Tewantin-Noosa RSL boss Clinton Ware under investigation over service record claims

RSL Queensland is investigating service record claims about Tewantin-Noosa RSL Sub Branch president following a complaint as the club sinks deeper into civil war.

Tewantin-Noosa RSL boss Clinton Ware has dismissed ”false allegations” over his service record. Picture: File

A Queensland RSL boss has dismissed ”false allegations” over his military service amid an investigation by state officials and a fiery civil war at his local returned services club.

RSL Queensland is investigating service record claims about Tewantin-Noosa RSL Sub Branch president Clinton Ware following an official complaint by Iraq war veteran Benjamin Millman.

The claims come ahead of a potentially explosive meeting this weekend where warring officials from the sub-branch and Tewantin-Noosa RSL Club are set to face off.

The club and sub-branch have for months been embroiled in a bitter battle, which saw this year’s official Anzac Day activities moved to the local pub and a war of words erupt on social media.

A popular “Diggers Bar” operated by the RSL club closed this year after the sub-branch moved to hike the rent, while the club has been accused of cancelling life memberships of more than 450 sub-branch members.

Tewantin-Noosa RSL club boss Clinton Ware: Liam Kidston.

The sub-branch, which has launched failed attempts to overthrow the club board, has been rallying its troops to donate to a planned $80,000 “fighting fund” to take the club to the Supreme Court.

Police were called to a special meeting of the RSL club last month when a proposed new constitution was rejected, and warring factions have been firing potshots on Facebook ahead of a second meeting set down for Sunday.

Mr Ware, who lists having served in units including the SAS and commandos and being deployed to East Timor, Somalia and Rwanda, was appointed sub branch president in July last year after his wife became secretary.

Mr Millman raised questions about Mr Ware’s service after seeing him wearing what he claimed were incorrect medals at this year’s Anzac Day service.

Mr Ware did not respond to the Sunday Mail’s request for comment but in a statement to sub-branch members in June, he said he had been “targeted by online trolls”.

The Tewantin-Noosa RSL Club. Picture: Supplied

“These trolls have questioned my service record and the medals I wear and attempted to discredit and smear my name,” he said, adding that he had met with senior RSL officials about the “false allegations”.

RSL Queensland said it was investigating.

“RSL Queensland has been made aware of some concerns and is assisting the Sub Branch and District to navigate this,” a spokesperson said.

“We will refrain from commenting while due diligence and procedural fairness is being applied.

“The health and wellbeing of veterans, their families, and all parties, remains our highest priority.”

In Facebook posts, the sub branch has urged supporters to attend the RSL club’s special meeting to fight “dangerous changes” to the constitution.

“In the case of the meeting being adjourned, DO NOT LEAVE THE BUILDING until the chairman has actually closed the meeting,” the sub branch warned.