Gracemere RSL in Gracemere, Queensland | Community organisation

Gracemere RSL

Locality: Gracemere, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 4933 2062

Address: 12 James Street 4702 Gracemere, QLD, Australia

Website:

Likes: 745

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Community organisation

01.05.2022 We wish to pay tribute today 19th December, the 78th anniversary of the Canal Creek Air Crash at Rossmoya.

24.04.2022 Some of our members attended St Christopher's Chapel for their Service on 4 July 2021.

04.04.2022 31 July was the 50th anniversary of wedded bliss for Joy Lawrie and Alan. I can't see where I posted the photos I took that night but I do know other photos were taken. Now going through the year's photos I thought everyone else might like to see their pics from that night. Enjoy!

31.03.2022 RSL Pioneer Fitzroy Highlands District Branch Inc District Meeting at Emu Park RSL on 27 November.

26.03.2022 Photos from RSL Pioneer Fitzroy Highlands District Branch Inc District Meeting held at Gracemere Sub Branch 18 September

11.03.2022 Our last trading night for 2021 was Friday 17th December which also had a Christmas theme with the winner of the Christmas raffle being drawn. Lyn Cooke was in attendance to collect her prize, the winner of the 2nd prize was not in attendance - Shirley Bonney, but we will get her prize to her (if that hasn't happened already). It was decided that our last members' draw for the year would be redrawn until a winner who was in attendance on the night could claim the Jackpot of $250, and so it came down to Margaret Littleton to collect the winnings! Congratulations all! A massive thank you to all the volunteers who have helped out through 2021 in any capacity. We appreciate all you have done and hopefully will continue to do in the future. I will be posting some other photos up that I have missed posting through the year for your enjoyment.

05.03.2022 Hooked Fishing Charters took us up the River on 13th December, once again this was after several attempts due to bad weather. The quantity of fish caught were not plentiful but had it been Barra season there would have been a lot more fillets to divvy up. Check out Hayden's first ever fish caught on a lure - 95cm Barramundi! Terry was stoked to catch this 120cm Threadfin Salmon (unfortunately no tag in it) which was his biggest ever fish caught to date also. Tony was happy with his Blue Salmon. Norm ..... well he was saving his strength for the next trip. A great day of camaraderie and banter was had by all.

19.02.2022 Christmas is almost upon us and so we have been winding down. Our Christmas Lunch was held this year at O'Dowds Hotel Rockhampton and a delicious feast was had by all! Winners of the 2 x Lucky Door prizes of $50 Bunnings Vouchers were Peter Lloyd and Wayne Luckel. From the President and the rest of the Committee, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The group picture will be framed and on display in the RSL in the New Year for all to see.

11.02.2022 Veterans' Health Week activity consisted of an offshore fishing trip and eventually occurred on 1st December after several cancellations. Well worth it thanks to Hooked Fishing Charters ! Check out the wide-mouthed Nannygai, Cobia, Mowong and Mackerel. Nice haul! Well done guys!

30.01.2022 From 5am Friday 17 December, you will be required to show Proof of Vaccination for entry to Gracemere RSL. We will be at the door to help with recording vaccination status to those who do not have the green tick on their phone, but do have an Immunisation Certificate. Please be patient and we can all make this as pleasant as possible.

27.01.2022 I have heaps of posts to do to catch up with the last couple of months' activities, however the most pressing is in relation to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and changes to entry to businesses as from 5am Friday 17 December. Please see the attached information in relation to Proof of Vaccination and Exemptions.

25.01.2022 To the members of Gracemere and District RSL Sub Branch and their families, as well as the wonderful members of our Community, please get behind the ANZAC Day Light up the Dawn Service next Saturday 25 April at 6am. Please pledge to participate. Please note that there will be a service televised from the Australian War Memorial from 5.30am that morning as well. If you would like to make a wreath or floral tribute and place it on your mailbox, as well as light up a candle, ob...serve a Minute's silence, play the relevant music which can be downloaded from Spotify and will also be on all the radio stations, or if you are talented, you may be able to play these pieces for your neighbours - these would all be fitting tributes to help the veterans of each community commemorate this memorable day. I am sure everyone is listening to their local radio station and to the TV news for any updates on the CoVid19 pandemic, so you have most likely heard that the RSL has endorsed (as it was not an RSL initiative) this Driveway Dawn Service idea please also listen out for any further information in the media. Take photos if you wish and share them to our Facebook page if you are able. Lest We Forget! See more

