The club has been bustling this quarter with Christmas, New Year's Eve, Australia Day and lots of live shows and entertainment.
A big thank you to our patrons who dined with us on Christmas Day. Over 1230 meals were served across all RSL Group venues.
A special thanks must go to all our staff who did a tremendous job making the day so special for our guests while giving up their own Christmas morning.
Next up we are anticipating a busy April with Easter and Anzac Day falling within the same week this year.
The commemoration service of Anzac Day at Freedom Park on April 25 will see large members of veterans and the community pay their respects in remembrance to the fallen and our ex-service men and women.
Our club honours and give thanks to all veterans who served in our armed services and pays respect to the fallen.
We look forward to hosting our veterans for a Gunfire Breakfast after the Dawn Service, followed by a luncheon after the main service. All veterans who would like to attend these events can register their attendance at Sub-Branch on Level 2.
It was a fantastic start to the New Year at the Hervey Bay RSL with the long-awaited $7 million deck extensions opened just before Christmas.
The Hervey Bay RSL Memorial Club Committee recently took Member for Hervey Bay David Lee and Councillor Sara Diana Faraj on a grand tour of the new area with both agreeing that the extra 350sqm of space will make a tremendous difference to dining on the Fraser Coast.
Sara commented that the new area really lifts the standard of dining in the region while David was impressed with the intelligent design and appeal for family friendly dining.
The extension allows for an extra 120 patrons to wine and dine, particularly on highly sought-after nights like Monday's three-course roast special and the Thursday night President's Purse draw.
The new trendy tables and booths have been popular with guests, as well as the new toilets, the redesigned Fraser's Bar, new carpet, the installation of a solid bamboo dance floor.
The addition of a new kitchen space, cold room and freezer room, has also been well received by staff.
A big thank you to RSL members and guests for your patience during the extensions works.
We hope you enjoy your new-look club.
If you see me at the club, be sure to come and say hello.
JOIN or RENEW your RSL membership to receive a FREE ticket for your
chance to WIN a Toyota Yaris Cross GX AWD Hybrid PLUS $1000 in Cash Prizes
Total Prize Value over $38,000
If you join or renew your membership before 25th July, 2025 you will receive a FREE entry in our Yaris Cross car raffle. 1st Prize Yaris Cross, plus 2 consolation prizes of $500. Drawn Friday July 25th at 1pm.
Additional tickets can be purchased for $10 each at RSL reception.
OUT & ABOUT AT
YOUR CLUB
IT’S been a bustling couple of months at the Hervey Bay RSL with so many special events to celebrate including Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Australia Day, our car giveaway and lots of live shows and entertainment.
The celebra ons and commemora ons will con nue over the next few months with Mother’s Day, Easter, Anzac Day and St Patrick’s Day.
See you at the club!
What better way to get the heartbeat racing than with the AC/DC & Oz Anthems – High Voltage tribute show!
The band had guests rocking out to all the classics when they performed in Hervey House recently
With an uncanny resemblance of Freddie Mercury in both looks and sound, Killer Queen tribute extraordinaire John Blunt and his band took guests on a journey back to the 70s when Queen was the king of the airwaves
The three-hour ultimate experience showcased replica costumes, instruments, and Freddie's much-loved flamboyant mannerisms
There's no better way to top off a fantastic Australia Day than walking out of your local RSL with a basket chockers full of Aussie-themed goodies!
Congratulations to all our lucky winners and thank you to everyone who entered.
Davo (aka David Mitchell) delighted our Morning Melody guests with his fantastic sense of humour and incredible vocal talent.
A very big congratulations to Norm and Beryl Bowles who started 2025 behind the wheel of a brand new MG3 Car!
The beautiful couple were the winners of our New Year's Eve car raffle promotion, and four other lucky patrons also went home with cash prizes of $500 in their pockets
The next car draw is now open!
Join or renew your RSL membership for a chance to win a Yaris Cross Good luck!
The RSL’s legendary giant Christmas Toy Raffle was as popular as ever with lots of boys and girls walking away with over $5000 worth of prizes We're sure the major prize of an X Series X Box would have been well used over the holidays. Thank you to everyone who entered.
