General News
10 February, 2026
New era for local RSL
A new generation of leadership will be overseeing the work of Maryborough RSL sub branch, with Wayne Sproull recently appointed as the group’s president.
Acknowledging the many contributions of members in recent years, Mr Sproull is looking to modernise the sub branch and strengthen ties with the community.
“The generation of people that run the RSL are getting older, we thank all the people who have kept the hall running and all they have done. The next 12 months will see us trying to engage with our members, grow membership, try to get more recognition in the town, build a social media presence,” he said.
With Maryborough Lions Club’s Lorraine Parker appointed as secretary and Corey Drake appointed as treasurer, the group will decide in the coming weeks on plans for the next 12 months including major events such as ANZAC day and completion of long anticipated works on the Maryborough RSL hall, thanks to the generosity of the Maryborough Lions Club, who have funded many of the new instalations.
Mr Sproull said the modernised kitchen will support community events, commemorations and social gatherings helping to revitalise the RSL and hub for veterans and residents.
“We want to try and maximise the use of the hall ... combining social function in with our regular meetings, there are a lot of things to expand,” he said.
“Thanks to the Lion’s Club, we have the donation of a new fridge, some stainless steel benches and a dishwasher, that really enables us to prepare meals and help other community organisations.”
Former Maryborough RSL sub branch president Roy ‘Shady’ Lane said there are a range of responsibilities that the new board will oversee as they bring in new ideas to their operations.
“You need new ideas, no matter where you go in life. I might come up with 10 or 12 ideas, and Wayne might just take one on. That’s one more idea than he had before,” he said.
“The old committee are tired, they need a rest. With all of the hard work they have done, they definitely need a rest. That’s the main reason why these people have stepped in, people have been doing this for a long time.
“In the last two years when I have been president, there has been an amount of community asking, ‘When is the hall going to be open?’ it’s a very big part of the town ... there’s a lot of sentimental value in that hall, it would be a shame that if Wayne, Lorraine and Corey hadn’t stepped up, we would be hurting big time for the hall to keep on going.”
At the same time as Mr Sproull’s appointment, Maryborough Lions Club have been formally recognised for their support toward the hall upgrades.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Lions Club, and the members in general, getting in, pitching in, getting this place all up and running, we can continue meetings and events there,” Mr Lane said.
Ms Parker said Maryborough Lions is always willing to support the valued local organisation.
“As far as our donation, we were more than happy to assist in some way, financially, so we were willing to purchase those items because that is what our service is about,” she said.
“It all comes from this book shop, it’s our main service project now ... every cent that is made from our book shop, goes back into our community. Lions members do not benefit from anything financially.”
Despite Mr Lane’s gratitude for the Lions Clubs help, he disagrees on the latter point.
“I might contradict that. Lions members do get something out of this book shop. It’s the satisfaction they are helping the community ... and pride,” he said.