YOUNG veterans will gather to celebrate the unique mateship of the defence force at a barbecue hosted by Young Veterans Redlands.
The barbecue, which is open to veterans, currently-serving and ex-serving personnel and their families, will be held at the Veterans Community Centre in Cleveland on Sunday, May 19.
Young Veterans was launched in Melbourne in 2012 and established a base at Capalaba's Boss Customs body shop in mid-2018.
Branches also exist in Ipswich, North Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Redlands Young Veterans committee member Lee Mason said many young veterans at services on Anzac Day had expressed a need for more support throughout the year to help veterans re-adjust to society and maintain a strong peer network.
"A lot of young veterans are being discharged (whether that's for) medical reasons or because they want to leave," he said.
"(On Anzac Day) I managed to speak with some young veterans who have found troubled times since leaving the forces and were unaware of our charity."
Mr Mason said young veterans could sometimes have trouble readjusting to society and needed support from families, communities and other defence force personnel.
"Defence is like a big family," he said.
"There's a special bond there. It can be hard to adjust to civilian life again.
"A lot of young veterans miss that bond and talking to like-minded people."
Struggles included post-traumatic stress disorder, which hindered the transition back to civilian life.
To support service personnel, Young Veterans Redlands holds regular socials and group events, as well as co-ordinating special projects for members.
Currently, members are converting a donated Ford Capri Perana into a drag racing vehicle.
Project Perana will be on display at the barbecue.
Mr Mason said projects like these could help veterans find a sense of purpose which could aid their transition back to civilian life.
"We want to enrich the lives of the community through social events where we can bring like-minded people together and help veterans re-engage with society," he said.
The Young Veterans Redlands family barbecue will be held on Sunday, May 19 from 11.30am at the Veterans Community Centre opposite Redlands RSL on Passage Street, Cleveland.
Young Veterans socials will be held every Wednesday at Redlands RSL from 6.30pm, starting on May 8.
For more information on Young Veterans Redlands and upcoming events, visit the group Facebook page.