Hervey Bay RSL Life Club Magazine June - Aug 2024

Dining at the Club

Community

Slippery slide to playground funding

Grant is a lifesaver for golfers

Swimming success

Men’s shed is on track

That’s gold

Now we’re cooking

RSL backs T&J Supporting Homeless

What a champ

Celebrating youth

In the lions den

Champ success

That is a wrap for Dunga Veteran

The club has been bustling this quarter with St Pat's Day, Easter, Anzac Day, Mother's Day and lots of live shows and entertainment.

The commemoration service of Anzac Day saw large members of veterans and the community pay their respects in remembrance to the fallen and our ex-service men and women.

Almost 1000 meals were served at the RSL club with 414 meals delivered to veterans at the Gunfire Breakfast and over 554 meals served at the luncheon function.

I sincerely thank all veterans and their partners and current serving members who expressed positive feedback on the food, beverages and the staff's service following both functions.

Our club honours and give thanks to all veterans who served in our armed services and pays respect to the fallen.

We were fortunate enough to have three WW2 Veterans join us for this very special day. Turn to page 5 to read their story.

Lest We Forget!

The deck extension and renovations on Level 1 are going along well with Rohrig QLD PTY LTD at the helm of this project.

The demolition has been completed on Level 1 and 10 support poles have been erected for the slab and the slab formwork completed.

The project will include renovated toilets on level one adjacent to Poppies Cafe, new restaurant toilets on level one, extensions to the Fraser bar, new dry store, large freezer, and large cold room for the kitchen on level one.

There will also be a new dishwasher and pots wash machine for the kitchen on level one which will make a big difference to back-of-house staff.

Once complete, the extension will see an additional seating for approximately 100 people.

All going well, we envisage this project to be finished before Christmas.

Don't forget to join the club or renew your membership before July 4 for a chance to get behind the wheel of beaut Toyota Yaris Cross GX or share in $1000 worth of cash prizes. See back page for details.

If you see me at the club, be sure to come and say hello.

WW2 VETERANS HONOURED

The men and women who fought and won this great conflict are aging with the majority now in their 90s or older. That is why it was an absolute privilege to host three WW2 Veterans including 100-yearold Alan Williams (101 on June 16), 97-year-old Ken Hayden and 97-

year-old Stanley Hanna, at the Hervey Bay RSL for Anzac Day.

The three veterans were among more than 1000 guests who gathered at the RSL for the annual Gunfire Breakfast and Anzac Day lunch.

It was wonderful to witness the three men's service acknowledged by the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch with a special presentation of a Second World War Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration for the 75th anniversary of the end of the war.

He also spent time in Papua New Guinea to assist Australian POWsheld captive by the Japanese – to get back to Australia.

Ken served for both the British and New Zealand Navy and was involved in the D Day Operation which was the largest amphibious military invasion in history.

Alan served in Papua New Guinea and Stanley served in the 31/51st Australian Infantry Battalion.

While Australia can never repay the debt we owe almost one million Australians who served, this medallion and certificate are a small but meaningful way to thank living veterans of the largest global conflict of the 20th century.

Lest We Forget

Stanley Hanna

Ken Hayden

Alan Williams

OUT & ABOUT AT

YOUR CLUB

IT’S been a lively couple of months at the Hervey Bay RSL with so many wonderful events celebrated including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Anzac Day and lots of entertainment.

There’s sll much more to come with our car draw, Christmas in July and lots of live shows. We look forward to seeing you at the club soon!

The spotlight was on Kris Knight with the Buddy Holly look-a-like putting on an exceptionally wonderful night for guests in Hervey House.

The energy was electric at The Soul Men Blues Brothers Tribute Show recently with the audience dancing, clapping and singing along to some jazzy favourites!

Thank you very much, Mark Andrew! The ELVIS Leaves His Mark tribute was a night to remember for unwavering fans of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

This year's St. Patrick's Day was a great Sunday Irish celebration complete with raffles, delectable Irish foods, and plenty of malty Guinness flowing! Everyone was jigging in the Irish spirit thanks to the Irish band Slainte.

was one of several of our morning melodies playing at Hervey House over the last couple of months. Turn to page 9 to see what our next morning melodies will be.

Lots of families said thank you to mum on Mother's Day with a scrumptious buffet breakfast at the RSL. Some mums were even lucky enough to walk away with a luxury basket of goodies from the day's raffles. We hope you all had a perfect day

Graeme Jensen

The Easter Bunny made an appearance at the RSL, making Easter a busy and fun occasion for all. Congratulations to the winners of the colouring contest and Easter hampers. We hope you enjoyed your Easter Goodies!

