Gayndah RSL Sub Branch

06/06/2026

Today we remember and honour the life and service of a much-loved Gayndah son, Australian Army Sapper Jacob “Snowy” Moerland.

Jacob enlisted in the Australian Army on 9 July 2007, beginning his journey with Initial Recruit Training at the 1st Recruit Training Battalion, which he completed in October 2007. Driven, capable, and committed, he went on to complete his driver qualifications and the full suite of Combat Engineer courses by May 2008, earning his place within the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment in Brisbane—his first posting as a proud Combat Engineer.

During his time with 2CER, Jacob continued to build his skills and reputation. He successfully completed the Protected Mobility Vehicle Driver course in April 2009 and the Combat First Aider course in August 2009, reflecting his dedication to both mission success and the care of his mates. In January 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Mentoring Task Force—an opportunity to serve his country on operations and contribute to the safety and security of others.

Tragically, on 7 June 2010, at just 21 years of age, Jacob lost his life as a result of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated. He died alongside his 2CER colleague, Sapper Darren Smith, and Darren’s loyal explosive detection dog, Herbie. Their sacrifice remains a solemn reminder of the cost of service and the courage shown by those who wear our nation’s uniform.

For his service, Jacob was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp – International Campaign Against Terrorism, the NATO Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. These honours stand as lasting symbols of his commitment, bravery, and dedication to duty.

But beyond the uniform and the medals, Jacob will always be remembered as “Snowy”—a son of Gayndah, a mate, and a young man who gave everything in service of his country. His legacy lives on in those who knew him, in the community that shaped him, and in the enduring respect of a grateful nation.

Today, we pause to reflect on his life, his service, and his sacrifice. We hold his family and friends close in our thoughts and prayers.

Lest we forget.

06/06/2026

24/05/2026

VETERAN COFFEE & CHAT MORNING
Please join us for a Coffee and a Chat.
When: 10am Wednesday 27th May
Where: The Gayndah Pastry Cafe (26-28 Meson Street)

All veterans and partners welcome to attend.

21/05/2026

EXTENDED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ANNOUNCED FOR TIMOR-LESTE SOLIDARITY MEDAL

The Australian Government has accepted an offer from the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency José Ramos-Horta, to extend the eligibility criteria of the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal.

The Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal is a foreign award that recognises the contribution of the men and women who supported stability and peace operations in Timor-Leste.

Under the updated eligibility criteria, Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and veterans, and Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers who served at least 30 days on mandated missions in Timor-Leste since June 1999, will now be eligible for the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal. This includes personnel who were withdrawn due to injury or medical necessity, as well as uniformed members of the Defence Cooperation Program and the Timor-Leste Police Development Program.

For more information and purchasing or wearing the medal, visit the ADF website - https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/honours-awards/foreign-awards/timor-leste-solidarity-medal

If you have questions about the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal, please contact 1800 DEFENCE.

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14/05/2026

Today we remember the sinking of Australian Hospital Ship (AHS) Centaur, which was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine off the Queensland coast on this day in 1943. Bound for Port Moresby, the ship’s passengers included Royal Australian Navy crew, members of the 2/12th Field Ambulance and civilian nurses and doctors. Of the 332 people on board at the time of the attack, only 64 of them survived.

The 2/12th Field Ambulance was practically wiped out in the sinking, and Sister Ellen Savage was the only surviving nurse. She provided medical care to other survivors despite being badly injured herself and was later awarded the George Medal.

Few disasters during World War II impacted Australians as deeply as the loss of the Centaur. Its sinking caused widespread outrage and became a symbol of Australia’s determination to continue fighting the war.

📸 Australian War Memorial

08/05/2026

Today marks 81 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, signalling the beginning of the end of the Second World War.

We honour all who served, including the more than 12,000 Australians who lost their lives, over 19,000 who were wounded, and around 8,500 who became prisoners of war in the war against the Axis powers.

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

On 8 May 1945, after almost 6 years of conflict that caused immense loss of life and widespread devastation, the war in Europe was finally over.

30/04/2026

Today marks the 51st anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (30 April 1975), when North Vietnamese forces took control of the Presidential Palace in Saigon.

The war started in 1955. Australia joined with the US and other allies in 1962, remaining in country until 1973.

During this period, nearly 60,000 Australians from all three services served in Vietnam.

523 personnel died as a result of the war, and around 3,000 were wounded.

Many of those who returned suffered both physical and mental health issues, which still impact them today.

Their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Lest we forget.

📷 Australian War Memorial EKN/67/0130/VN

28/04/2026

27/04/2026

ANZAC Day 2026

19/04/2026