Boyne Tannum RSL

About Us
Since 1916, the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has existed to ensure help is always available to the men and women of the Australia Defence Forces (ADF). Originally formed by a group of returned soldiers, providing support, advice and camaraderie has always been core to our purpose.

Today’s RSL has evolved to be the largest ex-service organisation in Queensland, with over 240 Sub Branches across 10 districts offering practical assistance including:

Assistance with DVA claims
Emergency financial assistance
Home and hospital visits
Short-term emergency accommodation
Low cost housing
Bereavement assistance
Comradeship and mateship
Connections to other ex-service organisations

Our commitment is not limited to ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day – our staff and volunteers work all year round to:
Provide welfare and support for the wounded, injured and ill and their families
Honour the memory of those who have served through commemorative events
Preserve the spirit of mateship within the ADF community
Promote the interests of veterans and ADF members to Government and the wider community.

OUR VISION

We operate with a simple goal – to ensure that all current and former ADF personnel and their families that are in need of help get the support they need. This is evident through our vision:

We support you, the military family.

Our Objects
According to our Constitution, the objects for which the RSL (Queensland Branch) is established are to:
Provide for the sick, helpless, wounded, aged, vulnerable, destitute and needy among those who are serving or who have served in the Australian Defence Forces and their dependants
Perpetuate the close and kindly ties of friendship created by a mutual service in the Australian Defence Force or in the forces of nations traditionally allied with Australia and the recollections associated with that experience
Maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour among all past and present members of the Defence Forces of the nation and to set an example of public spirit and noble hearted endeavour
Preserve the memory and the records of those who suffered and died for Australia, erect monuments to their valour, provide them with suitable burial places, and establish and preserve, in their honour, the annual commemoration days known as ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and other commemorative days
Encourage loyalty to Australia and secure patriotic service in the interests of Australia;
Protect the good name and preserve the interests and standing of members of the Australian Defence Force
Encourage Members, as citizens, to serve Australia with that spirit of self-sacrifice and loyalty with which they served as members of the Australian Defence Forces
Provide welfare to the sick, helpless, wounded, vulnerable, aged, destitute and needy.

These objects guide our strategic direction and drive our day-to-day activities.
OUR HISTORY

Following the aftermath of World War I, wounded soldiers began returning home to find there was limited government support available to them.

Diggers felt that a united voice was needed to bring about change for returned servicemen and women. The RSL was formed – an independent, apolitical organisation run by its members, for its members and the ex-service community. The RSL proceeded to represent the interests of returned servicemen and women, lobbying the Government and providing welfare services.

Originally known as the Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA), the name was changed to the Returned Soldiers and Airman’s Imperial League of Australia (RSSAILA) in 1940. In 1965, the name was then changed to the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSLA). Finally, in 1990, the name was changed to the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL).

THE BADGE
The RSL badge is a symbol representing readiness at all times to render service to Queen and country and to former comrades. It can’t be purchased and may only be worn by those who have served their country.

The shield design is symbolic of the protection provided to those who wear it. Within the badge, red represents the blood ties of war that exist between comrades; white stands for the purity of the motives in joining the league – to render service without personal gain or ambition; and blue indicates a willingness to serve a comrade anywhere under the blue sky.

The wattle draws symbolism from its Australia roots, with the leek, the rose and the shamrock standing for Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively.

Within the centre circle – a sailor, soldier, airman and servicewoman marching together with their arms linked in comradery depict all of the services and ranks marching together in unity.