JUNE 15

BOOK SHOWS ONLINE

a seat at The Bistro Level 1 to

FRI 31 MAY - Rick K

SAT 01 JUNE - Red Betty

FRI 07 JUNE - Brad Sorenson

SAT 08 JUNE - Forbidden Road

FRI 14 JUNE - Quinn

SAT 15 JUNE - Trainwrecks

FRI 21 JUNE - Brad Turner

SAT 22 JUNE - Bad Attitude

FRI 28 JUNE - Brian Speirs

SAT 29 JUNE - The Lowdown

SUN 30 JUNE - Frank Benn

FRI 05 JULY - Alex Newberry

SATURDAY JULY 13

ENTERTAINMENT

SAT 06 JULY - Rhubarb Tarts

FRI 12 JULY - Quinn

SAT 13 JULY - Dogwood Crossing

FRI 19 JULY - Brad Sorenson

SAT 20 JULY - Forbidden Road

FRI 26 JULY - Rock ‘n’ Roll *HH

SAT 27 JULY - Phoeby Jay Rly Air

SUN 28 JULY - Matt Phillips

FRI 02 AUGUST - Forbidden Road Duo SAT 03 AUGUST - Red Betty

FRI 09 AUGUST - Sam Maddison SAT 10 AUGUST - Forbidden Road

16 AUGUST - Hank Vann

17 AUGUST - Red Betty

23 AUGUST - Foreign Curre

24 AUGUST - The Lowdow

25 AUGUST - Don Co

30 AUGUST - Alex Newbe

Chef’s Selections

June

Burrata Cheese

tomato salad, ciabatta bread

$19.90

$23.90 n/m members

Housemade Gnocchi

smoked salmon, baby spinach, Spanish onions, tomato, preserved lemon, fried capers

$29.90

$33.90 n/m members

Pig Wing

fried mac & cheese, pickled slaw, BBQ bourbon glaze

$30.90

$34.90 n/m members

July

Onion Bhaji

tamarind sauce raita

$15.90

$19.90 n/m members

Braised Beef Cheek

vanilla carrot puree, thyme glazed carrots, caramelised onions, buttered sprouts, jus, basil brioche crumb

$34.90

$38.90 n/m members

Traditional Indian Thali Plate

garlic naan, rice pilaf lentil dahl, chicken tikka masala, lamb saagwala, pickles, sambal

$36.90

$40.00 n/m members

August

Portuguese BBQ chicken

potato bravas, smoked butter corn cobb, peri peri sauce

$31.90

$35.90 n/m members

Grilled Barramundi

coconut rice Thai red curry sauce, pineapple salsa, charred lime

$32.90

$36.90 n/m members

Sticky Korean Beef Rib

spiced pumpkin puree, Asian salad, fried shallots

$32.90

$36.90 n/m members

seafoodPLATTER

MADE UP OF A DELICIOUS SELECTION OF HERVEY BAY’S FINEST HOT & COLD SEAFOOD, SERVED WITH A VARIETY OF DIPPING SAUCES & SEASONAL FRUIT THE PLATTER IS MADE FOR 2 BUT WITH A FEAST THIS BIG YOU COULD INVITE ANOTHER 2 GUESTS TO INDULGE IN THIS MEAL.

RECOGNITION FOR TOP COMFORT

IT’S gold stars all the way for the Comfort Inn on Main in Hervey Bay after being named the Choice Hotels Asia-Pac 2023 Gold Award winner for the sixth consecutive year

The awards celebrate excellence in customer service and exceptional guest experiences at properties across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

It's clear that travellers are thrilled with their experience at the RSL-owned Comfort Inn on Main with the 'No Vacancy' sign rarely moving and scores for the consistency of rooms, staff, maintenance, amenities, food and beverage, and security staying solidly at a 9/10 for the past year.

The Choice Hotels Asia-Pac Gold Awards are measured on a 'Likelihood to Recommend' (LTR) metric, calculated using customer feedback, combined with franchisee engagement in initiatives such as the Choice Privileges rewards program

Comfort Inn on Main Manager Sonia England said the key to receiving their exceptional results is consistency.

“We do everything on point, and if

there are ever any issues, we get on top of straight away to make sure the guest is happy.

“We keep up our standards and our guests trust us.”

The motel receives rave reviews on Booking.com for excellent customer service, the location being right in the heart of Pialba's CBD, plus the bonus of receiving a 15% dining discount at the Hervey Bay RSL and The Clubhouse.

“The staff were so friendly, and the room was amazing. It was a very good size,” one recent reviewer wrote.

“So much space. It had everything you need and we were given free drink vouchers and a discount for food at the local RSL which I never expected but we used and had a great time. Definitely stay again!”

