KWINANA Returned and Services League (RSL) will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a special dinner on May 7, just weeks after it commemorates Anzac Day this weekend.
The RSL, on Pace Road in Medina, pays homage to Kwinana’s proud military history, with men and horses from the 10th Light Horse Regiment regularly seen walking along what is now Kwinana Beach, while the City is also home to former Radar Station 228.
Kwinana RSL president Dave Spillman said he was hopeful of a good turnout.
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READ NOW“It’s open to all ex-serviceman and civilians, we’re hoping to get around 60-100 people,” he said.
Mr Spillman chalked up 20 years service post Vietnam, before joining Kwinana RSL 10 years after leaving the service.
He said the RSL was always open to returned services of all ages and nationalities.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you are,” he said.
“We’ve got Chinese national servicemen, a few Kiwis, a Kenyan, we’ll accept anybody,” he said.
The RSL is an Australia-wide network promoting friendship and support among current and former members of the Australian Defence Force.
Kwinana RSL welfare officer Morris Danks served in Vietnam and said he was proud of the help Kwinana RSL had provided to numerous members over the past 60 years.
“It’s a big help, there’s not doubt about that. I’m lucky I had a pretty good family support when I came home and all that sort of stuff, but other people do have problems,” he said.
“They all think it’s just them but when they start talking to mates here, some of them discover they’re all going through the same problems.”
“Aussies are good soldiers, they’re well trained and they’re good soldiers. Whether they we called up to do it or regular soldiers, they did the same job and they did it well.”
City of Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams was one of the first to pass on her congratulations to Kwinana RSL.
“On behalf of the City I would like to congratulate the Kwinana RSL on reaching this 60 year milestone,” she said.
“It has been great to see valuable events like the Anzac commemoration grow year on year thanks to the hard work of the RSL.
“We are proud to offer our support to this respected and enduring organisation.”
The Kwinana RSL’s 60th Anniversary Dinner will be on Saturday May 7 and is open to anyone who wishes to attend and help celebrate.
Anyone wishing to reserve their place at the dinner can contact secretary and membership officer Barbara Danks on 94391399 or bdanks42@gmail.com.