The Christmas spirit was alive and well at the RSL on December 8 with lots of excited kids lining up to have their photo taken and sneak in a cuddle or two with Santa's reindeer
Don’t forget your coffee
lounge cafe
Open 9.30am till late every day!
Use your RSL membership card at Poppies to get every sixth cup of tea or coffee FREE
Our menu is full of delicious appetisers, light meals, burgers, pizzas, fresh salads, all day breakfasts and of course our great coffees.
We also have specialty juices made fresh to order - perfect for a hot summer day! Or maybe a cold beer or wine to accompany your meal. If you're a regular make sure you use your RSL Membership card to get every 6th coffee for free.
There is always something new to try at Poppies Café with a new chefs special every week, plus a specialty beverage of the week. Check our specials TV behind the counter for the current specials.
The perfect spot to catch up with friends at any time of the day.
...where memories are made! For your next function Contact our functions team today 4197 7444 or email functions@ herveybayrsl.com.au IRTHDAYS | MEETINGS | WEDDINGS CORPORATE EVENTS | TRAINING It's an exciting time to host your next function or event!
ey Bay RSL has released a brand new 2025 Functions ackage and the catering options on offer are extensive!
There are various combinations available to suit every taste and budget including a myriad of delicious platters, alternate drop meals, sensational desserts, and mouth-watering roast carvery buffet options. Room hire options include Hervey House, private Board Room and The Lakes Room.
Make your next special event great with the expert functions team at the RSL
MARINE RESCUE QUEENSLAND FOR ALL
THERE has been a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes of Volunteer Marine Rescue over the past year with some big changes in the wind.
Their core operations are now subsidised by the Queensland Government which means VMR Hervey Bay will transition to Marine Rescue Queensland Hervey Bay.
Commodore John Gibson said as of November 1, there was no longer any membership fees or any charge to the public for onwater assistance.
“I want to assure members that nothing will change in the services we provide nor how our base operates; only that we will no longer need
to raise all our own money to be operational.
“We will still need to fund some things ourselves but the big items such as fuel and vessels will be covered.”
The Hervey Bay RSL has been a major sponsor of the organisation for over 10 years, with $2000 a month donated from the club's Community Grants Program.
The funds helped cover the costs of maintenance on the boats 'Hyne Timber Rescue', 'Rescue III' and 'Rescue IV', the cost of fuel, and training
for new members.
The Hervey Bay RSL will continue to support the organisation over the transition period to help cover the cost of community events not covered by the government funding.
John said VMR would have been at a loss without the major sponsorship from the RSL for all these years.
“Without this support, we could not have purchased vessels such as our 12-metre catamaran, Rescue1,” John said.
“The donations from the RSL also go to aid in training for our crews and vital equipment for our vessels. Another part of our service is community events, such as the Super Boats and Windfest.
“None of our work is possible without the help and donations of our sponsors and supporters.”
John said the new MRQ will align all 46 bases across Queensland to operate more efficiently and effectively when needed.
SINGING PRAISES FOR NEW EQUIPMENT
THEY’RE the lovable singers known for their trademark red ties, black attire and beautiful voices.
Local group Mansong has not only brought joy to the thousands of Fraser Coast residents it has entertained over the years, but enhanced the lives of those who are part of the unique ensemble.
Mansong was formed back in 2012 with only a handful of blokes to create a place of support and security for men of retirement age who just love to sing.
President Glenn Anderson said navigating retirement can be tricky for some and joining Mansong has given many
members a sense of purpose and belonging.
“Joining our group provides friendship, support, purpose and helps develop confidence and a positive attitude,” Glenn said.
“We also have a lot of fun.”
Mansong is well-known for their high energy performances around the region including Civic Events, annual Carols across the Fraser Coast, various fundraising events, retirement village visits and local Anzac Day services.
However, after 12 years of constant use, their equipment and technology has aged and desperately needed replacing.
To continue providing the very best entertainment to the community the Hervey Bay RSL has sponsored Mansong with a community grant to purchase new equipment including two wireless speakers, cover and stands, and a new microphone stands.
Glenn said the new and modern equipment has been a very welcomed addition to the singing group.
“Now that we have lighter and more up-to-date items, our members can effectively move them without risking damage to their health and well-being, and that will allow for a greater variety of performance opportunities.
