General News
1 August, 2025
Crosses return to families
The Maryborough RSL sub branch will throw open the doors to their hall this weekend, as they begin returning commemorative crosses to descendants and family members.
After years in storage, the around 800 crosses which were a mainstay of local Anzac Day commemorations will this weekend begin to be returned to the family members and descendants of the names etched into each cross.
Maryborough RSL sub branch president Roy ‘Shady’ Lane said it’s an opportunity for residents to commemorate the service of their forebears, and ensure the safe-keeping of their family’s military history.
“There’s been a great interest from the community already to obtain the crosses,” he said.
“The response from the community has been outstanding.”
Around five years ago, the local RSL sub branch made the decision to stop putting the crosses out for Anzac Day, when they were instead replaced by hand-knitted woollen poppies.
While the community is free to collect their family crosses, the RSL sub branch would appreciate a donation, Mr Lane said.
“It would certainly go a long way to keep the RSL going locally,” he said.
“It’s in the best interest of everyone, the families get their commemorative crosses and we get some money that will keep us going a little while longer.”
Families will be able to collect the crosses from 9.30 am until 4 pm at the Maryborough RSL Hall on both Saturday and Sunday.
Entry to the RSL Hall will be through the main entrance in High Street.
A list of the sub branch's commemorative crosses is available in the Friday edition, August 1, of The Maryborough District Advertiser.