THE diamond anniversary of Tea Gardens RSL Sub-Branch and Auxiliary was celebrated at a beautiful afternoon luncheon at the Surf Club on Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest recently.
Dozens of locals connected with the RSL attended, along with Tea Gardens Red Cross representatives.
Catered by Mema’s Bakery, the food was delicious and helped make for a delightful way to spend the afternoon.
Sub-branch vice president Jennefer Ross-Henry presented an extensive history of the local Sub-Branch Auxiliary’s 75 years.
Its story began in 1916 when sailors, soldiers and airmen returned and the Imperial League was formed, incorporating a Women’s Auxiliary for widows, mothers, sisters and daughters of returned or killed men.
In 1939, the Australian Agricultural Company donated land in Witt and Hough Streets to the Tea Gardens Community. The site became today’s Memorial Park, with the Memorial Gates designed by the league and commissioned in time for ANZAC Day in 1951.
“The first congress for the newly named Returned and Services League Women’s Auxiliary was held in Sydney in 1948,” Ms Ross-Henry said.
“A notable inclusion in their constitution was that any female citizen over 16 years old could become a member regardless of affiliation with returned men or defence relations.
“On 4 April 1951, the Tea Gardens sub-branch was formed, and on 4 August Mr N Braye, District Councillor of the League in Newcastle, presented the charter to Mr Ford Pearson, inaugural president of Tea Gardens RSL Sub-branch.”
On 28 August 1951, the Tea Gardens RSL Women’s Auxiliary was formed, with 12 members present.
A clubhouse was built on more gifted land on Myall Street, regularly hosting dances, balls, bingo, housie and fetes.
“The ladies threw themselves into fundraising and cooking and organising BBQs, bus trips and the most popular, dances – not dissimilar to today’s members,” Ms Ross-Henry said.
“By the late 1980’s, concerns for the future of the local organisation began to mount as only 10 of 115 members were aged under 65.
“Some work was done to keep things afloat, which in turn led to further facilities being built in the town, including ‘The Lodge’ at Hawks Nest, and the Bowlers Club, which became the Country Club.
“The new War Memorial on the Myall River was dedicated on 23 March, 2002 and later became ANZAC Park.
“A new venue was available for the ladies to hold their fundraising, with more BBQs, fetes and family picnics proving popular ways to raise money for the Memorial and other projects,” Ms Ross-Henry said.
“Jenny and Ken Woodward helped the ladies plan and maintain the beautiful planting around the park, where the Vietnam-era artillery gun was added in 2015.”
2015 also saw the members of the Sub-Branch and ladies work with the Family History Group to identify all Tea Gardens men who fought in WWI, producing a book listing their names and stories.
“A decision in 2019 to drop the word ‘Women’ from the Auxiliary, combined with mixed information coming from Head Office, led to deep concern about the future of the Auxiliaries,” Ms Ross-Henry added.
“So our Women’s Auxiliary members became affiliate members of the Sub-Branch, forming the Tea Gardens RSL Sub-Branch and Auxiliary.
“The ladies continue to do their fundraising and support the men whenever needed, holding a luncheon meeting once a month to discuss relevant events or organise social outings.
“The friendship and support to each other and the Sub-Branch has not diminished, and hopefully our membership will continue to grow, especially with younger members.
“I hope you ladies realise what a fantastic job you do for the Sub-Branch and the community.
“Without your help and dedication to helping veterans, and your unwavering stamina in manning the tables to sell badges to bolster the coffers of the Sub-Branch, the Tea Gardens community would be in the dark as to what we are about.
“You carry the banner for all to see and honour our fallen veterans and members of our auxiliary.”
The 75th anniversary cakes made by Mema’s Bakery were cut by Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair and his wife Shirley, with the stunning view of Yaccaba headland and the islands as a backdrop.
No one walked home empty-handed, thanks to a door prize and raffle, fuelled by the efforts of Joanne Penton.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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