“This update was required for the members of Mansong to continue to be active in our community and provide fundraising as well as free and low-cost community concerts.”
A special thanks to Ultra Music for providing a discount on the equipment purchased with the RSL grant.
Visit the Mansong Facebook page to find out more.
RAPTORS SOAR INTO THIRD PLACE
The 14th edition of the SINGACUP, an international youth football tournament, was held in Singapore in November last year
Known for its competitive spirit and cultural diversity, this annual event provided a stage for youth football talent from around the world to shine including the U12 QLD Raptors from Hervey Bay who proudly represented Australia.
An RSL Community Grant of $5000 was shared between the seven players which played a significant role in covering their expenses.
Coach Grant Yeatman said the team showcased incredible skill, resilience, and teamwork which earnt them 3rd place in the tournament.
“The Raptors dominated their group with an unbeaten record, scoring an impressive 30 goals and conceding just one,” Grant said.
“Their relentless drive and cohesion made them a standout team.”
He said the highlight of their campaign was a thrilling 2-1 victory over PKP Luang Prabang (Laos) in the 3rd/4th place playoff at the Rainforest Sports Hub.
When asked what he loved most about the trip, team member Malakai shared his excitement about experiencing the diverse cultures of Singapore and competing teams.
He especially enjoyed bonding with his teammates and testing his skills against top youth players from across the globe.
A big congratulations to the U12 QLD Raptors on this extraordinary achievement.
EX-SERVICE men and women who live at Fraser Shore Retirement Village now have a special place to remember and reflect on commemorative days with assistance from Hervey Bay RSL Memorial Club’s Community Grants Program.
Village resident, project fundraising officer, and Army Veteran Chris Reid was a Regimental Seargent Major and oversaw ceremonial activities as part of his duties.
He recognised the need to have a dedicated space for residents who are no longer able to attend public Anzac Day services and commemorations but
want to reflect and show their respect to the fallen.
“I have always attended the Dawn Service, but I can no longer drive so that makes it very difficult for me, and for many other residents in a similar situation,” Chris said.
“There's a collective of ex-service people in our village and previously we had to travel to Fraser Shores 2 for all services, but the area isn't undercover and exposed residents to heat and rain.”
PRIDE IN QLD CRICKET
CONGRATULATIONS to Hervey Bay’s Laura Bailey and her Queensland team who placed second overall in the National School Girls Cricket carnival in Adelaide recently
Laura took two wickets and finished top of the fielding stats for the carnival, taking a total of five catches, as well as being named for the coaches' award at the end of the tournament.
Laura was supported by the Hervey Bay RSL with a $500 Community Grant to assist with the cost of the compulsory uniform and entry levy costs.
“It was an amazing experience and one I hope I can do again in the future,” Laura said.
“I met lots of new friends who love cricket as much as I do, and we had a great week playing cricket together.”
To top of this fantastic result, the team also won the Spirit of Cricket Award.
to install pavers around three sandstone blocks, plaques, the required earthworks and to repair the old, outdated water fountain to the cascading beauty is it today.
Residents can also take a seat on the two beautifully inscribed 'Lest We Forget' bench seats with one donated by Chris and his wife Teena and the other donated by the Fraser Shores Residents Association
Chris got a plan to build an Anzac Memorial approved by Blue Care and enlisted the help of the Fraser Shores Residents Association who spent countless hours fundraising to help bring the project to fruition.
An RSL grant of $6700 covered the bulk of the costs
The completed memorial now takes pride of place adjacent to the village main office and boasts an undercover area so residents can stay out of the elements.
“With the help of the RSL grant this plan was exactly what I had envisaged when I put pen to paper,” Chris said.
“It reflects all those who have served in any defence force, for any country, and is for anyone who calls Fraser Shores home.
“As a community, we are very
appreciative of the Hervey Bay RSL.”
Another interesting and apt aspect to the memorial is the surrounding garden which is filled with rosemary bushes grown with propagated seeds from Gallopoli and distributed through the Avenues of Honour Project.
Rosemary is associated with Gallipoli because it grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey, where many Australian soldiers died in World War I. It is worn on Anzac Day as a symbol of remembrance for these soldiers and thanks to the residents who donated the seeds, will add an important aspect of history to the memorial.
Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch President Brian Tidyman will lead a special dedication ceremony for the Anzac Memorial on February 26. Lest We Forget!
GRANT IS BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL
THE Rainbow Gully Community Garden is starting to take shape with dedicated volunteers using their green thumbs and lots of hard work to bring the dilapidated site back to its former glory
Located on the corner of Oleander and McLiver Streets in Scarness, the garden was abandoned for the past 12 months when the previous group of volunteers disbanded.
Now with the assistance of about 70 enthusiastic members from the Maryborough Garden Club and a $2500 Hervey Bay RSL Community Grant, the garden is sure to flourish.
Garden club member and Hervey Bay resident Wendi Selkrig said the space has so much potential to create a full and accessible food forest to all members of the Hervey Bay community.
It is open to all to pick, wander or volunteer to help with gardening, especially for people who love to garden but who don't have space at home.
There are currently over 30 established fruit trees that just need a little bit of TLC and raised garden beds that are currently being restored
by Skill Centred Queensland.
The club will have weekly meet ups, monthly workshops to keep engagement levels high and strategic planting of new plants to coincide with the seasons and usability of produce.
“Everything is all spread out at the moment so we want to make it more sectioned and make it more specific so we know where everything is planted so we can easily direct people to what they are looking for,” Wendi said.
“I want to have recipe cards at the entrance with a recipe for pumpkin soup, for example, so people can scavenge for the pumpkin and all the fresh ingredients you need to cook it yourself.
“It will be a garden-to-table type set up. We want real ideas that people can replicate at home.”
The RSL grant enabled the garden club to improve
storage and security with a lock up garden shed, new infrastructure with garden edging and trellises and improve the food forest with both trees and seedlings.
“The grant has meant that we have been able to do some really important repairs around the place, improve the safety and longevity of the garden and improve the security of storing out belongings and keeping them safe as well.
“We are incredibly thankful that the RSL is genuinely interested in investing back into the community.”
To keep updated on the progress, head to the Rainbow Gully Community Garden Facebook page.
COMMUNITY
SPIRIT
ON THE MENU
CHRISTMAS is a time for connection, kindness, and sharing— and nowhere was this more evident than at HBNC’s annual Christmas Day Lunch.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Hervey Bay RSL and the incredible dedication of volunteers, more than 100 community members in need of company and a hearty festive meal were treated to a day full of warmth, laughter, and delicious food.
Held at the Hervey Bay Community Centre, the event provided guests with a beautifully prepared meal complete with all the festive trimmings, as well as the
most important ingredient: community spirit.
HBNC CEO Tanya Stevenson said the event captured the true essence of Christmas.
“Christmas is about sharing, caring, and reminding people they're not alone,”
Tanya said.
“Our Christmas Day Lunch is more than just a meal—it's a big, warm hug from the community. This year, with the help
of our amazing volunteers and the Hervey Bay RSL, we made sure no one missed out on feeling part of the festive magic.”
In addition to funding the Christmas Day Lunch every year, the RSL is a longterm sponsor of Comfort Kitchen, HBNC's weekly free community meal. Together, these initiatives ensure that
RSL HAS FISHING CLUB COVERED CARE FOR FEATHERED FRIENDS
If you love to cast a line and enjoy a great social atmosphere, then the Fraser Coast Memorial Fishing Club could be for you.
Fishing gurus Frank and Ivan formed the club two years ago with a goal of attracting members of all abilities, all ages and both male and female members. They not only love to fish but they love getting together for social activities, fundraisers, whale watching trips, and their annual seven-day fishing trip and deep-sea charter fishing trips a few times a year.
The Hervey Bay RSL provides the opportunity for club members to enjoy all these activities with the cost of all their insurances covered with sponsorship from the Hervey Bay RSL Community Grants Program this year.
The insurance coverage also ensures the volunteers and guests attending their sausage sizzle stand at the Torquay Markets on the first and second Saturday of the month are covered, with funds raised going towards subsidising the club's club activities and uniforms. The Fraser Coast Memorial Fishing Club always welcomes new members and if you don't have a boat, they're happy to take you out.
The Fraser Coast Bird Club no longer needs to worry about braving the elements at their Koala Markets stall thanks to a Hervey Bay RSL Community Grant.
