ANZAC DAY 2019
Preparation for ANZAC DAY 2019
RSL and Cadet evening 2019
Goondiwindi Show RSL BBQ
Big thank you to the Goondiwindi community for supporting the Goondiwindi RSL Sub Branch at the show for many years. 2019 was their last event ending a long standing tradition with the Goondiwindi Show Society cooking up a feed for many patrons visiting this fantastic event. The Goondiwindi RSL Sub Branch, in turn have been able to support the community in a number of ways due to the money they made from the day.
Goondiwindi RSL Sub-Branch working with Customs House Museum
For the past two of years, three members of the Goondiwindi RSL Sub-Branch – Steve Hoole, John Duncan and Brian Copeland, have been “on duty” at the War Museum, being part of the Customs House Museum, which is open 4 mornings a week and for any other special events as well. Steve Hoole, John and Brian have been sharing the role and their contribution is greatly appreciated. In January this year, the flag pole for the Australian Flag was raised into position by members of the Goondiwindi RSL Sub-Branch, in front and to the side of the War Museum.
Installing the flag pole to carry the Australian Flag – Tony Stepney, Mike Vogler, Russell Billsborough, Alan Fairbanks, Greg Rixon, Bill Brassington, Travis Nice, Brian Copeland and Clinton Billsborough outside the War Museum
2018 October – The Goondiwindi RSL members are busy again constructing a Rotunda near the Cenotaph in the Goondiwindi Town Park. This was part of a plan by the Rotary Club, the Hell of the West and representatives of the RSL Sub-Branch, back in March to improve the Goondiwindi Town Park. The plan was drawn up and taken to the Goondiwindi Town Council for approval. The Council agreed to assist the project by preparing the site and running electricity to the Rotunda. Because the site of the Rotunda is Heritage listed, it was necessary to obtain permission to carry out the work.
Now thanks to the Council Workers starting 2 weeks ago, along with Simon Knight, a sound foundation for the building was laid down, being a cement floor and pathway leading to the Rotunda
Russell Billsborough and his team, have been working conscientiously towards completing the Rotunda in time for Remembrance Day. This building is being fashioned in a hexagonal design and will serve as an ideal setting for Veterans to sit in there, and also for services to be directed from on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
In the centre of the Rotunda there will be a hexagonal monument with the 12 Battles of WW1 inscribed – 2 on each one of the 6 sides. On the top of the monument “Lest We Forget” will be written. Lighting and sound equipment will also be included. The Rotunda will be suitable for other Community events as well. Hedges and flower beds will complete and enhance the building.
2018 –The Cenotaph gates were rusted so pulled down and powder-coated.
Councillors Lachlan Brennan and Rob Mackenzie with members of the Goondiwindi RSL Sub-Branch – Bill Brassington, Paul Andrianotos, Tony Stepney, Greg Rixon, Robert Collins, John Toohey and Paul Smith-Lester, in front of the newly painted gates to the Cenotaph. Photo from the Goondiwindi Regional Council.
2018 – September/October – two of our RSL members Tony Stepney and Paul Smith Lester, together with members from the Mudgeeraba RSL, worked jointly to help out a farmer on “Prospect” at Mungallala. The work consisted of fencing and reconstructing the shearing quarters, taking 9 days to complete at the expense of both RSLs.
2018 – July – RSL donated a number of chairs to the Customs House Museum
2018 – For over a number of months, a team of Goondiwindi RSL Sub-Branch Members, with Russell Billsborough in charge, designed and made 17 headstones for those Veterans whose graves needed them. Russell crafted the mould and from there it was a “full on” project resulting in beautifully built headstones respectfully placed on the graves. Many donations helped to make the cost of this project possible. A dedication to the headstones was held in July out at the Goondiwindi Cemetery with Lawrence Springborg officiating.
2016 – The Goondiwindi RSL members in partnership with the Goondiwindi Golf Club and Greg (Boris) Billings – Landscaper, worked jointly to construct a memorial honouring men and women from Goondiwindi & District who have served in the armed forces of Australia. The memorial is a paved area designed by Boris to represent the ANZAC Rising Sun. It is situated on the western side of the Goondiwindi Golf Club.
2016 – A German canon captured during World War 1 has been placed at the front and on the western side of the Goondiwindi Golf Club.
Photo Supplied By Wayne Pratt & Ian Joans
