General News
8 August, 2025
RSL amazed by response
It was the final homecoming for over 300 commemorative white crosses which returned to their families last weekend in a great success for the local RSL and community alike.
UPDATE: CORRECTION 12/8
In the Friday (8/8) edition this article ran with the incorrect phone number for Roy 'Shady' Lane. Locals seeking their crosses can call Mr Lane on 0400 366 347.
The first weekend of August saw over eight hundred crosses, embodying the legacy of as many local service men and women, put on display for the first time in years.
A moving representation of local sacrifice and service the crosses, with the many local names they represent, waited for their loved ones and descendents to collect them.
Maryborough RSL sub branch president Roy ‘Shady’ Lane said over 300 crosses were given to the community for a donation raising around $4,500 for the sub branch.
“As we keep on saying all the time the Maryborough community are very very generous both to us as service men and women and the community in general — they support everyone,” he said.
It was a moving weekend for Garry Mayall, the sub branch’s treasurer, who was aiming to raise $800 to $1000 across the two days.
“By lunch time Saturday we were well over $1000,” he said.
But beyond the finances was the community and the sentimental moments they shared, Mr Mayall explained, starting from before they even opened.
“I was surprised there was a line-up of 20 or 30 at the front door waiting to come in,” he said.
Mr Lane was proud to see the community coming through the doors so consistently right up until they closed.
“The donations we got from this will help us keep the RSL open,” he said.
However, Mr Lane emphasised that donations alone aren’t enough to secure the sub branch’s future let alone RSL’s across the nation. They need members.
“We had a lot of people saying they don’t want the RSL to close, they’re very supportive, but without members we can’t run it,” he said.
He reminds the community that immediate family of service men
and women can join as affiliate members, so can emergency responders.
“If the people want us to keep this organisation going, not just here but right across Australia, we need to get the younger service men and women in,” he said.
Despite the future’s uncertainty, to the sub branch’s own Ben Holscher, the local community once again showed their enduring support for the local sub branch.
“They support us to the hilt, it’s fantastic,” he said.
It’s also a support, Mr Lane was proud to see, reflected in Maryborough’s younger generation.
“It makes you feel all the service we gave wasn’t for nothing,” he said.
The weekend’s success was credited to the sub branch’s members, both the current and previous committee, and won’t be the last.
Locals seeking their families cross will be able to visit the RSL nearer Anzac and Remembrance Day or can call Mr Lane on 0400 366 347.