Community built on mateship, advocacy and motorcycles

ANZAC Day is about commemoration and embracing the ANZAC spirit. In some cases, this spirit is honoured through the camaraderie between local RSL Sub Branches and military motorcycle clubs.  

RSL on wheels 

Like other ex-service organisations (ESOs), RSL Sub Branches and Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Clubs (MBMMC) share the same interest in supporting the wellbeing of veterans. Across Queensland, many RSL Sub Branches – including Mary Valley RSL Sub Branch – work closely with their local MBMMC. 

Mary Valley RSL Sub Branch President Rex Brenneke says his Sub Branch and the local Cooloola Sunshine Coast MBMMC have been working together since the motorcycle club’s inception more than a decade ago in 2014, with him also being the Advocate and Secretary of the MBMMC. 

“I began as an advocate for them, supporting veterans with their compensation claims, as well as holding the position of President and Advocate at Mary Valley RSL Sub Branch at the time. As I wore two hats, I opened up our Sub Branch for the MBMMC to host its monthly meetings before they moved into their centre in Gympie,” Rex says. 

Mary Valley RSL Sub Branch President Rex Brenneke and Stephen ‘Moose’ Ollier 

“Currently our brotherhood club has about 25 members made up of ex-military members and a squad of supporters who we refer to as our ‘Sierra Squad’. They’re our partners or friends who haven’t served but are eager to support us and the work we do for veterans. 

“I like to describe the motorcycle club as an RSL on wheels.” 

Further north, Gordonvale RSL Sub Branch Treasurer Peta Ison says her Sub Branch is also closely linked with the local MBMMC brotherhood, which has 22 members.  

“I’m also the Secretary of the MBMMC brotherhood in Cairns and a few of our executives are on the board of the RSL Sub Branch too,” she says. “So, there’s a strong link between the two groups, and both are incredibly supportive of each other.” 

Mateship and motorcycles 

Rex says the brotherhood gives ex-serving members that same level of camaraderie and satisfaction that they had in the military. 

“There are many veterans who enjoy riding motorbikes, but it’s more than that; it’s about the camaraderie,” he explains.  

“We miss our military camaraderie when we get out, so being around that sense of community is really important. 

MBMMC Secretary and Treasurer of Gordonvale RSL Sub Branch Peta Ison, Navy Chaplain Nigel Porter, SSM Bob Ison, and President of the 51st Battalion Association Trish Nemani

“The brotherhood also helps combat social isolation and gives us some sense of satisfaction.”  

“Brotherhood clubs also have a welfare ethos about them, much like the RSL Sub Branches,” Peta adds. 

“We work as a group and we look after our members and our members' families and the veteran community as a whole too.” 

Commemorating ANZAC Day 

Every ANZAC Day, both brotherhoods support and take part in their respective RSL Sub Branch’s services, as well as participate in their own traditions. 

“Each year, we ride down to camp at Kandanga before the Dawn Service,” Rex says.  

“We arrive earlier, help set up and pack down everything for the service with the Sub Branch, and just hang out there for a couple of days camping. It’s great to be able to talk to veterans or community members that attend the service and take them on rides if they’re keen.”

Peta says her brotherhood has an annual tradition for ANZAC Day as well. 

“We usually have a contingent of our brotherhood veteran members join in on the march and the Dawn Service,” she says.

“We also have a tradition to ride up to the Afghanistan Avenue of Honour in Yungaburra on the Saturday before or after ANZAC Day. We do this ride for other commemorations including Vietnam Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Day as well.

“It’s important for us to commemorate ANZAC Day. If it wasn't for the sacrifice of the ANZACs, we wouldn't be here. We wouldn't have the freedom to ride our bikes; we wouldn't have the freedom to celebrate.”  

Bolstering the community and the individual 

In addition to coming together for commemorations, the brotherhoods host regular meetings and frequent rides with their members. 

“We have a Veterans’ Services Centre in Gympie that’s open every Wednesday for members or walk-ins to come by, and we host our club’s general meeting once a month,” Rex says.  

“On top of that, we’ll also host barbecues, recreational rides or hospital visits for our members.

“We also do a big round-up ride with all the other Queensland branches – similar to an annual general meeting – biennially. They’re a great opportunity to meet more members of the other brotherhoods around the state,” he says. 

In addition to monthly club meetings, Peta’s brotherhood also aims to participate in any fundraising rides around the Cairns region. 

“We usually participate in a few fundraising rides throughout the year with a couple of other motorcycle clubs in the area, but last year we also started an annual ride fundraising for ex-service organisation Legacy,” she says. 

Rex’s brotherhood participates in many fundraising initiatives throughout the year including sausage sizzles, toy runs, community events and most notably the Gympie Music Muster, where they have now become permanent charity partners. 

While the fundraising activities greatly benefit the ESO community, Rex says their biggest priority is getting their veteran members back on their feet. 

“It’s all about creating opportunities for the veterans to get out of the house and into the world again. While we support ESOs in the community through fundraising, we’re big on helping the individual through welfare, camaraderie and advocacy – which is at the heart of all that we do.” 

This ANZAC Day  

ANZAC Day (25 April) is a time to recognise all who have served our nation, and their invaluable legacy.  

Wherever you’ll be on ANZAC Day, please join the community in attending a commemorative service.  

There’s no greater way to honour those who have served.

Plan your ANZAC Day