Congratulations to Sonia and the team of Gold Award winners!

&

Walking

Corporate

Dining

Thursday 5pm - Drawn 7.30pm

COMMUNITY

SLIPPERY SLIDE TO PLAYGROUND FUNDING

THERE were some big smiles on little faces when a long-awaited-for playground was opened up to Year 3 to 6 Students at Yarrilee State School earlier this year

The playground is the product of three years of fundraising by the school's dedicated P&C Committee with pie drives, lots of discos, Krispy Crème drives, raffles, and Mother's and Father's Day Stalls.

A $10,000 grant from the Hervey Bay RSL's community grants program, and further funding from the Queensland School's Subsidy Scheme and Helping Hands all helped the project come to fruition.

P&C Vice President Matthew Klan said plans to have the playground built were underway three years ago when the Covid pandemic hit and everything, including their ability to fundraise, came to a halt. The project cost skyrocketed to

GRANT IS A LIFESAVER FOR GOLFERS

CRAIGNISH Golf Club at Fraser Lakes are a group of avid golfers aged predominately 60 and over who just like to get out on the greens and enjoy some friendly competition.

They don't expect anyone to suffer a heart condition while playing a relaxing round on the greens, but you just never know.

$150,000 due to the increased cost of building materials over those three years, but the P&C still worked hard to ensure they finished what they had started.

“We have a very dedicated little team on our P&C, past and present, and they have all done a fantastic job to get to this playground built,” Matthew said.

“We really appreciate the RSL's help. It was a long-term project and the RSL grant really helped get it over the line.”

The school has other play areas for the juniors but about 450 of the middle and senior students didn't have a playground to burn energy on at lunch time.

These students now have access to

Club members are now prepared for the worst-case scenario after being presented with a defibrillator, funded by the Hervey Bay RSL Community Grants Program.

Having a defibrillator at hand may increase the chance of survival from around 10% with only good effective CPR, up to possibly 60-80% with a defibrillator at hand for immediate use.

Club member David Thornley said having the defibrillator means that a trained member can step in with the tools to save a life before paramedics arrive –every minute counts!

“It has given us a lot of security,” David said.

“To get an ambulance out here takes about 15 to 20 minutes so having one of these on board is great.

“It just gives us peace of mind that we have something like this on hand in case we need it.”

David would love to see more golf gurus join in the fun at Fraser Lakes Golf Course for Veterans Day on Tuesday, Men's Day on Thursday and an open event each Saturday, all teeing off from 7am.

Hit the greens for a chance to win an RSL Gift Card.

their own play area in all weather conditions with a brilliant roof spanning across the length of the playground, which includes a soft floor and a slide, bridge walk, spider net climb, fireman's pole and lots more.

Principal Greg Cathcart said the very popular area had at least 100 kids at every break using the new equipment for the first few weeks.

“It was like an ant's nest with kids just everywhere,” Greg said.

“It really is great for well-being and engagement and social interaction which is just as important as the academic side of things.”

Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful project.

SWIMMING SUCCESS

THE Hervey Bay RSL was very proud to support Mia Roberts for her very first Queensland School Sport swimming event in Brisbane recently

A $250 community grant helped cover some of the costs of attending the three-day event at the Sleeman Sports Centre where Mia achieved five personal best times.

The young Hervey Bay swimmer also made the

finals for the 200m Individual Medley, 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly events. Congratulations to Mia on such an outstanding effort in her first event against some tough competition.

COMMUNITY

MEN'S SHED IS ON

TRACK

THERE were smiles all round when members of the Fraser Coast Men’s Shed welcomed members, local dignitaries and friends to the turning of the sod at their new site recently.

The celebration marked the start of construction of the group's long-awaited shed on the Uniting Church Grounds in Exeter St, Torquay, where they will have a permanent home thanks to the generosity of the church.

The Hervey Bay RSL is proud to be a major supporter of the project with a $5000 Community Grant to help cover the cost of connecting the new shed to the mains power supply and the electrical fit out.

The shed will be open to both men and women but it's not your usual local Men's Shed with woodwork and metal work.

Secretary Laurie Hunt said this shed is specifically for those with an interest in model railways, electronics and model engineering.

“Essentially we build a railway and run it

around a model city, and we build things like airports, docks, ships, hotels, motels, produce stores and much more,” Laurie said.

“A separate part of the shed will also be for electronics.

“That's where we want to get school kids to come in and do a workshop and see how all the electronics work.

“This is the sort of stuff that we love to do.”

Anyone of any age can apply to join the group, especially veterans or retired folk who might feel lonely or isolated and want to put their skills to good use.

