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General News

3 December, 2020

RSL’s official opening

On Saturday, November 28 after several years of delays The Atherton RSL club was finally able to officially open.

By Phil Brandel

Hill MP Shane Knuth, Peter Sterling, Senator Susan McDonald, Rob Moss and John Hartley at the official opening of the new Atherton RSL.
Hill MP Shane Knuth, Peter Sterling, Senator Susan McDonald, Rob Moss and John Hartley at the official opening of the new Atherton RSL.

While the Atherton RSL opened its doors to the public in September, due to COVID the RSL had to postpone its official opening.

On Saturday, November 28 after several years of delays the club was able to officially open. In attendance were local veterans, volunteers, Hill MP Shane Knuth and North Queensland LNP Senator Susan McDonald who said the building was a credit to Atherton and a fitting addition to the district’s other monuments to local servicemen and women.

“The RSL veterans and members have continued Australia’s proud military tradition of determination and drive to succeed by raising an extraordinary amount of money through raffles, sausage sizzles and memorabilia sales,” said Senator McDonald.

 “In regional towns the local RSL is far more than just a hub for veterans, it’s a central part of the community’s fibre.

“I congratulate the current and past committees on their vision, enthusiasm and patience finally coming to fruition, and I’m pleased that the Australian Government has been able to contribute.”

Atherton RSL sub-branch welfare officer John Hartley said in his opening speech that the RSL held a special place is in his heart. “I served in Vietnam and I have seen the consequences of war,” he said.

“The RSL is a special place that supports all of our forces, including serving and ex-serving.

“We also need support from our younger veterans to come forward and for us to show our community that the RSL is their friend and family.

“Most of all thanks to the community of the Tablelands for supporting us in our endeavours.”

The Atherton RSL is at 2 Railway Lane and is open 7 days.

 

 

 

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