24.01.2022 Our Remembrance Day Service was well attended and it was particularly pleasing to see a good representation from the local Schools. Thanks must go out to all the volunteers who assisted in any way to ensure the success of the day. In the leadup to the day, several volunteers "manned" the Merchandise Stall, namely Cheryl Smith, Mal Siegmeier, Alan and Phil Lawrie, Steve Robinson, Ruth Harris, and Lorraine Johnson) which once again proved worthwhile, not to mention the WWI be...ar raffle which was incidentally won by Rhonda Robinson - Congratulations! Thanks to all those volunteers involved with setting up on the day, smooth running of the service and the socialisation afterwards, not to mention the cleanup and packing away. If I have miss anyone I apologise as there were many involved, but the ones that come to mind are Alan N, Tony, Phil, Steve, Dave, Kevin C, the Luckel brothers, Cheryl, Kim and her team from Rockhampton Regional Council) and for their participation in the service (Steven Robinson - Sound, Alan L - wreath distribution, Mal Siegmeier - President (and collecting the sandwiches from Gracemere Takeaway), Vince Mathers - The Ode, Keith Neven - Guest Speaker, Chaplain Gordon Kerkham, Paul Tyler - Flag Orderly, 1st CQ Light Horse members Dave and Anthony, Pipe SGT Jason Smithwick, Rockhampton Highlander Band) and all the wreath layers (including Mr Barry O'Rourke, MP, Cr Ellen Smith, SES, Queensland Police, Fire and Rescue, Paul Tyler - Open Arms Counselling, QCWA, staff and students from Waraburra State School, St Paul's Primary School, Stanwell State School, Westwood State School, as well as family members and RSL/ex-service members). Thanks to Ricky and Kevin for working the bar which assisted in the camaraderie between members and guests. Thank you to Graham Rodgers who made a guest appearance after the service to play some of his original songs. As many of you would have seen CQ Today featured a full page spread as well as on the front page, photos of our service for which I thank Reporter Khrysti Balaney for her excellent coverage of our event, as well as her permission to post these photos on our Facebook. The caption under two of the photos in the paper were swapped around, but most people would know Paul Tyler and Tony Harris, from Wayne Cowie and Kevin Cotter. See more

23.01.2022 On Wednesday we were invited to the CQ Military Museum, along with many other community groups, and enjoyed a look through their repainted premises. Fantastic displays including a 6 min movie about a CQ soldier. After the Museum visit we visited O'Dowds Pub for a "countery" (where a couple of stray movie-goers also joined us) and enjoyed camaraderie with many great stories being shared. Many thanks to Trent for their support especially around ANZAC Day.

22.01.2022 Success for our fishermen today thanks to Double Threat Charters Yeppoon! Well done guys. Can't wait to hear the stories. Good catch

22.01.2022 From our President, further to Federal and State directives in relation to Coronavirus pandemic: "Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Gracemere & District Sub Branch Inc ABN 41 425 510 052 Date: Monday, 23rd March 2020.... EE&O. Advice: As of midday local time Queensland on 23rd March 2020, The aforesaid business trading name, Gracemere & District RSL Club, located at 12 James Street, Gracemere, Qld 4702, implementing closure until further notice as advised for non-essential gatherings in particular registered & licensed club. The premises have 24/7 security measures & daily administration/ maintenance /caretaker roster. Thank you for your compliance. Regards Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Gracemere & District Sub Branch Incorporated ABN 41 425 510 052 Contact: Steven Robinson, 2020 President M: 0448 680 039 E: [email protected] or [email protected] " Therefore there will be NO Friday night meals, functions, bar operations, nor meetings until further notice. It is with great sadness that we have had to cancel all ANZAC Day activities i.e. Dawn March, Service and Gunfire Breakfast. There has been an initiative commenced on social media and supported by RSL Qld as follows: "OUR ANZAC SPIRIT WILL PREVAIL Rest assured, we will always find a way to remember the dedication of our service personnel. Instead of attending a large gathering, we are calling on all Australians to honour the service of our Defence forces, past and present, by standing at the end of their driveways or on a balcony for a minute's silence at 6am this ANZAC Day. We believe such a display of solidarity will send a powerful message of support to Australia’s Defence community. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY The idea gathered momentum on social media, and we agree it's a brilliant way to collectively honour the dedication, commitment and sacrifice of our service people even though we cannot physically be together. We will also encourage donations to RSL Queensland’s ANZAC Day Appeal at anzacappeal.com.au, with funds forwarded to Districts and Sub Branches for use in their local communities." Stay well everyone, adhere to the social distancing rules, listen to Qld Health warnings and of course State & Federal Government warnings, should all get through this. Ruth Harris, Secretary Gracemere RSL

21.01.2022 Happy Valentine's Day to all! Come along and enjoy meals from our kitchen tonight as per menu. Please phone 49332062 to make a booking or order takeaway if you prefer. (Facebook is not the place to make a booking as you still need to phone the RSL).

