ABOUT THE RSL

The Gaythorne RSL Welfare Section is located at the Sub-Branch at 534 Samford Road Mitchelton (Enter via Tel-El-Kebir Street). The Welfare Section is open during business hours Monday to Friday.

The Sub-Branch offers assistance to all serving and ex-serving members of the Australian Defense Force and their families. Pension Officers and Advocates are available Monday to Friday to assist with claims to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and Welfare Officers regularly visit veterans at home and in hospitals and nursing homes.

Please refer to the Pensions/Welfare page for more detail.

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 Enoggera, but their start was probably quite similar to Mitchelton. 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.

THE HISTORY OF GAYTHORNE RSL:

PART 2:

WELFARE SECTION

Life doesn’t always send you roses, nor when things get tough can the tough always get going. Sometimes we all need some help.
Call us and let us help you!

GAYTHORNE RSL

The Gaythorne RSL is probably more well known for its excellent food and wine, and those exciting promotions filled with character and excitement. Many people are not even aware that upstairs in the offices are the men and women that keep the RSL ideas alive and well.

The RSL MISSION STATEMENT

To ensure the programs are in place for the well-being, care, compensation and commemoration of serving an ex-serving Defense Force members, their de-pendants; and Government and community awareness of the need for a secure, stable and progressive Australia.

WHAT CAN THE WELFARE TEAM PROVIDE?

  • We can offer assistance to both serving and ex-serving members of the Defence Force, and their families
  • We visit Veterans and widows in their homes, in hospital, nursing homes and aged care facilities
  • Financial assistance is available for serving and ex-serving members in need
  • The Gaythorne Sub-Branch, in partnership with the Salvation Army and RSL QLD, helps to aid with homeless Veterans
  • The Welfare team are involved with the Mitchie Day Club for seniors, which meets on a Wednesday at the SDA Hall in Mitchelton
  • The team supports nursing homes in the area, lighting up the BBQ and organizing a get together for male residents
  • Members of the team conduct the RSL Poppy Ceremony at funerals of serving and ex-serving members at 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.

There is an old saying:
“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.

CONTACT US

Gaythorne RSL Sub-Branch
534 Samford Road
Mitchelton, QLD 4053
(07)3355 4655 Ext 207
welfare@gaythornersl.com.au
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Compensation Advocacy – Gaythorne RSL