Community
6 November, 2024
Community digs deep to help Mount Isa RSL Sub Branch
Donations have started flowing to fill the local RSL group's memorabilia cabinet.
Plans for the Mount Isa RSL Sub Branch to house memorabilia that honours our military past has taken a significant step forward, with two local men making loans in recent weeks.
As the RSL prepares for its Remembrance Day commemorations next week, news came that longtime supporter Johno Davies had loaned more than 100 pieces from his military memorabilia collection.
It adds to the miniature replica family medals and RAAF mess hall sherry glasses loaned by Mark Strain last month.
Mount Isa RSL Sub Branch treasurer Kate Fischer said a $7500 grant was awarded to the local RSL last year that enabled several Australian made cabinets to be installed around the RSL’s Bill Hilton Room at the Irish Club.
She said the RSL hoped donations and loans could help make the cabinet displays visually appealing and interesting for the public.
Mr Strain said his father had served in World War II, including New Guinea, Borneo, Japan and Korea as well as Far East Strategic Reserve in Malay during a 17-year military career.
He said with Remembrance Day approaching, it was a good time for people to consider how they might be able to assist the local RSL.
“These things were just sitting at my home gathering dust so I thought it would be good for others to be able to see them in the RSL’s new space,” he said.
Mr Davies, who was recently awarded honorary social member status at the RSL, said his collection stretched from the Boer War to East Timor.
“I had always had an interest in my family’s military history and Australian history in general and I spent about 30 years building this collection,” he said.
“I thought others might enjoy seeing some of the items.”
Among the items loaned is a Turkish Star, awarded to soldiers who fought for Turkey during the Gallipoli conflict.
Ms Fischer said the display cabinet was locked and the items were catalogued to ensure their security.
The Mount Isa RSL Sub Branch still has cabinet space available and has called for any donations or loans of any Commonwealth or Allied Force or RSL/ Military memorabilia.
Anyone who wishes to donate or loan items can contact Jim Nuttall via james.nuttall@mtisa.rslqld.net.au.
The Mount Isa Remembrance Day commemoration will be held at the Civic Centre cenotaph on November 11. Patrons are asked to arrive at 10.30am for an 10.40am start.
The ceremony will be followed by a morning tea at the Irish Club’s Bill Hilton Room.