18.01.2022 Few photos from Len on his own Dawn Service and one photo of one lot of his grandkids' commemorating their way.

14.01.2022 Members of Gracemere and District RSL Sub Branch stopped at North Rockhampton War Cemetery to lay poppies on the graves of the 8 Australians who perished in the Canal Creek air crash which occurred on 19th December 1943. Members then travelled to Canal Creek War Memorial, Canal Creek Road, Rossmoya to hold a small service on the 76th anniversary of the tragedy. They then enjoyed lunch at The Caves Pub on the return journey. Thanks to Steve for organising the bus! A great day was had by all with plenty of camaraderie.

13.01.2022 Sorry cart before the horse! I posted Friday night's pics before the very important Vietnam Vets Day at Cockscomb Veterans' Retreat on Tuesday 18th! Steve Robinson and Tony Harris attended on behalf of Gracemere & District RSL Sub Branch as well as Alan Nelson who is part of the furniture there I believe. I have it on good authority that one high point of the meal was Steve's "secret recipe" rissoles so well done Steve! I do not have any photos of Steve nor Alan so if anyone else has please feel free to "post" them. Pictured is Tony Harris after laying our wreath (Yay! they got it right this year!) Good news for Cockscomb with the promise of this gift of $100,000 funding! Hopefully not a shallow election promise.

11.01.2022 In accordance with the theme of Veterans Health Week, members of our Sub Branch "socially connected" with Nashos and Cockscomb at Event Cinemas Rockhampton. We listened to presentations from Open Arms Counselling, Symmetry Australia and Vector Health (with apologies from RSL Advocate and Occupational Therapist) while enjoying morning tea, then afterwards we watched "The Outpost", a very powerful movie about the war in Afghanistan. Camaraderie continued on at Frenchville Sports Club over a great feed. Thanks to the Manager, Brandon and staff at BCC Rockhampton for their hospitality and fantastic morning tea, Steve for chauffeuring some of us about, and Paul, Linda and Kate for their presentations. The activity was so popular that we will look at doing this again next year.

08.01.2022 Some pics from after our meeting last Sunday. Generally don't take photos at general meetings unless something extraordinary happens and at the last meeting Alan Lawrie was one of four ex-service members/veterans who were recognised for 30 years cumulative membership. The other 3 have not received theirs yet but when they do I will let you know.

08.01.2022 Fantastic turnout tonight at our Club! As usual, food was excellent thanks to Jean and her dedicated team of volunteers, who you will notice in one of the photos I am posting. Sorry Dave, I didn't get a photo of you in the back kitchen slaving away. Our meal prices are far too generous for the quality and quantity our patrons are treated to, and there is none that compare! Tonight we were joined by Peter Woodall, Jess Powell and Emily Roguse from Stanwell Power Station (as w...ell as other family members and colleagues) to enable us to publicly show our appreciation for their partial funding of the external screen through their Community Fund. The screen was installed by Capricorn Screens Awnings and Blinds back in April, but thanks to COVID19 we have not been able to acknowledge this most welcome addition to our building. Thank you Stanwell Power Station and dedicated staff particularly the marketing team! Happy birthday to Rhonda who is pictured with her husband and Ellen Smith in one of the photos! Hope you had a lovely night! Thanks to Syd and Alan for manning the bbq - always a top feed with top quality meat! Thank you to The Rusty Relics for entertaining us in their inimitable style. Denise assures us that the external screen has made their Friday nights much more bearable particularly as the weather has been cooler this year. See more

05.01.2022 Today we were joined by members from Yeppoon RSL, Vietnam Vets, Nashos and Cockscomb for a bbq and camaraderie. Thanks to Mal on bar, Syd on bbq, and Rooster and Steve for background preparation. Thanks must go to Ian Cavanough who presented us a cheque being a donation from Yeppoon RSL. Great day!

