This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Returned and Services League (RSL), which was founded in 1916 by Australian troops returning from World War I.
Originally known as The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA), the RSL came about as a direct result of the camaraderie and mateship shown by the Diggers during and after the war.
The purpose of the RSL was to preserve that spirit of mateship and support serving and ex-service members and their families.
A centenary on, the RSL continues to be at the forefront of helping and caring for veterans and the service and ex-service community.
Now one of Australia’s oldest national organisations, the league has 1500 sub-branches and more than 240,000 members across Australia.
Redlands RSL president Alan Harcourt said the 100 year commemoration of RSL was a mighty effort for an organisation created by returned soldiers from World War I.
He said the primary function of the RSL was welfare for veterans, ex-service personnel and their families.
Mr Harcourt said he regarded it as a great privilege to be involved with an organisation that provided assistance to veterans and service personnel returning from conflict.
The Redlands RSL has provided more than $80,000 in community grants and $150,000 to veterans, ex-service personnel and their families in the past year.
Services included providing food packages, information regarding pensions and hospital and home visits.
ANZAC DAY SERVICES
Cleveland
- Dawn Service parade: 5.15am from the RSL’s main entrance to Anzac Centenary Park
- Dawn Service: 5.30am
- Main parade assembly: 10am, behind the Cleveland Bowls Club on Shore Street West
- Main parade: 10.30am, from Cleveland Bowls Club to Anzac Centenary Park
- Main service: 11am until 11.45am
Redland Bay
- Gunfire breakfast: From 3.45am, and after service, at Redland Bay Community Hall, Weinam Street
- Veterans assemble: 4.45am
- March: 4.55am, to cenotaph at Neville Stafford Park, Banana Street
- Dawn service: 5am
North Stradbroke Island
- Assembly and march to cenotaph: 4.45am, from butcher shop to cenotaph on Welsby Street, Dunwich
- Dawn service: 5am
- Main march assembly: 10.30am at Little Ships Club, Yabby Street, Dunwich
- March: 10.45am
- Main service: 11am at the cenotaph, Welsby Street, Dunwich
Russell Island
- Dawn service: 4.30am
- Gunfire breakfast: 7am to 10am, at Redlands RSL, Anzac Drive
- March assembly: 10am, at corner Cestrum Street and Canaipa Road
- March: 10.30am
- Main service: 10.30am to 11.10am, at Russell Island cenotaph, Anzac Drive
Macleay Island
- March assembly: 5am, at Kate Street
- Veterans march to cenotaph: 5.15am, from Kate Street
- Dawn Service: 5.30am, at Pat’s Park
Lamb Island
- First soat from Russell Island: 4.28am
- Dawn Service: 4.45am, at cenotaph adjacent to Lamb Island Recreation Club, Lucas Drive
- Gunfire breakfast: Following the service
Coochiemudlo Island
- Special ferry leaves mainland: 5am
- Dawn service: 5.30am at new memorial, Main Beach, opposite Red Rock Cafe
- Gunfire breakfast: After the service, at Red Rock Cafe
- Main service: 10am at new memorial, Main Beach
Redlands North Memorial Service
A service conducted with local youth, including Scout and Girl Guide groups, and school student leaders will be held in Wellington Point State School’s assembly hall.
- Assembly: 7.45am
- Service begins: 8am
RSL Care Moreton Shores
- Service: 11.30am, at the Bay Club, RSL Care Moreton Shores, 91 King Street, Thornlands
Visit the Redland City Bulletin website www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au and Facebook page on Anzac Day for photo galleries and live-streaming of commemorative events and services.
