Tully RSL

31/08/2026

Remembering Sydney Woodfield Harris, Soldier No. 27

On 25 August, members of the Tully RSL and the Mission Beach community came together to recognise and remember Sydney Woodfield Harris, one of North Queensland’s earliest servicemen of the First World War.

Syd enlisted in Townsville in August 1914 and joined the Australian Naval & Military Expeditionary Force. He was aboard the first troopship to leave Townsville on 8 August 1914, just days after Australia entered the war, as part of the force sent north to deal with the German wireless station at Rabaul.

He later re-enlisted and was allocated the remarkable service number 27, serving with the force that maintained and defended the Rabaul base throughout the war.

After his service, Syd returned to land he owned at Mission Beach, where he planned to grow vanilla beans. Tragically, he died on 20 November 1921 while burning off his allotment.

More than a century later, the effort to ensure Syd’s service was properly recognised brought together people from near and far.

Special recognition goes to Ken Gray of the Mission Beach Historical Society, who brought Syd’s story to the attention of the Tully RSL Sub Branch and undertook a considerable amount of the background research that helped preserve and tell his story.

Special thanks also go to Dr David Hay, Syd’s grandnephew, whose generosity helped fund the replacement plaque, and Karl Adams of Tully RSL, who took up the cause and helped find a home for it near Syd’s original burial location at Mission Beach Holiday Village.

Our thanks also go to Gerald and Mission Beach Holiday Village for supporting the project and providing a place where Syd’s story could once again be recognised close to where he was originally laid to rest.

The unveiling was about more than a plaque.

It was about making sure that a young North Queenslander who answered the call in the opening days of the First World War, served his country for years and later returned home to Mission Beach is remembered properly by the community that followed him.

Sydney Woodfield Harris
Soldier No. 27

Lest We Forget.

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

A wonderful turnout
Lest We Forget Far Northern District RSL Qld

19/08/2026

Vietnam Veterans Day | Mission Beach

Vietnam Veterans Day at Mission Beach was a great success, with approximately 70 people attending to commemorate and recognise the service of our Vietnam veterans.

A big thank you to the Jungle Training Wing team who attended, as well as the CO, RSM and soldiers of 31/42 RQR, who travelled up from Townsville and provided the flag orderlies for the service.

A particularly significant moment was the unveiling of the new obelisk dedicated to our Vietnam veterans, creating a lasting place of recognition and remembrance within the community.

We are also looking towards the future, with plans to have another obelisk built next year to recognise our Afghanistan veterans.

Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed and helped make the commemoration such a success.

Lest We Forget

Tully & District RSL Sub Branch

26/07/2026

Veterans Supporting Veterans

A big thank you to our Welfare Officer, Paul, for organising a valuable information session at the Tully Tigers Leagues Club.

We were pleased to welcome Trent, District Executive Support Officer, and Greg, Compensation Advocate, who travelled to discuss the proposed DVA changes currently being considered for 1 July 2027.

It was fantastic to see 15 Sub Branch members and members of the public attend the morning tea. The session provided an opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes, ask questions, and address many of the concerns people had.

A sincere thank you to Trent and Greg for giving up their time to travel to Tully and share their knowledge with our local veteran community. Your willingness to engage directly with our members is greatly appreciated.

Finally, thank you to everyone who attended. Strong veteran communities are built by staying informed, asking questions, and supporting one another.

Lest We Forget.

26/07/2026

Do you know the difference between Veterans' Home Care (VHC) and DVA Household Services?

Many veterans and their families aren't aware that these are two different programs, each designed to help in different circumstances. Choosing the right pathway can make the process much easier.

Our latest quick reference guide explains:

When Veterans' Home Care (VHC) may be the best option.
When DVA Household Services may be more appropriate.
How to access each service.
Why you generally can't receive overlapping services for the same need.

If you're unsure which program applies to your situation, have a look through the flyer attached. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to contact DVA or speak with your local Veteran Advocate for guidance.

Please feel free to share this information with any veteran, widow, or family member who may benefit.

Looking after those who served starts with making sure they know what support is available.

Lest We Forget

12/07/2026

A fantastic day of fellowship, shared ideas, and veteran support with our friends at Edmonton RSL Sub Branch and Edge Hill/Cairns West RSL Sub Branch.

It was great to see the progress being made on Edmonton's new facilities and to spend time discussing ways we can continue supporting veterans and their families across Far North Queensland.

Thank you to Edmonton RSL Sub Branch for your hospitality and warm welcome. We look forward to catching up again soon.

Veterans Supporting Veterans 🇦🇺

11/07/2026

Help Us Preserve Tully RSL's History

As we continue our journey towards celebrating 100 years of the Tully RSL Sub-Branch, we've been reminded that some of the most important pieces of our history aren't found in books or archives.

They're found in the memories of our members, veterans and their families.

Every photograph, service story, medal, newspaper clipping and personal memory helps preserve the legacy of those who came before us.

If you have a family member who served, or who was involved with the Tully RSL Sub-Branch over the years, we'd love to hear from you.

Whether it's a few memories, a favourite photograph, or simply a story that deserves to be remembered, we'd be honoured to help share it with our community.

Please send us a private message through the Tully RSL page if you'd like to contribute.

Together, we can ensure these stories are preserved for future generations.

Lest We Forget.

12/05/2026

Thank you! Patriots do an amazing job.

25/04/2026

Lest we forget.

As dawn broke over Mission Beach, our community gathered in quiet reflection to honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have defended our nation.

Among the morning light, wreaths were laid, stories remembered, and gratitude shared across generations. It was a moving reminder that the Anzac spirit of courage, mateship, and resilience still stands strong today.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the Dawn Service so meaningful.

We remember their service. We honour their legacy. We will remember them.