05.01.2022 Great turn out at our last meeting for the year, followed by our Christmas Party! Thanks to Jean, Sonya, and Georgio (and all other kitchen volunteers who weren't at the Party) for all your hard work throughout the year, and for the yummy party food. Thanks also to all the volunteers who have helped throughout the year in all respects. What an amazing team! Here are some photos from yesterday for your viewing. Have a Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year... PLEASE NOTE: Our last meal night is this Fri 13th December. We will then be closed from Sat 14th December through to Friday 17th January. There will be some changes to our bar hours as well in 2020 as follows: Trading days/hours: Open WED 4.00pm, FRI 4.00pm and SUN 4pm Please also note that we are a volunteer organisation, and as such, closing times are flexible and up to the discretion of the Duty Bar Manager of each respective shift, based upon the amount of trade that night and /or unforeseen changes in personal circumstances.

04.01.2022 Hi everyone! As you are now aware, Clubs are open! So Gracemere RSL will be open for meals this Friday 10 July. BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL! Call 0749332062 to book your seat as numbers are limited! If you would like take away meals, they are available from 5pm. Please see the attached Menu and Roadmap of easing of COVID19 restrictions in relation to our re-opening. Of course, we are required to observe social distancing and hand hygiene rules as well as other changes we are required to implement in relation to service of meals, seating arrangements, drinks etc.

03.01.2022 After our meeting on Sunday 11 October, many of our members stayed on to enjoy a BBQ as we were joined by approximately 40 members of National Servicemens' Association of Australia "Nashos" including partners, many Emu Park RSL members, an RSL Advocate, many War Widows, and a couple of Rats of Tobruk descendants. It was an afternoon of socialisation and camaraderie with the guarantee of more get togethers in the future and reciprocated visits where possible. Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers especially Syd on BBQ and everyone else in the background (Jean, Rooster, Steve, Karen, Tony to mention but a few) as well as a couple of people who volunteered from the visitors! Thank you. I am adding photos to this post. Feel free to share.

01.01.2022 Menu for Friday night 21st February at Gracemere RSL! All welcome! Country and Western music! Please note: Commencement of Members' Draw! If the winner is not present, the draw jackpots to the next Friday. Phone 49332062 if you have any questions or wish to make a booking.

01.01.2022 Come back to us! We reopened on 10 July for Friday night meal nights which was a reasonably successful night, but numbers have dropped a bit since then. We still have the Rusty Relics play every fortnight, the next one being 21st August, but we still have recorded music on the alternate Friday nights. Food is always great and more than reasonably priced. We are doing takeaway meals at the moment during COVID19 and this may continue into the future. These are available from 5.30pm. Here are some photos from our first night.

01.01.2022 I hope everyone, both in our Sub Branch and in our community, was able to commemorate ANZAC Day in their own way for example Light up the Dawn from your own driveway. If you would like to share some of your photos of this special event to add to the ones I am posting now that I have taken plus photos that I have received from other people to date of their street/home displays, please feel free to do so. I am not quite sure if you can just post photos, but feel free to message or email ([email protected]) them to me and I will post them as long as they are appropriate. Please note the photo of our own cenotaph which was adorned by persons unknown through the night - maybe ANZAC Claus, Bunny, or Fairy? - but definitely an ANZAC Spirit!

01.01.2022 Thank you to everyone who attended our Remembrance Day service on Wednesday 11th Nov and if you had a task to do or volunteered in any way, we muchly appreciate all you do for us each year. We also appreciate the involvement of the Schools, the RRC Council, CQ Pipes and Drums, 31/42 RQR Rockhampton, 1st CQ Light Horse Regiment, and Chaplain Gordon Kerkham. This year was made even more special by the donation of a beautiful sandstone plinth by Reese Gough of Capricorn Sandston...e Quarries at Stanwell for which we are very appreciative. They also inset the plaque that Mr Barry O'Rourke MP had unveiled last Remembrance Day into the plinth and it looks spectacular as it now stands in front of the Gallipoli Pine tree which was planted on Remembrance Day 2018. If you are at the RSL any time or can drive around the back, take a look as there is a small plaque on the front of the plinth which shows the name of the tree, which is "Galakubra", the name which won Jack Sheridan of Westwood State School the Tree Naming Competition (which was supposed to be announced on ANZAC Day). I had attempted to load the photos yesterday with this post, and it failed, so I will try again. Please tag anyone in that you know if you can. Also check out this week's CQ Today as we made front page, and there will be a follow up article in next week's paper as well. See more