It's a place where there's collaborations on meaningful projects with like-minded people with the bonus of lots of laughter, banter, and an opportunity to form friendships.

The RSL is proud to support passionate athletes like Owen who is one step closer to that dream after being selected to play in the U16 Boys National Hockey Championships in Hobart, Tasmania recently A Hervey Bay RSL community grant of $500 helped cover the cost of travelling to the event.

Owen had a fantastic tournament after being chosen for three Player of the Match awards, as well as his Queensland Maroon Team walking away with a gold medal.

This is the third year in a row that the team have won the National Championships,

THAT'S GOLD!

Owen Taylor first stepped out on to the hockey field as a four-year-old and as his skills have grown, so has his dream of one day representing Australia in the Kookaburras Olympic Games team.

which is an achievement within itself.

Owen's mum Carrie said the RSL grant goes a long way to helping achieve this amazing result, with Owen having been supported by the club since 2021.

“The sporting grant assisted in Owen achieving this success,” Carrie said.

“The RSL Community Grants helps so many athletes through their generous sponsorship.

“Owen cannot thank the RSL enough for assisting him on his journey and helping him to continue playing the sport he loves.”

Well done, Owen!

“We have a number of Vietnam Veterans here from Army, Navy and Airforce and it's a great creative outlet for them.

“Our treasurer is a retired electrical engineer who does all the circuit boards and is just so clever, and that’s the secret to keeping young and keeping the brain ticking; you have to keep moving.

“We all get along so well together and it's a really great group.”

The construction of the shed is expected to be completed by early June, with the electrical fit out and lining of the inside walls soon after.

NOW WE'RE COOKING

There will be lots of lovely aromas coming out of the Hervey Bay Bowls Club kitchen now that the team have a brand-new oven.

The old oven had done its time and desperately needed replacing.

A $2000 grant from the Hervey Bay RSL Community Grants program went towards making the purchase possible.

Bowls club member Nola Wells said the new oven will make cooking safer for the club's volunteers, speed up cooking times and provide healthier food choices for catered events.

“Hervey Bay Bowls Club would like to give a big thanks to Hervey Bay RSL for the kind donation.

Laurie said members are looking forward to piecing back together their spectacular model railways and showing the public just how fun this group can be.

“Members are itching to get back to it… we just can't wait!”

after bowls events.

“Also, we can offer food at Barefoot Bowls days. Thanks once again for helping our community and our members.”

“This purchase has made it easier for our volunteers to be able to serve hot lunches and snacks during and

To find out more about the Hervey Bay Bowl Club visit www.herveybaybowlsclub.com

Prospective members can join the Fraser Coast Men's Shed Facebook page to find out more.

COMMUNITY

RSL BACKS T&J SUPPORTING HOMELESS

THOSE doing it tough on the streets of Hervey Bay are made to feel just a little bit more comfortable with food in their tummy and shelter over their heads with thanks to the very special Trish Hummerston and Josie Street.

Together the duo makes an incredible difference in Hervey Bay through their J&T Supporting Homeless initiative, which is proudly supported by the Hervey Bay RSL Community Grants Program.

The charity has been supported by the club for the past three years with shopping vouchers to the total of $7200 in 2023 and exclusive use of an RSL van to do their food deliveries.

J&T's financial support was renewed last month with an approval of $1000 worth of Woolworths and Coles vouchers each month being a major sponsorship of $12,000 for the year

The Fraser Coast community is also very quick to act when the two put a call out for donations on their Facebook page for things like pillows, pillowcases and towels.

Plus, cans and bottles they collect and

WHAT A CHAMP!

Wow, what a massive achievement for 10-year-old Gabriella Price who walked away Age Champion from the Queensland School State Swimming Championships recently!

The Hervey Bay RSL was delighted to give Gabriella and her family $250 in financial support through the club's Community Grants Program to help pay the entry levy. It was a big couple of days at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre for the Fraser Coast Swimming Club member who excelled in each one of her nine individual events and two team events including first in the 200m Individual Medley, first in the 100m freestyle, first in the

recycle to purchase more food.

“Thank you to the RSL for all their support; it really has been absolutely fantastic, and it just makes such a big difference to our charity.

“We couldn't keep doing this without the RSL's support, and the support of all our sponsors and the local community.”

The most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics survey showed a staggering 20,000 people in Queensland are experiencing homelessness – this is one in every 200 Queenslanders.

That statistic is generally higher in the Hervey Bay with almost 2,000 people recognised as homeless in the city.

Trish and Josie get behind the wheel of the van every Tuesday and Thursday to deliver food - and tents, toiletries, pillows, and blankets if needed - to over 100 of these people.

