian “Weary” Dunlop is encouraging his local community to take part in Vietnam Veterans’ Day on 18 August. Weary volunteered for national service and joined 5RAR in 1967 at 20 years old. He was deployed to Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.

Now a member of the RSL Proserpine Sub Branch, Weary wants to ensure younger veterans feel comfortable reaching out and connecting.

Read more https://rslqld.social/4dj3J59.

📷 Australian War Memorial | Weary having a shave after a night of patrolling the jungle in Phuoc Tuy Province in 1969.

Proserpine Veteran recognises Vietnam Veteran’s Day | Latest News | RSL Queensland Army and Vietnam veteran Brian Dunlop is encouraging his local community to recognise and support all veterans this Vietnam Veterans’ Day. Find out more.

On 18 August 1966, the Battle of Long Tan was fought – one of the most significant conflicts for Australian service personnel in the Vietnam War. The anniversary of the battle marks Vietnam Veterans’ Day, when all Australians who served in Vietnam are honoured for the sacrifices they made.

Learn more about the history of the Vietnam War and how it shaped Australia’s identity https://rslqld.social/47eYNvJ.

📸 Australian War Memorial | The memorial dedication service held on the site of the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1969 by members of 6RAR/NZ.

Captured by Japanese forces at the age of 15, Robert Bruce Rolls was the youngest Australian survivor of the Changi prisoner of war camp. More than 80 years later, Japan welcomed his grandson Trent Beilken in a gesture of reconciliation.

Trent served 18 years in the Australian Defence Force. He visited Japan as part of the Japan-Australia Grassroots Exchange Program, which offers descendants of former Australian POWs a path towards healing and understanding. During his trip, Trent met Teruko Yahata, a survivor of the atomic bomb that devastated Hiroshima 79 years ago today.

Read more at https://rslqld.social/3YAIoQa.

📸 Robert Bruce Rolls, Trent’s grandfather | Trent (left) meeting atomic bomb survivor Teruko Yahata | Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial

On this day in 1962, 30 members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) arrived in Saigon. They were the first Australians to respond to a request for assistance from the former Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

The AATTV fought in several fierce battles during the war alongside South Vietnamese and United States forces. A total of 1,009 men served with the unit, and four of its members were awarded the Victoria Cross.

Today we remember the AATTV and all those who served our nation during the Vietnam War.

📸 Australian War Memorial | Members of the AATTV in Vietnam in 1972.

The Townsville community is invited to the North Queensland Army Open Day on Sunday 11 August at Riverway Precinct. This family friendly event is an opportunity for the Army to show their appreciation for Townsville’s support and will include a range of displays and activities, including:

• Fireworks 🎆
• Vehicle/helicopter displays 🚁
• Sporting activities
• Food trucks 🌭
• Beat the Retreat Parade

📅 Sunday 11 August, 12.30PM - 8PM

📍 Riverway Stadium, Sporting Dr, Thuringowa Central, Townsville, QLD

Visit https://rslqld.social/4dnKMOv to learn more.

3rd Brigade - Australian Army |

Do wellbeing your way with RSL Be:Well. Offering free and easy 20-minute online learning modules, the program can help you improve your health and wellbeing at your own pace, in your own home. It covers the latest information for veterans’ physical, mental and emotional health.

Connect today https://rslqld.social/rsl-be-well.

Veterans and their families across Queensland gathered to honour Korean Veterans’ Day on the weekend. Commemorative services were held on Saturday 27 July, the anniversary of the armistice that brought an end to the Korean War.

Thank you to everyone who paused to recognise the bravery of those who served our country in Korea.

📸 Sunshine Coast and Regional District RSL Inc. and Surfers Paradise RSL Sub Branch |

Today we remember the lives of the MRH90 aircrew: Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph 'Philip' Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs, who tragically lost their lives last year off the Whitsundays.

Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and fellow service members, one year on.

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear."

Lest We Forget.

📸 Defence Australia

Today we commemorate Korean Veterans’ Day. The Korean War began in June 1950, following the invasion of South Korea by North Korea. On 27 July 1953, an armistice was signed to end the fighting.

The origins of the conflict can be traced back to the end of World War II, when the Soviet Union took control of the north of the country, and the United States assumed control of the south.

The Korean War never gained the profile of other conflicts, and sadly became known as the 'forgotten war'. Almost 18,000 Australians served in Korea, but they returned home to little fanfare. Honouring Korean Veterans’ Day will ensure their service and sacrifice is never forgotten.

📸 Australian War Memorial |

Commemorations will be held across Australia tomorrow in honour of Korean Veterans’ Day. More than 17,000 Australians served in the Korean War between 1950 and 1953. Some 340 Australians were killed in the conflict, and 1,200 were injured. More than 40 remain missing in action.

Saturday 27 July marks 71 years since the armistice that ended the Korean War. To find out if your local RSL Sub Branch will be holding a commemorative service for Korean Veterans’ Day, please visit https://rslqld.social/kvd-events.

For the 71st anniversary of Korean Veterans’ Day, the RSL Bundaberg Sub Branch will hold a local commemorative service on Saturday 27 July, marking the day in 1953 when the armistice was signed to end fighting in Korea.

The Sub Branch counts several Korean War veterans among its members, including Barry McMullen. Barry says he’s looking forward to attending the service and reflecting on his time in Korea.

“Our commemoration is about remembrance. Remembering the people I served alongside. Whether they were at sea, land or in the sky, all of us were there – Army, Navy and Air Force.”

Read more at https://rslqld.social/3YdkIkP.

Bundaberg Sub Branch Reflects This Korean Veterans' Day | Latest News | RSL Queensland For the 71st Anniversary of Korean Veterans’ Day, Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch will hold a local commemorative service at Lions Remembrance Park on Saturday 27 July, marking the day in 1953 when the armistice was signed to end fighting in Korea.