The Women’s Auxiliary began in 1929 in Hervey Bay. The Ladies raised funds by catering for weddings, dances and balls. They fed the Diggers on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
The main topic written in their meeting minutes was how many pounds of sugar, coffee and tea was needed to cater for around 60 Diggers and how many sandwiches, frankfurters and apple pies were needed to feed them all.
The tradition still stays the same in 2010. Although not having to do all the cooking themselves, the ladies still serve the Service and Ex-service population of Hervey Bay and surrounding areas. Now-a-days we cater for approx 1000 meals for breakfast and lunch.
Now in their 81st year, the Ladies are still going strong raising funds for the community of the Bay and supporting the Sub-branch veteran community. The methods may have changed such as raffles, tombolas and many other fund raising events. The number of members has also increased from 16 in 1929 to 44 in 2010.
The Auxiliary now hope to recruit younger women to carry on the work of the Auxiliary.
Meetings are held in the RSL Memorial Club on the second Tuesday of the month at 10.30am.
Wives/Partners, Sisters, Mothers, Daughters, Grand-Mothers, Grand-daughters of Service, Ex-service or Allied Service personal or any woman who would like some company and friendship are able to join the Women’s Auxiliary.
We hold monthly bus trips, lunches and friendly get-togethers. Craft ladies can help with prizes for Tombolas and raffles. All profits go towards good causes or to help the Sub-branch and the veteran community.
If any Ladies would like more information they can contact the Sub-branch Office on ph 41977477 or Jenny Beattie ph 41253927. They will be made very welcome at our monthly meetings.
Jenny Beattie
President
RSL Women’s Auxiliary Hervey Bay.
