Author // Georgina Auton, Place Graceville
The Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL Sub Branch opened their doors in 1919 and the Sherwood Services Club across the road turned 50 last year.
With Remembrance Day just around the corner, we decided to find out why it is so important that we commemorate it within our local communities.
Many people refer to the Clubs as an RSL, but they’re separate entities.
Sub-Branches
Members and their families visit the sub-branch regularly, but the Sherwood-Indooroopilly Sub-Branch also has drop-ins every Wednesday from 9am to 1pm.
Veterans and members, their families, friends and carers are invited to socialise, stop by for morning tea and even learn computer skills.
The sub branches provide invaluable locations for socialising and useful information and assistance to veterans and their families settling back into everyday life after service.
Kevin Alcock, former President of the Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL Sub Branch says the challenge is encouraging younger veterans to seek assistance and to attend their local sub-branch.
He says they would also encourage more women to join.
Current President of the Sub Branch Glenn Moyston shows us around during a Wednesday drop-in session.
He speaks about the memorabilia they hold, and points out devices he used during his time serving in the Vietnam War.
It’s insightful to be able to learn from and hear the stories of veterans who were part of the wars many of us have only learnt about in history class.
Not only do the sub branches provide an environment to share their experiences with each other, but veterans also also able to share their stories to the wider community through important commemorative events.
Clubs
The Clubs, meanwhile, were initially designed as a place for veterans to socialise and a way of funding the sub branches, but have since developed into organisations which assist greatly within the local community and are great places for locals to go for a meal.
We spoke to Matt Conway, President of the Sherwood Services Club and former President of the Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL Sub Branch, who says that both organisations do amazing work within their locals communities to not only assist veterans, but also encourage youth to learn more and participate in remembrance ceremonies like Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day.
Both Matt Conway and Kevin Alcock spoke to us about the importance of Remembrance Day and their organisations within the community.
Both said it’s always good to get the schools involved and teach students about the past through services held in the days leading up to Remembrance Day.