The two deliver the fresh sandwiches and

100m backstroke, second in the 100m Butterfly, fourth in the 50m freestyle, butterfly and backstroke and ninth in the 100m breaststroke.

Gabriella's results have now secured her selection in the Queensland Team to compete at Australian School Sport Swimming Championships to be held on the Gold Coast in July 2024.

We wish Gabriella all the very best for the upcoming competition.

frozen water bottles direct so that the homeless don't need to leave their belongings.

If they do move on, Trish and Josie leave their charity cards in toilets and phone boxes along the Esplanade so the homeless can call and let them know where they have moved to.

“If they are set up with tent, they don't want to leave it because when they come back it's likely to have been stolen,” Josie said.

“We know their usual spots where they are camped but if they do move on, they will quite often let us know where they are.

“That's why the van is so important. The car has been just amazing and has made a huge difference to us.”

Josie and Trish said they are focusing more on food more than ever before with the two seeing a big increase in bigger families needing assistance.

“The increase in shopping vouchers will help us provide extra food because we are seeing so many more young families now more than ever.

“It means that we can get a cold bag and

CELEBRATING YOUTH

Having the chance to win some awesome free raffle prizes was a big drawcard to the recent Hervey Bay Youth Festival held at Skateside Hervey Bay

An electric scooter, wireless headphones, a drone, smartwatch, wireless speaker, soccer and footy balls, and vouchers to Mini Golf Hervey Bay were among some of the prizes donated by the Hervey Bay RSL's Community Grants Program.

Hosted by Headspace Hervey Bay, Community Development Officer Dean Nixon said the event was held as part of Queensland Youth Week to celebrate our young ones and all their achievements and contributions to our community.

fill it with a family pack which will last them an extra day or two, and that's important.

“It definitely makes their day when they see us coming. We couldn't imagine a life without access to food and a cold drink at the very least, and that's why we keep going.

“It makes us feel good and we know we are making a difference.”

To donate or find out more, follow the T&J Supporting Homeless Facebook page.

to help better connect the community to local support services and reach out for support when they need it.”

Headspace offers early intervention mental health support to local young people aged 1225 and the festival is a great way to connect youth with these services.

Dean said offering prizes is always a great way to boost attendance.

“This all helps gain exposure for the community organisations who take part in the day, including headspace Hervey Bay in an attempt

Dean said it was an amazing event with lots of positive feedback.

“The weather cleared, the atmosphere was incredible, and we can't thank everybody enough for turning up and making it an amazing day!

“A massive shout out to the Hervey Bay RSL who provided us with incredible prizes for our free raffle to hand out!”

Gabriella's coach Liz Kopacz from Fraser Coast Swimming Club couldn't be more proud of the young swimmers achievements.

Cans and bottles can be dropped off to 25 Honiton Street, Torquay.

COMMUNITY

IN THE LIONS DEN

HERVEY BAY’S Kaine Cates is truly on the right path to fulfilling his dream of pulling on a Brisbane Lions guernsey

to set players on the path to a professional career.

When the Hervey Bay RSL donations committee received an application to help support Kaine on his journey, they didn't hesitate to help with $1000 in fuel vouchers.

The 17-year-old and his parents, Kate and Richard, have been travelling from Hervey Bay to Brisbane twice a week for training and games since last November.

your dreams,” Richard said.

“Hopefully this selection, and receiving the grant, will encourage more young people to aim higher in their sport and feel they can afford to leave the Wide Bay and be part of something much bigger.”

This means that Kaine will continue to train in Brisbane every week and travel interstate with the team to compete against other states.

CHAMPS SUCCESS

Congratulations to the Hervey Bay Hurricanes Purple and White U16 Boys who competed at Basketball Queensland State Champions in Logan recently

The highly talented AFL player has grown from playing grass roots footy as a junior with the Hervey Bay Bombers and representing Wide Bay many times, to being the only player from Wide Bay to be selected into the Level 3 AFL Brisbane Lions Academy Program

The program's key objectives are to provide education on health and wellbeing, decision making skills to help perform under pressure and creating individual development plans

Now, the hard work and endless hours on the road have paid off with Kaine being selected in the final squad for the U18 boys.

This selection could possibly see Kaine drafted to play professional AFL in the future.

“Kaine is the only player in his age group that has been selected from the region, so it is huge for the AFL Clubs and other players to see that with hard work and commitment you can achieve

With the family averaging around 1000km a week, Richard said the grant was a blessing at the bowser.

“Travelling from regional areas takes its toll financially on any family so to be able to gain local support from the RSL is huge.

“These opportunities for regional athletes don't come often and certainly at a far more expense than their city counterparts.

