Community & Business
30 October, 2024
Pittsworth RSL Sub-Branch celebrates 102 years
A reunion was held on Saturday at Rusty’s Bar and Grill to celebrate 102 years of the Pittsworth RSL Sub-Branch.
The event was by invitation only and guests from other regional RSL Sub-Branches were in attendance.
A number of apologies was received including from Garth Hamilton and Pat Weir.
Pittsworth RSL Sub-Branch President, Allan Petersen, welcomed all of the guests, including those from the Western Districts Branch, and Toowoomba Legacy.
“Today’s reunion is one I hope you will all enjoy, so sit back and enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship with each other,” Mr Petersen said.
Tony, Carol and Ashford McEwan sang the Australian and New Zealand National Anthems.
There was a number of toasts throughout the afternoon, including one to the King, who was in fact at that time in Sydney, on his first visit to Australia as Monarch.
Other toasts included the RSL and the Fallen.
The three guest speakers on the day were from the 19th Army Cadets Unit (19ACU) in Pittsworth.
Each of cadets shared their plans of joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF) after school.
Cadet Sergeant Travis Lacey first joined cadets four years ago in 2020.
Last year, he travelled to the Royal Military College in Canberra.
”One of the highlights was holding every ceremonial sword used at events, including the royal sword for the Royal Family,” he said.
After school, Cadet Sergeant Lacey hopes to attain a full time job in the tank unit, 1st Armoured Regiment.
Cadet Sergeant Alice Train has been with the 19ACU for three years.
“From day one we were taught the importance of leadership and responsibility,” she said.
“We learnt to make decisions under pressure, to lead by example, and guide others with integrity.
“I have had the honour and responsibility to step up and come out of my comfort zone, being promoted to Sergeant half way through this year, which has been an extremely rewarding experience.”
Cadet Sergeant Train’s involvement in cadets gradually progressed, and she found herself drawn to the idea of officially joining the Australian Army.
“As I look to the future, my plan is to join the Australian Defence Force and become not only an army soldier but also an army driver,” she said.
“Thank you for your support in allowing me to share my story today.”
The final speaker was Cadet Under Officer (CUO) Shannon Caesar, Company Commander of the 19ACU.
“I’ve spent the last six years in the Australian Army Cadet program, working my way through the ranks, and developing skills and memories that will last many years to come, as well as learning the importance of the Defence values,” he said.
“From being the smallest cadet recruit from our induction, working through Lance Corporal, Corporal, a Sergeant, holding the position of a CSM, Warrant Officer Class II, and finally a CUO.”
Throughout the years, CUO Caesar has been honoured to participate in a number of events that have made an impact on him, including flying in an MRH-90 Taipan, and carrying the casket of a young man, and past cadet, only last year.
He has taken part in Anzac Day ceremonies, and considers it a privilege to support the RSL and past servicemen and women.
“I’ve always wanted to join the Army my whole life, mostly influenced by my family who fought in both World Wars,” he said.
CUO Caesar plans to become a air crewman for the new Black Hawks, assisting in disaster relief and seeing the Australian countryside from the skies.
He’ll join the ADF first as a Recovery Mechanic.
These young cadets reflect the high calibre of those participating in our local cadet program - a credit to the mentoring of 19ACU Captain Peter Greenwood and his team.
Pittsworth RSL Sub-Branch Secretary, and Master of Ceremonies, Mike Vogler, thanked each of the guest speakers and the 19ACU.
“We also have three other young chaps who’ve joined the Army, so we’re contributing quite a lot to the defence of our nation,” he said.
“You can see by the standard of these young people, we always say what’s going to happen in the future, well they are the future, and I thank them very much.”
As the local RSL looks ahead, with age taking its toll on many of the members, the Sub-Branch announced on Saturday that it has recently welcomed eight Auxiliaries into the fold.
“Majority of these have assisted the Sub-Branch with ceremonies and general support for a number of years,” Mr Vogler said.
“By acknowledging this we now look forward to the continuity of the Pittsworth RSL Sub-Branch.”
This announcement was followed by a toast to the Pittsworth RSL Auxiliaries.
Tony McEwan responded to Mr Vogler’s words, acknowledging the privilege and honour it is to be a part of the Sub-Branch Auxiliaries.
The committee then announced the donation of $3000 to Toowoomba Legacy, which was received by President, Jock Crocombe.
Toowoomba Legacy supports the partners and children of veterans who have seen their loved ones leave our shores to serve in wars from World War I and World War II, to Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq.
They also support families of those who may have died many years after serving our nation.
“Thank you very much to all of those who’ve been involved in raising this money,” Mr Crocombe said.
The Sub-Branch has had a relationship with Toowoomba Legacy for 74 years, almost every year since Toowoomba Legacy was first established.
“I’m really pleased to hear about such a long relationship our two organisations have had,” Mr Crocombe said.
“Over the years, the number of widows we’ve supported has declined, but more recently we’ve got a lot of families.
“Those families need a lot of financial support.
“The money that you have donated today will all be going toward that very worthy work we are doing.”
A very rare medal also made an appearance at the reunion, brought along by Brian and Kerry Copeland from the Goondiwindi RSL Sub-Branch.
The British Nuclear Test Medal, awarded posthumously to Edwin Baskerville (Mrs Copeland’s father) earlier this year, is only eligible to ADF personnel involved in the nuclear tests conducted at Emu Field, Maralinga and Monte Bello Islands between 1952 to 1957.
The Pittsworth RSL Sub-Branch committee also recognised the work of Frankie Hayden who assisted in preparations for the day.