The passionate group of bird enthusiasts have been regulars at the markets in Urangan since starting the not-for-profit club 17 years ago.
those facing hardship or loneliness have a space to connect and enjoy nutritious food.
The event was made even more special thanks to the tireless efforts of HBNC's volunteers, who gave up their Christmas mornings to serve meals, share smiles and help spread festive cheer.
The club was formed by current President Peter Bugge to bring a community of bird enthusiasts together, promote the well-being of birds in cages and aviaries and provide information about nutrition and behaviour.
Peter is the last remaining founding member, and other long-standing members have remained dedicated to the club for over a decade.
The 50 plus like-minded members, like Peter, are not only bird breeders but are advocates for education and responsible ownership.
Members will even come to your home to assist with setting up an aviary if needed.
“The club is about breeding and selling birds, but it's also focused on learning about birds and how to look after them too,” Peter said.
“A lot of people think that you just give them seed and water but if you have them in an aviary you have to worm them and know their environment.
“I tell a lot of people that where I have made mistakes, I don't like to see others make them, so we do our best to share our knowledge.”
Peter said club members love to have a chat to marketgoers interested in taking home a feathered friend which is why it's important for the group to have a shaded and shower proof area for members, buyers and the birds.
The RSL provided the club with three new branded marquees to not only provide cover from the elements but to promote the bird club too.
There's no missing them now with the bright blue covers and prints of colourful birds.
“The marquees are absolutely beautiful, and our members are extremely happy. Our stall really stands out at the markets.
“We can't thank the RSL enough for what you have done for our club; it has brought our members closer together with a common cause of being more active in the Fraser Coast Bird Club.”
FCBC is always looking for new members and welcomes any enquiries from anyone in need of advice. Phone Peter on 0457 275 418 or visit the Koala Markets at Kruger Crt, Urangan on the second and fourth Sunday of the month.
Pop into one of the club meetings in the RSL Lakes room held on the last Wednesday of the month from 7pm to 8.30pm or give Ivan a call on 0455 486 440.
CAMP CONNECTS KIDS ON GRIEF JOURNEY
ANGEL Families was established in 2022 under the umbrella of award-winning local charity Rally for a Cause, in response to a lack of support services provided to families that have experienced the excruciating loss of a child 21 and under.
For any child suffering the death of a parent or sibling the grief can be confronting, isolating and confusing.
So as part of this support, a group of teenagers battling the loss of a brother, sister or parent came together for the very first time for a four-day Angel Families Siblings Camp to meet others facing a similar journey.
The Hervey Bay RSL is proud to be a major sponsor of Angel Families with a $30,000 donation in both 2023 and
TOP THREE IN SHOWDOWN
Members of the Fraser Coasters Wheelchair Basketball showed what they are made of in the Made Concepts Playground Showdown FIBA 3X3 Quest Tour late last year
With the help of a $1000 Hervey Bay RSL Community grant to keep entry costs down, the teams played brilliantly in Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Townsville winning each of those events and qualifying for the Queensland Playground Showground Finals in Brisbane.
The team finished the showdown in third place overall.
2024, plus donations from Wednesday's bingo, which helped host this very special camp.
Based at Camp Pialba, the 24 children aged 11-18 connected and revelled in lots of fun activities from a full-day boat trip to K'Gari, movie night, beach day, family fun day, a trip to Mini Golf Hervey Bay, abseiling, colour run, gel blaster, snorkelling, tubing, swimming, craft, equine therapy, a candlelit remembrance ceremony and even a water fight with local
This competition is the only seasonal competition for representative teams to play in and is the only competition that caters for both basketball and wheelchair basketball together. Participation in the competition showed the Wheelchair Basketball Club's support for inclusion in sport, and the wider community. Well done, team!
firefighters.
Angel Families Coordinator Jess Lane said the four-day adventure was life changing for the attendees and the volunteers.
have made new friends and are already asking when the next camp is being held.”
“For most it was the longest period of time away from their parents or caregivers since their tragic loss - so it was always going to be difficult – but they were amazing.
“Connecting over that shared loss by doing new things together has been awesome.
