SUB-BRANCH
The Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch is located upstairs at the RSL Club, 534 Samford Road Mitchelton (Enter via Tel-El-Kebir Street). The Welfare Section is open from 8:30am-1:30pm Monday to Friday.
The Sub-Branch offers assistance to all serving and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their families. RSL Advocates are available to assist with claims to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) upon appointment, and an Officer is on hand to assist with other welfare matters.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE
Gaythorne RSL Sub-Branch
The following history of the Gaythorne RSL Sub-Branch is based on the recollections of Norm Cox who was an original member of the Mitchelton sub-branch and a foundation member of the Gaythorne sub-branch.
The Mitchelton RSL was formed in about 1947 by a group of World War II diggers who were looking for the opportunity to get together and share a beer or two on Sunday. In those days it was a long trip from Alderley to the Samford pub, so a local watering hole was definitely needed. For some years they met most Sundays at the Mitchelton Hall, behind where the Gaythorne RSL now stands.
In about 1952 the group had grown and was looking to establish a more permanent association, build a club house and secure a liquor license.
ENOGGERA RSL
Little is known about the Enoggera RSL, but its start was probably quite similar to Mitchelton’s. A bunch of diggers looking for mateship and a few cold beers. The men met regularly at the Enoggera School of Arts in Wardell Street.
GAYTHORNE RSL
In about 1952-53 the two groups met at the Mitchelton Hall to iron out the combining of the two groups into one club with enough clout to convince the Licensing Board to give them a license. After about an hour, maybe two, of sometimes heated debate on the subject of what to call the new club, Norm Cox, half joking, raised his hand and said “ Why not meet half-way and call it the Gaythorne RSL? After all that’s half-way between Enoggera and Mitchelton.” The motion was put and quickly seconded by Allan Bailey and the vote was carried. The new club was officially the Gaythorne RSL Club.
Welfare Section
The RSL MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide care, commemoration and camaraderie to enable veterans and their families to live with dignity and respect – it is our guiding light and underpins all that we do.
WHAT CAN THE WELFARE TEAM PROVIDE?
- We can offer assistance to both serving and ex-serving members of the Defence Force, and their families.
- The Gaythorne Sub-Branch, in partnership with the Salvation Army and RSL QLD, provides assistance to homeless Veterans.
- The Welfare team are involved with the Mitchie Day Club for seniors, which meets on a Wednesday at the 7th Day Adventist Hall in Mitchelton
- The team support a nursing home in the area, lighting up the BBQ and organizing a get together for residents
- Should a volunteer be available, the RSL can conduct a Poppy Service at funerals of serving and ex-serving members upon the request of the family
WHY DO WE DO THIS?
Most of our Welfare Officers have personal experience of the impact that Service Life can have, not just on the Serving Member but also their partners and families.
“You may get the Soldier out of the Army, but you will never get the Army out of the Soldier”
Change the service and the rank but the sentiment is the same.
WHEN YOU REALLY NEED HELP
WHO ELSE WOULD YOU ASK, IF NOT YOUR MATES?
If you have a problem, if you would like some help, contact our Welfare Department to arrange a visit with our Welfare Officer.
PARKING
We have free parking available during trading hours on site.
We have extra car parking located 2 doors down.
TRADING HOURS
Monday – Friday 8:30am until 1:30pm Sub -Branch and Welfare Department