THE Redlands RSL Museum may have an Australian first, with medals from three generations of one family now in its care.
Last year Cleveland’s Rodney Collins walked into the museum with military medals in a box under his arm.
The medals belonged to his great grandfather, grandfather and father, the three of them having between them fought in the Boer War, WWI, WWII and Vietnam.
It is unlikely a similar collection of medals from three generations of one family are housed in any other museum in Australia.
RSL vice-president and museum curator Les Warner said it was yet another amazing military treasure donated to the museum.
“Things like that happen a lot,” Les said. “You’re continually being surprised.”
Les has overseen transformation of the site, with restoration works of more than $300,000 bringing it into the 21st century.
The building was previously the old Cleveland Courthouse. A new roof and ceiling, flooring and carpets and air conditioning have provided volunteers with a fresh start and given the museum and library a vibrant look.
It rates among the best in Queensland.
Considering the museum has been operational only since July 2007, the collection and fit-out is a credit to Les and other volunteers, who, between them, are on hand for as many as 3000 hours a year.
Back in its early days, original curator Ian Gray planned, designed and often manufactured furniture to display the memorabilia which is now a must-see part of the RSL.
It has been their dedication, perseverance, loyalty and teamwork sifting and sorting, setting out displays, dusting, cataloguing, organising special events and tours that makes the spirit of the museum sparkle.
“It gives us an interest – keeps us active,” said Les, a 1955 RAAF Nasho who served his time as a welder in the general engineering section at Amberley.
“We are proud of what we are achieving and honoured to be able to put on a display of memorabilia that is irreplaceable.
“We also get plenty of smiles on our faces when kids come in and say their grandfathers or their uncles were in the war and did we know them?”
Connected to the museum is a library, which is also used extensively and is particularly busy around Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
A meeting room is available for use by community groups with up-to- date display screens and computers.
The aim of the museum/library is to provide a relaxing atmosphere for veterans and ex-servicemen and women in which they can read books or view DVD’s and videos.
The facility is available to schools allowing students to research the military history of Australia and Allied forces.
With this year being the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, Les is transforming a key display room featuring artefacts, photographs, diaries, uniforms and other items as a special dedication to that conflict.
“The museum is not honouring warfare,” Les said. “It is providing information and showing visitors events that have helped shaped Australia’s history and how we have become the nation we are today.”
Les is also helped by wife Audrey.
The museum is open 9am-2pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9am-4pm each Tuesday.