“The community grants really make a difference in the recipients life.”

THAT'S A WRAP FOR DUNGA VETERAN

IT will be the very last time that Dunga Derby veteran Brian Semler will rise at the crack of dawn for the annual Dunga Derby

The legend of the rally has decided that it's time to hang up his boots and what better year to finish up than the Dungas 10th anniversary!

Brian was there for the very first rally with the support of both the Hervey Bay RSL Memorial Club and Hervey Bay RSLSub Branch donating $500 each for the past nine years, and a poker night raising a further $4000 in 2016 and 2017 for the RSL-themed Car #15.

This year being the 10th anniversary, the Memorial Club have donated $1000 for Brian's final run which has been extended to five days from Wednesday,

July 31 to Sunday, August 4.

Afterall, 10 years of being a Dungarian is an impressive achievement!

Brian said he will miss the comradery and the adventures, but he won't miss sleeping in a swag in freezing cold conditions and waking up to find his car cling wrapped by some of the funloving mischief makers.

“As the owner of Car 15 I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Sub-Branch and the Memorial Club for 10 years of supporting my car,” Brian said.

“The generosity of the club also extends beyond my car to assist this very worthy charity who look after many people in the area who have fallen on hard times.”

The Dunga Derby is the major annual fundraising event for Rally for a Cause which started on the Fraser Coast in 2015.

Hurricanes White finished with a gold medal in Division 2 at Central Queensland Championships and even with extremely strong competition, both teams managed to come away with a couple of wins and everyone involved was really proud of the way the boys kept fighting.

The Hervey Bay RSL is a major sponsor of Hervey Bay Basketball with grant funds enabling the costs to remain low for the teams to attend these Championships. Well done, boys!

of the

and a

Since then, the Dunga Derby event has raised over $3 million which has gone back into the Fraser Coast community to provide support to over 300 families.

The RSL is proud to have supported RFAC from the beginning with the relationship growing into being a Gold

an

a

The RSL also has the silver Au “Bullet” and the black Mad Max-inspired BA Falcon that will once again tackle the five-day adventure this year.

Well done and congratulations to Brian and the Car #15 team!

COMMUNITY PROGRAM 2024

There is always a hive of activity going on at the Hervey Bay RSL with patrons enjoying everything from bingo and functions to cold drinks, great food and a flutter in the TAB or gaming room.

What many don't know is that while they are having a good time out, they are also helping to give back to the Fraser Coast community. The RSL is the only club in Hervey Bay that runs a Community Grants Program, which has seen local sporting clubs, individuals and community groups receive a share of over $900,000 in the last financial year. The grants program celebrates and supports individual achievements and those charities and not-for-profit organisations doing incredible work on the Fraser Coast.

Application forms are available online at herveybayrsl.com.au or by phoning Kerrie Alexander on 41977466.

Sponsor

Dunga Derby,

Operational Sponsor of Rally for

Cause

major sponsor of Rally Angels in 2023.

Open

Fully

Community Groups & Clubs

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION FRASER COAST BRANCH

Meets at the RSL on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10 30am Contact the President, Steve Hart on 0415688535or the Secretary, Ros Richards on 41287685

CANCER COUNCIL QUEENSLAND’S

FRASER COAST FUNDRAISING GROUP

Meet second Tuesday of the month, between February and November 2024 The Lakes Room from 1 30pm Phone 0439 022 408 or email coordfcfg@gmail com

EX-SERVICE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Meets at RSL on 2nd Monday of each month at 10 30am Contact President Pam Lock on 0409 629387

FRASER COAST MEMORIAL FISHING CLUB

Meets every 2nd Wednesday 7pm in Lakes Room at HBRSL from March 25 All welcome Contact Jim 0438 644 163

FRASER COAST NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meet at RSL on 2nd Sunday of the month at 11am Contact Danny Meredith (President) on 0412 523737 Sue Meehan (Sec) 0438911950

FRASER LIONS CLUB

Men and women most welcome Meets every 2nd Thursday Please contact us on 0448 358289

H.B LEGACY GROUP

Legacy House, 1 Byrant Street, Pialba Open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 1pm Ph: 4194 5111 wwwlegacycom au

H B RSL SUB-BRANCH COMMITTEE

Meets 4th Thursday of the month at 10 15am at the RSL, Lakes Room Phone 4197 7477

HB RSL SOCIAL SNOOKER GROUP

Played every Monday 6pm for 6 30pm start Contact Brett Maltich 0418 418 558

HERVEY BAY DISTRICT & VETERANS ASSOC. INC.

