Serving in Defence feels like family — a tight-knit team where someone always has your back. At Emerald RSL Sub-Branch, that spirit continues.
Whether you’re still serving or have transitioned out, becoming part of the Emerald RSL Sub-Branch connects you to a local network of veterans and volunteers who share your experiences and are dedicated to supporting one another and honouring our shared service.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
About Us
Honouring Service, Building Community
At Emerald RSL Sub-Branch Inc., we honour the spirit of service by supporting veterans and their families across the Central Highlands. Based at the Emerald Bowls Club, our Sub-Branch offers a welcoming space where current and former members of the Australian Defence Force can connect, reflect, and belong. We’re proud to be part of the Central Queensland District of RSL Queensland and continue to serve as a pillar of support, remembrance, and community engagement.
Commemorative Services
We organise ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, and other key commemorative events, ensuring our community continues to honour the sacrifice and service of those who’ve served. These events are supported by strong local involvement and deep community pride.
Youth & Education Outreach
We work closely with local schools to educate and inspire the next generation. By sharing stories and encouraging student participation, we help keep the ANZAC spirit alive well into the future.
Veteran Support & Welfare
While we refer DVA claims to dedicated Veteran Services Officers in Rockhampton, our Sub-Branch offers social connection, basic welfare visits, and a helping hand to those who’ve served.
Community Connection
Our doors are open to all veterans and visitors. From historical displays at the Bowls Club to regular meetings and community events, we provide a space to gather, share, and support one another.
Whether you’ve recently left Defence or you served decades ago, you’re always welcome at Emerald RSL. Our committee is here to assist with enquiries, and we encourage all veterans to join us—because service never ends, and neither does our support.
Honouring Emerald’s Own
Take a moment to reflect on the brave men and women from our region who served our country. This tribute showcases a few of the many locals who answered the call — their names, their stories, and their legacy live on.
Monday 18th August, 2025 at 6pm at the Cenotaph adjacent to the Town Hall in Anakie Street, Emerald. It will be a short twilight service;• The service also acknowledges the 52nd anniversary of the end of the Vietnam conflict;• The Town Hall side of Anakie Street will be closed from School lane at 5.50pm for the duration of the service;• There will be a local bugler (Jacinda Stefaniuk) to play the Last Post & Reveille; and• Citizens are welcome to attend. Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated on 18th August every year. The day was originally known as Long Tan Day, chosen to commemorate the men of D Company, 6RAR who fought in the battle of Long Tan in 1966. On that day, 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought a pitched battle against over 2,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation not far from the small village of Long Tan. The Australians prevailed, but only after fighting in torrential rain for four hours. They were nearly overrun, but were saved by a timely ammunition resupply, accurate artillery fire from the nearby Australian base, and the arrival of reinforcements by armored personnel carrier. Eighteen (18) Australians lost their lives and 24 were wounded, the largest number of casualties in one operation since the Australian task force had arrived a few months earlier. After the battle the bodies of 245 enemy soldiers were found, but there was evidence that many more bodies had been carried away. (This year is the 55th anniversary of the battle of Long Tan).On the third anniversary of Long Tan, 18 August 1969, a cross was raised on the site of the battle by the men of 6RAR. Veterans from the battle gathered at the cross to commemorate the fallen, and the day was commemorated by them as Long Tan Day from then on. Over time, all Vietnam veterans adopted the day as one to commemorate those who served and died in Vietnam. In 1987, following the very successful Welcome Home parade for Vietnam veterans in Sydney, Prime Minister Bob Hawke announced that Long Tan Day would be known as Vietnam Veterans Day. Since then, it has been commemorated every year as the day on which the service of all those men and women who served in Vietnam is remembered.
Join us throughout the year as we honour significant days of remembrance and bring our community together. From ANZAC Day to local gatherings, our events reflect the spirit of service, reflection, and unity.
