STILL SERVING
contributed by Peter Thomas
When a small band of volunteers gathered to form the Torquay and District Ex-Servicemen’s Club in Torquay in 1947, little did they dream their work looking after mates and their families would be continuing today (2019).
By the end of the 20th Century, membership of the ‘Heroes’ as it was known locally, had reduced to a small older group of volunteers unable to continue managing the Club and the services it offered to the local community.
Horrified at the thought of the Ex-Servicemen’s Club collapsing, another younger group of Vietnam Veterans and WW2 veterans was conscripted to ensure the ’Heroes‘ survived as a volunteer body still looking after ‘mates’ and their families.
Unfortunately, the aging home of the Ex-Servicemen’s Club, was unable to be revamped and modernised because of various Local Government By-Laws. This led to its sale and long-term planning for a modern, custom-designed building for the newly formed Torquay RSL Sub-Branch which received its charter in 2002.
Unfortunately, the aging home of the Ex-Servicemen’s Club, was unable to be revamped and modernised because of various Local Government By-Laws. This led to its sale and long-term planning for a modern, custom-designed building for the newly formed Torquay RSL Sub-Branch which received its charter in 2002.
Torquay RSL Sub-Branch original building in Beales Street, Torquay
The new RSL Sub-Branch became part of what was probably Australia’s first national welfare agency in Australia, with welfare work remaining the RSL’s prime function today.
But how did this Australia-wide organisation come into being and how long ago?
In June 1916, troops returning from WWI formed the RSL with the purpose of preserving the spirit of mateship formed amidst the carnage and horror of battle, to honour the memory of the fallen, and to help each other whenever required.
The underlying philosophy of the League is mateship, and this is as true now as it was in 1916.
In 1916, there was no formal government welfare service for veterans, and the RSL committed itself to provide for the sick, wounded and needy among those that had served, including their dependents.
The RSL was instrumental in creating a Commonwealth repatriation system; service, disability and war widows’ pensions; various employment and retraining programs (and for many years operated its own employment bureau); child health programs; and vocational guidance services.
The RSL’s mission today remains to ensure that programs are in place for the well-being, care, compensation and commemoration of serving and ex-service Defence Force members and their dependents; and to promote Government and community awareness of the need for a secure, stable and progressive Australia.
It is said that Torquay RSL went a bridge too far when it established its modern two-storey building in Walker Street in the mid-2000s. Upon advice from Victorian RSL Headquarters, when it was announced electronic gaming machines could no longer be considered as an income earner for welfare uses, the Sub-Branch closed the doors and sold most of its assets to clear an adverse financial situation.
It is said that Torquay RSL went a bridge too far when it established its modern two-storey building in Walker Street in the mid-2000s. Upon advice from Victorian RSL Headquarters, when it was announced electronic gaming machines could no longer be considered as an income earner for welfare uses, the Sub-Branch closed the doors and sold most of its assets to clear an adverse financial situation.
Torquay RSL started afresh as a tenant of the Torquay Bowls Club with one of the most spectacular views on the coast. Membership is building and presently stands at 120 and still growing as Torquay’s population grows.
To ensure continuity of Torquay’s RSL and its welfare program, its voluntary committee and volunteer welfare officers now interact with younger veterans and current serving Defence personnel to guarantee that their social, health and well-being needs, and those of their dependents, are met into the future.
Everything the Torquay RSL does is dependent upon its willing volunteers who not only look after the wellbeing of its members but also manage the major commemorative anniversaries recognised in Torquay each year.
Once again, volunteers come to the fore, planning, managing, and presenting excellent, crowd gathering commemorative activities especially at Point Danger, Torquay.
The Sub-Branch stages one of the biggest Anzac Day Dawn Services in Australia with close on 20,000 attendees turning out for the service in 2015.
This year (2019), 10,000 men, women and children, serving and ex-serving veterans, war widows and other community service organisations experienced another magnificent ANZAC Day Dawn Service, March and Gunfire Breakfast.
Success of the Dawn Service is a credit to the spirit and generosity of the community and businesses of Torquay and district.
Remembrance Day commemorations at Point Danger on 11 November continue to attract a growing number of attendees each year.
RSL volunteers present ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemoration services at Aged Care facilities in the region for those unable to attend the outdoor services on the day.
However, without these activities being driven by dedicated volunteers they would possibly wither and die.
But, no matter what changes occur to Torquay RSL’s operations, the main focus of the Torquay RSL will continue to be the welfare of Australia’s veterans and their dependants.
As has happened since 1916, when older volunteers fade away, younger ones step up to fill their roles, ensuring Torquay RSL’s welfare services will be available until they are no longer needed.