Meeting 3rd Tuesday of the month 9 30am 2nd floor HBRSL Contact M Sinclair (Pres), T Tidyman (VP), Simon Morley Contact Via RSL Sub-Branch 4197 7477

HERVEY BAY PARKINSON SUPPORT GROUP

Meets 2nd Tuesday Poppies/The Deck 10am

HERVEY BAY RSL PIPE BAND

Contacts: Secretary Lyn Uildriks 4125 5210, Peter Finch President 0401 731 633

Lesley Finch Treasurer 0490 494 647 email hbrslpipeband@gmail com

HERVEY BAY SNOOKER

Contact John Kerby 0420 550 308 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 5 30pm

INDOOR BOWLS

Played at the RSL on a Tuesday at 2 00pm, & Thursday at 6 30pm All welcome Contact Steve Dutton 0424 775 017

CONTACT NAMES AND NUMBERS

KOOKABURRAS SHARE GROUP

Meet at RSL on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 10am at the RSL

Contact Diana Green 0417 757 228

LAUREL CLUB

Meetings on the 3rd Monday of each month, 2pm at RSL Contact Denise Kitchin on 0428 638 784

MEMORIAL DART CLUB

Plays Wednesday night; register by 7 15pm for 7 30pm start 8 games of pot luck pairs $5

Contact Lois Ehrilch 0488 152 351 or Annae Benstead 0417 029 821

NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Meets at the RSL 4th Wednesday of each month at 10 15am Phone Brian 0467 642 730 or Derek on 0427 359 512

PARTNERS OF VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Contact Ann Cossey 0400 456 507 or Gwyn Wells 0412 757 112

RSL SOCIAL BOWLS

Friendly club playing social bowls every Sunday 8am-11am Only $5 membership

Contact Milton Martin 0411 675 992

RSL SOCIAL DARTS

Plays Tuesday night, register by 7pm for a 7 15pm start $5 entry

Contact Chris Chockran 0447 258 546

RSL WOMEN’S AUXILIARY HERVEY BAY

Meets at the RSL 10 00am, 2nd Tuesday of each month Contact: Ve Heironymus (sec) on 4124 1502

SOCIAL CARDS GROUP

Held at RSL every Monday & Thursday from 1 00pm - 4 30pm in Hervey House All welcome Hand & Foot, Pony Canasta & Key Wild Contact Gary on 0402 681 157 or Heather 0422 815 681

TPI FRASER COAST

Monthly meetings held, for dates and times contact President Shirley Smith 4124 6248

VETERANS DAY IN THE SPORTSBAR

Held on the 1st DVA payday of the month (Thursday). 11am - 1.30pm. Great catch up, raffle, trivia, entertainment. All welcome.

VETERANS OF AUSTRALIA ASSOCIATION INC.

Meets at the Veterans Advice and Social Centre, Freedom Park, Pialba. General meetings on the 1st Tuesday of March, June, August & November at 11am. All welcome. President Wayne Craker 4128 3759. www.facebook.com/veteransofaustralia

WAR WIDOWS’ GUILD OF HERVEY BAY

Meet at RSL on 1st Monday of the month at 10am. Christine Starr (Pres/Sec) 0407 575 642.

Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch President’s Report

The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch would like to thank everyone for their attendance on Anzac Day with a very successful event held in Hervey Bay

There was a huge turnout of Veterans, children and visitors which was very pleasing from a Veterans perspective

Those who also patiently waited for the flyover were certainly not disappointed

There was a great turnout back at the Hervey Bay RSL

have a chat and reminisce on days gone by

The next Service will be held at Dayman Park in Urangan for the Rimau Operation on July 7, 2024, starting at 1000hrs

If any Veteran or family members have any issues, please don't do not hesitate to see me and I will try and assist

Until next time take care and be happy

Brian Tidyman -

Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch President the Sub-Branch office

If anyone needs assistance or knows of someone who e contact the Pension and 0741 849496

A National War Animals Day service was held in Hervey Bay to remember and honour those loyal companions who never made it home. The impact of world wars isn't just measured in human lives, but in the millions of animals who serve alongside them.

BINGO!

THE CALL IS COMING

THERE’S been a hive of activity at The Clubhouse Hervey Bay with the venue able to cater for so many more functions and events now that the multi-million-dollar renovations are complete, and the new function room is open.

Venue ManagerSue Smith said it's been fantastic to see a varietyof bookings from corporatebreakfasts and lunches to birthdays, anniversaries, sporting group awardsnights and presentations, fundraisers, and weddings.

The venue is now also home to the monthly HerveyBay Chamber of Commerce breakfastwherethe spacious and privateareamakes it easy for local businesses to meet and mingle.

“The new function room has been so well received,”Sue said.