“They now have a new bond,
SWIMMING SUCCESS
The major sponsorship from the RSL and Tedoo Behaviour Support and Therapeutic Services ensured there was no cost to the families to attend.
For more information on Angel Families and the charity Rally for a Cause visit www.rallyforacause.org.au
Hervey Bay’s Hannah and Molly Keen ended 2024 on a high after excelling in the Queensland State Swimming Championships in Brisbane.
The sisters are part of the Fraser Coast Swimming Club and were both selected to represent Queensland in their respective age groups by meeting set qualifying times.
The girls were supported by the RSL Community Grants Program with $250 each to help the family cover the expense of entry fees and accommodation.
Hannah competed in the 12year-old girls and came away with three top 20 placings in
Queensland and also achieved four personal best times.
Molly competed in the 15-year-old girls and came away with three top 20 placings in Queensland and four personal best times.
She also secured her first national qualifying time in the 200m breaststroke and will now go on to compete at the 2025 Australian Age Championships to be held at Brisbane in April. Well done, girls!
PROGRAM 2025
What many don't know is that while they are having a good time out, they are also helping to give back to the local community. The RSL is the only club in Hervey Bay that has a dedicated Community Grants Program, which has seen local sporting clubs, individuals and community groups receive a share of over $5 million in donations, in-kind support and sponsorships over the past 10 years. The grants program celebrates and supports individual achievements and those charities and not-for-profit organisations doing incredible work on the Fraser Coast.
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. Application forms are available online at herveybayrsl.com.au or by phoning Kerrie Alexander on 41977466.
Community Groups & Clubs
CONTACT NAMES AND NUMBERS
R FORCE ASSOCIATION
SER COAST BRANCH
ets at the RSL on the 2nd dnesday of the month at 0am Contact the President, e Hart on 0415688535or the retary, Ros Richards on 87685
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 & Wednesday day 8 30am - 4pm 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 1st Monday of the month 9 30am 2nd floor HBRSL
Contact M Sinclair (Pres), T Tidyman (VP), Contact Via RSL
Sub-Branch 4197 7477
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
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 Legacy House on 4194 5111
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 Cochrane 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). 11am1.30pm. 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 wwwfacebookcom/ veteransofaustralia
WAR WIDOWS’ GUILD OF HERVEY BAY
Meet at RSL on 1st Monday of the month at 10am.
Bay RSL
Sub-Branch
President’s
Report
I hope that all members had a very joyful festive season and a happy and healthy start to 2025.
The Sub-Branch membership numbers are growing steadily and as of this date it stands at 1790.
The next Commemorations is the War Animals on February 24, followed by Anzac Day on April 25.
Fraser Coast families are encouraged to come together at Freedom Park this Anzac Day to honour every soldier's sacrifice and service to Australia.
The veterans will line up for the Dawn Service at 5am and step-off from the RSL at about 5.15am. The main march will form at 8.45am and step off at about 9.15am with veterans, current serving members, service groups, schools and dignitaries.
The veterans and current serving members will then return to the RSL for a private Gunfire breakfast.
Sub-Branch members who would like to attend the Gunfire Breakfast, must book their ticket at the SubBranch office on Level 2.
Residents who are ex-service and new to Hervey Bay are welcome to pop into the sub-branch and introduce yourself and have a chat.
New members are always welcome.
Brian Tidyman - Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch President the Sub-Branch office
EVERLASTING LOVE
It was World War 2 and Australia was under attack by the Japanese when Joan, a truck driver, and Alan, a fitter in the armoured division, met when serving in the Army in Perth.
Joan was one of about 20 women working alongside more than 200 men, but Alan managed to catch her eye.
“She was backing up a truck, but she missed the ramp, and we laughed so she put the hose on my mate and I,” Alan said.
“I like to think she picked me out of the 200.”
A year after they met when Joan was just 19 and Alan 21, they got married not knowing when, or even if, they would ever see each other again as Alan was deployed to Papua New Guinea just weeks later.
But not even a war could keep these two apart.
On January 20, 2025, Hervey Bay's Joan and Alan Williams celebrated the incredible milestone of their 80th Wedding Anniversary.
The couple were surrounded by family and friends on their special day which included lots of reflection about their amazing life journey together.
Alan, 101, said the secret to a long and happy marriage is tolerance and honesty from both sides and never keeping secrets from each other.
