05/05/2026
CANUNGRA COMMUNITY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT THIS ANZAC DAY
On behalf of our members, Veterans, our President, and the Board, I would like to thank the Canungra Community for your support this ANZAC Day. Despite the weather, we were encouraged by the attendance at both services, especially the Dawn Service.
I would like to acknowledge some specific organisations whose support was outstanding, and without it, the services and our Gunfire Breakfast would not have been able to proceed.
First. Is the Bendigo Bank for their sponsorship of some of our gunfire breakfast costs. With their support we were able to break even for the cost of the gunfire breakfast.
Second. Is Tori from IGA Canungra. Her support in providing the discounted supplies to the RSL enabled us to provide a Gunfire Breakfast at a truly reasonable price. Thank you, Tori, and IGA Canungra, your consistent service is highly regarded helping us also to break even on the breakfast costs.
Third. Is Grant from Fessers Bakery. His provision of wonderful fresh bread, at no cost, really enhanced our Gunfire Breakfast. Grant, once again thank you sincerely, for ‘answering the call’.
Forth. Is the Scenic Rim Regional Council for the grant for our new community sound system. No sound system would mean no service. We paid just short of $2K last year to hire one and couldn’t afford it this year. This system replaces the old community system provided by the SRRC over 20 years ago. Like the old system, this system is stored and managed by the RSL and is available to the community on request. If you are having a community event, turning Canungra pink or carols in the park and need sound, just shout out (we will answer the call). We know the sound was not perfect at the dawn service. The system provided by the SRRC is very capable and more than suitable. It was our operation of it that was less than satisfactory this ANZAC Day. The issue was, we only just got it a day before ANZAC day, what we didn’t anticipate was our president (who had mastered our failing old system for over 10 years, where he had to press his lips onto the mike) would struggle to hold the digital mike 6-8 inches away. To his credit he had just about mastered it by the main service at the RSL.
Fifth. Is Lauren and the Ladies from the P&C. Due to medical issues the Chef’s from the Men’s Shed had to step down at the last minute. The Men’s Shed loaned us the BBQ from the grant from Bendigo Bank and Jacob (the only Men’s Shed member) did a Stirling job on the sausages and bacon. With next to no notice the P&C answered the call. Thank you P&C.
We are throwing you the torch
The time is rapidly approaching where the Sub-Branch will find itself unable to form a Board. This is due to the age and health of our current members who can no longer commit to a board responsibility without it affecting their health. I am aware of many younger veterans that live in Canungra and surrounds but have chosen not to join our RSL. I ask the community to seek out these veterans and passionately encourage them to catch the torch we are throwing. If the Canungra RSL Sub-Branch dissolves, the land and building, transfer back to the SRRC for use as a community asset that they choose. I’ve have lived here for over 27 years. I can’t imagine not having a RSL and it conducting ANZAC Day and other ceremonies for the community in our Memorial park. I first attended this RSL over 43 years ago as a new Lieutenant on course at the Barracks. I think after 80 years it would be great to see the first female President of our RSL.
In closing, just an update on what is happening at your RSL. We have completed the renovation of our kitchen, and we must get it accredited by the SRRC. We are seeking responses from chefs to provide a restaurant service.
The volunteers from the Op Shop are outstanding. I must say their dedication and passion is the only thing keeping the RSL afloat. The Op Shop desperately needs more volunteers. We are Centrelink registered so please consider working with us. We need and will accept all the help the Canungra community can muster. Please keep watching this page for updates.
Once again, Canungra community, thank you for your gracious support this ANZAC Day.