“It has been such a pleasure to be able to host these kinds of events and make them the best theycan be for our guests.

“It really is a beautiful space to make some greatmemories.

“The combination of having a beautiful backdropwith kangaroosand wildlife roaming the greens on the outside and lovely décor,privatebarand kitchen on the inside, just works so well.”

Sue said the best is yet to come withthe highly anticipated announcement thatBingo is coming to the Clubhouse on

Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings, plus a Super SaturdayBingo once a month (see page22 for details).

“IntroducingBingo to the club is absolutely amazing!

“This is something our patrons have been asking for and it's so exciting to finally get it underwaynow thatwe have the space.”

Now thatwe arehalfway throughthe year,Sue said it's time for everyoneto start thinking aboutbooking for Christmas parties and end-ofyearfunctions as dates are filling up fast.

The Clubhouse function packagescan be tailoredto suit yourevent andguests arewelcome to pop in and check out the room and facilities to ensure it's the right fitbeforebooking.

“We have a new function packageavailable and if that doesn't tickle yourfancy,then we will come up with something thatdoes,” Sue said.

“We have a fantastic head chef in Phil Rodgers who is more thanhappyto workwith our guests to createa menu that suits yourtaste and budget.

“We do everythingfrom hot cold plattersto three-course downmeals and buffets.”

For everydaydiners, there's always something newon menu to trywith nightly specials and monthly Chef's Specials created byPhil and the team. Check out pages 22 and 23 to see what specials arecoming up!

room with 70 of the latest gaming machines to choose from with link jackpots including the latest Lightening Link and DragonTrain Link machines.

Couple thatwith some fantastic live entertainmentand raffles everyFriday and Saturdaynight, you've got The Best Little Club

There's a greatlittle kid's corner with TV and games to keep the kids occupied.It is unsupervised butyou can easily request to be close to the play areawhen you make yourbooking.

Those who love to have a flutter will enjoy ourprivategaming

Our dedicated child-friendly kids corner at The Clubhouse has plenty to keep kids of any age entertained while you relax and dine.

$10,000 CASHTOBEWON!

Free automatic ticket with every $10 spend on food or drinks or $10 turnover in the gaming room.

Start collecting entries from Wednesday May 15th, 2024.

5 draws to take place on Sunday 28th July. 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm and 3pm.

Winners choose an envelope to reveal their prize.

1 x $5,000 1 x $2,000 3 x $1,000

Winners must be present to claim their prize, simply swipe your membership card atThe Clubhouse from 9.30am on Sunday July 28th to activate your entries.

Gather your bingo buddies for Bingo in The Clubhouse’s new function room. Lots of fun and winning chances every week. Lucky door and raffles. PETS are also available for even more opportunities to win

DAY MORNING - Price per set $15 9.30pm | EYES DOWN for 10.15am - 12.00pm finish ESDAY EVENING - Price per set $24 5 00pm | EYES DOWN for 7 00pm - 9 00pm finish

PLUS EXTRA END OF MONTH SUPER SATURDAY BINGO LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH - Price per set $24 Doors 9.30pm | EYES DOWN for 10.15am - 12.30pm finish

Clubhouse bistro area to enjoy our entertainers 6-9pm

SATURDAY 01 JUNE - Andrew Copland

FRIDAY 07 JUNE - Brian Speirs

SATURDAY 08 JUNE - Hank Vann

FRIDAY 14 JUNE - Aaron Westlake

SATURDAY 15 JUNE - Brad Turner

FRIDAY 21 JUNE - Quinn

SATURDAY 22 JUNE - Frank Benn

FRIDAY 28 JUNE - Joel Spence

SATURDAY 29 JUNE - Doug Edwards

FRIDAY 05 JULY - Will Ramage

SATURDAY 06 JULY - Doug Edwards

FRIDAY 12 JULY - Alex Newberry

SATURDAY 13 JULY - Hank Vann

FRIDAY 19 JULY - Joel Spence

SATURDAY 20 JULY - Matt Phillips

FRIDAY 26 JULY - Brian Speirs

SATURDAY 27 JULY - Frank Benn

FRIDAY 02 AUGUST - Sam Maddison

SATURDAY 03 AUGUST - Alex Newbury

FRIDAY 09 AUGUST - Emma Newman

SATURDAY 10 AUGUST - Hank Vann

FRIDAY 16 AUGUST - Andrew Copland

SATURDAY 17 AUGUST - Doug Edward

FRIDAY 23 AUGUST - Quinn

SATURDAY 24 AUGUST - Frank Benn

FRIDAY 30 AUGUST - Brian Speirs

SATURDAY 31 AUGUST - Will Ramage

Chef Specials