Demand for veteran welfare services has spiked as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown and restrictions, so Redcliffe RSL is calling on the community to help it provide much-needed assistance.
The Sub Branch has two paid advocates, two volunteer advocates and five volunteer welfare officers, at a cost of about $300,000 per year.
It receives a small amount of support from various grants, but relies on income from its club at Irene St. That income was cut during the 17 weeks the club was forced to close due to the COVID-19 shutdown.
Redcliffe RSL president Neville Cullen said the Sub Branch had fully-trained and accredited ATDP Advocates who had been performing above expectations.
“There is a very high demand from our veterans and recently a lot who are having difficulty coping with the COVID-19 situation,” Mr Cullen said.
“We provide a mentor program to advocates from other areas and assist clients from Katherine and Darwin, where there are no local qualified advocates. They also assist clients from other areas within Queensland and also nationally.
“The community can support our veterans by continuing to support the Redcliffe RSL Club which is our major source of income for veteran support.”
Redcliffe RSL general manager Peter Forsey said the shutdown had been the biggest challenge the club had faced.
“Our team and members have been amazing and have been the driving force to help adapt and rebuild. We are grateful to be open and trading and are taking a pragmatic approach to ensure financial sustainability,” Mr Forsey said.
Expansion plans are on hold until financial conditions stabilise, and COVID-19 restrictions have forced the Sub Branch to cancel Remembrance Day commemorations this year.
“As devastating as this pandemic has been, we are truly thankful and grateful for the community we live in,” Mr Forsey said.
“The road out is long and tough, but for us to rebuild like other businesses it is imperative for locals to support businesses like ours. Without our club, the indirect effects on the community would be devastating.”
Find more local news here
Contractors have broken ground on the Les Hughes Sports Complex precinct upgrade, as Moreton Bay Regional Council fast-tracks major projects in response to COVID-19.…
An off-leash reserve at Petrie will be removed by Moreton Bay Regional Council after a dog killed a baby koala and hospitalised its mother.…
Local News • 28-1-2021 • Nick Crockford
The battle for the Goldie Cup resumes on Sunday with two of the Moreton Bay Region’s football clubs teaming up to support Nathan Goldstiver.…
Local News • 28-1-2021 • Jodie Powell
Redcliffe Markets recreates dating show Perfect Match for Valentine’s Day…
Local News • 27-1-2021 • Kylie Knight
Moreton Bay Regional Council’s community consultation team will be visiting coastal locations in February, so residents can have their say on how to protect and manage the region’s beaches and waterways.…
Local News • 27-1-2021 • Nick Crockford
Unitywater has reopened standpipes in Dayboro after recent rain across the region.…
Local News • 27-1-2021 • Jodie Powell
Ensuring children travel safely to and from school is the responsibility of the entire community, according to the Officer in Charge of the Deception Bay Road Policing Unit. It's pretty simple - as he explains…
Local News • 26-1-2021 • Jodie Powell
Moreton Bay’s John Russell, Michael Hawkins and Sheryl Backhouse receive Australia Day Honours…