“We made a commitment, and you just have to make it work,” Alan said.
“I think the most important thing is no matter what you do, do it together.”
They are both proud of their accomplishments
All ex-service who need assistance can contact the Pensions and Wellbeing section on (07) 41849496 or call into their office at the Signature Building, 19-21 Torquay Rd, Pialba on the 2nd floor They are open Monday to Friday 0900-1500hrs If on a weekend, please contact RSL Club reception for emergency contact.
The Sub-Branch office IS AT HERVEY BAY RSL, LEVEL 2 AND is open Monday-Friday 0900-1230hrs All information is on the website at www.herveybayrslsubbranch.com.au
including their commitment to volunteering and charity work.
Alan is no stranger to the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch with his service acknowledged at the 2024 Anzac Day luncheon. He was presented with a Second World War Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration for the 75th anniversary of the end of the war.
In 1985, together the couple raised $150,000 to help build the Ballina Players Amateur Theatre where they volunteered for 40 years.
Joan also received an Order of Australia Medal for her work establishing the theatre and was also a dedicated volunteer for Meals on Wheels for 35 years.
“Alan was in all the productions, and I was directing them,” Joan said.
“We've had a great life together.”
The two now cherish their time together at Baycrest
IN THE SPORTS BAR
Corporate rates, family rooms, parking outside your room, free Wi-Fi available
Room service breakfast available 7 days
Dining discounts with your room key at the HB RSL & Clubhouse
Held 1st DVA pay day of the month 11am - 1.30pm (Thursday)
DRINKS at great prices, Meat Tray RAFFLES, Trivia & live entertainment
ALL WELCOME
MARCH 06 April 03 May 01
beaches
The Best L ittle Club in the Bay!
FUSION OF FLAVOURS ON NEW MENU
prawnsor opt for a classic Italian favouritelike bruschettaor garlicbreads.
For the main course, the menu offers the perfectmix of traditionaland contemporarydishes.
Pasta lovers will rejoice in the selection of pasta dishes, including carbonaraand marinaralinguine.
Those seeking a taste of Asia can indulge in flavourfulcreations like pad Thai and porkbelly stir fry.
There's also plenty of classic, Australian modern cuisine to choose from.
IF you’re looking for a tantalising menu that will ignite your taste buds, then book a table at The Clubhouse Hervey Bay for your next lunch or dinner.
Clubhouse Head Chef Alex Biguzzi is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipatedseasonal-inspired menu, featuringa vibrantand diverse culinaryexperiencethatwill takepatrons palateon a journeyfrom the FarEast to the heartof Italy and beyond.
The Italian-bornchef said this season's offerings showcase a delightful fusion of flavours,combining traditional Europeandishes with exciting Asianinspired creations,all while emphasising fresh, seasonal ingredients perfectfor the summer months.
“We wantedto createa menu that reflectsthe energyand vibrancyof summer,” Alex said.
“Ourgoal is to offer a rangeof dishes thatarebothlight and refreshing,while still being packedwith flavourand showcasing the best ingredients of the season.
“The new menu features a varietyof tantalizing options to suit everypalate.”
Diners can starttheir culinaryadventure with refreshing appetisers such as spring rolls, okonomiyaki, coconut
Chef has also put super into Sundays with a selection of goodies on the new Sunday Sesh menu including $12 happy hourpizzas and hungerbusting platters. Share with friends or have it all to yourself with a choice of chicken wings, a partyplate,an Asian plate with delicious BBQ porkbuns or a delectableSeafood plate with prawns,calamari,Tai fish cakes and scallops. Yum!
AnotherSunday to mark on your calendaris May 11! Don't let Mother's Day sneak up on you withouta plan to spoil thatspecial lady in yourlife.
Book yourseats at The Clubhouse for a delicious buffetbreakfast.No mess, no fuss, just a lovely morning out with the one you love.
Rain certainly didn't dampen the spirit of our lucky Clubhouse patron who won a brand new MG3 car on January 19 as part of our Sizzling Summer Car Giveaway. The fun continued with entertainment during the highly competitive cornhole and ring toss competitions, and the runners up of the giveaway each walking with a share of $5000 in cash prizes.
