United through sport

Bowling with the community

A few days before ANZAC Day each year, Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch in Brisbane supports the neighbouring Jindalee Bowls Club competition. 

The local competition sees community members, social members of the bowls club and members of the Sub Branch come together to battle it out for the perpetual trophy that honours ANZAC Day.   

The competition officially started in 2000 with a few social members of the bowls club – most of whom were also Sub Branch members. Twenty-five years on, Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch President and Air Force veteran Georges Lefevre says the competition has grown dramatically.  

The Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch puts on a bowls competition every year for ANZAC Day

“Every year the event gets bigger with more of our Sub Branch members joining in, as well as community members,” he says. 

“There are now 35 members of our Sub Branch who are also members of the bowls club that participate in the event each year.

“It’s a great opportunity for our Sub Branch to connect with the community, and for the community to find out more about what we do and join our Sub Branch.” 

Every year, the Sub Branch donates funds to support the event and presents the perpetual trophy.

“About seven years ago, we introduced an official ANZAC Day trophy that we present to the winner at the end of the competition. When we present it, we also give a speech about ANZAC Day and how we must continue to work together as local clubs to uplift the community,” Georges says.  

“It’s become a highlight event on our calendar and a great opportunity to raise awareness for the community to commemorate ANZAC Day.  

“Our members also get a lot out of this event because of the social interaction with the broader community; we’re big on minimising social isolation among our members.”  

Rugby, recognition and respect  

With the support of Toowong RSL Sub Branch, three teams in the Western Districts Rugby Football Club compete at Toowong Memorial Park against other teams in the league after the Sub Branch’s annual ANZAC Day service.  

Both the Sub Branch and the rugby union club have deep-seated history within the community, but their strong affiliation began a few years ago.  

Each ANZAC Day, the Sub Branch conducts a morning service followed by a ‘gunfire breakfast’ for the community before the matches begin. And before the main match, a member from the Sub Branch recites the Ode, and speaks about its meaning and the importance of ANZAC Day.  

Toowong RSL Sub Branch Treasurer and Army veteran Vince Atley says it’s wonderful the players are always eager to be involved in the ANZAC Day matches.  

Rugby matches have become an ANZAC Day tradition for many RSL Sub Branches (image credit: Queensland Premier Rugby)

“It’s great that the players are so passionate about the day. They always want to be involved because they know ANZAC Day is important, not only to us but the community more broadly,” he says.  

“Other teams in the league always want to play against Wests on ANZAC Day, too. It’s a big deal and an honour to play on the national day. People know that the game is important, and the community really gets around it.”

The final game of the day between the senior teams is televised internationally on Stan and Channel 93, and thousands of people watch the matches in person. 

“Around 5,000 people attend our ANZAC Day service in the morning and a couple thousand people stay to watch the games afterwards as well,” Vince says. 

"There’s a great community atmosphere throughout the whole day and it’s exciting that the game now gets to be televised for others around the world to see. 

“Our Sub Branch and the Wests know that it’s important to continue this legacy of camaraderie between us to support the community and share the significance of ANZAC Day.” 

Combining forces for mateship 

Just outside Mackay, Marian RSL Sub Branch and Walkerston-Pleystowe RSL Sub Branch have been supporting the ANZAC Day match for local rugby league club, the West Tigers, in recent years. 

In addition to conducting a small service before the match begins, the Sub Branches have introduced a medallion that is presented to the best and fairest West Tigers player of the match. The medallion honours a new veteran each year, and the player who receives the medallion is selected by a few members of the Sub Branches.  

Another initiative of Marian RSL Sub Branch is the designing of the West Tigers’ ANZAC Day match jerseys. Through the support of sponsors, the Sub Branch creates a new design each year for the players to wear on the day and officially presents the jerseys to them in the moments before the players walk out on the field.  

RSL Central Queensland District President John Edwards says the match has become an exciting event for the community.  

The West Tigers ANZAC Day 2024 jersey

“It’s truly a great day. The public gets behind it, as do a couple of other community clubs and organisations,” he says. “We usually get around 2,000 people come to support and spectate.” 

Funds are raised for the two Sub Branches through gold coin donations, and the proceeds are split between them at the end of the day. While the event is a great fundraising opportunity, John says it’s important for both Sub Branches to be involved in community events. 

“It’s important to participate in these sporting events because it shows the community that we’re here, we’re here to support veterans and their families in our communities,” he explains. 

“The RSL has always been a quiet achiever about the work that we do, but by engaging in community events like this, it lets the public know we’re here for them, and for the veterans. And more than that; it lets them know that veterans are here for them, too. 

“Supporting this match is our way of bringing the community together through sport.” 

United through sport 

All four Sub Branches are passionate about getting involved with their local sporting clubs around ANZAC Day as a way to engage with their community. 

“It’s important for us as a Sub Branch to be involved in the community, whether that be for these fun sporting events or for more serious events such as natural disasters. We must show that we’re here for our community and work together with other local organisations,” Georges says. 

Image credit: Queensland Premier Rugby

“Sport brings people together, and many veterans tend to have a strong connection to sport, so why wouldn’t we get involved,” Vince adds. 

“Engaging in sporting clubs is a great way for us to feel a part of something again after we finish our service. And a lot of veterans I know also have a strong desire to continue giving back to the community – whether that be playing for the local teams or being involved with the sporting club in some other way. Being involved in a community is ingrained in us.” 

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