Toowoomba RSL Sub-branch reps make western Queensland trip dubbed Road to Remembrance

Two members of Toowoomba’s RSL sub-branch are making a 3500km trip across southwest Queensland in honour of Remembrance Day next week.

Scott May of the Toowoomba United RSL sub branch. Picture: Kevin Farmer

In a move dubbed the “Road to Remembrance”, Toowoomba United RSL president Scott May and his colleague Jason Hurst have hit the road to visit more than 20 subbranches across the western regions over eight days.

Mr May said while the trip was primarily to connect with smaller RSLs and build relationships, it was also an opportunity to explore the various historical sites of importance to Australia’s military history.

“Basically, we’re going as far out west as Quilpie — we’re going through all the smaller subbranches,” he said.

“It’s more about the younger generation vets engaging with older members and learning about the heritage and history of their towns, so when the time comes, we’ll know it’s there and we can preserve it.

“We’re asking the subbranches about what they’re doing and how we can interact with them better.

“We’re just trying to revitalise and work more coherently with the subbranches.

“There’s so much knowledge and history that’s hard to tap into when you live in the city — you’ve got to get out of there and see it.”

Along with creating better collaboration, Mr May said they would be erecting several new flags at RSLs as part of its Flags on the Homefront program.

“That’s a patriotic gesture that people in the wider community can recognise — I don’t think there’s a more patriotic organisation than the RSL,” he said.

Mr May said he hoped the trip could become a much larger annual event, which would become a local tourism boost as an added bonus.

The pair will arrive back in Toowoomba on Wednesday for Remembrance Day.

Harvey Norman Toowoomba is supporting the initiative and the RSL this weekend by selling posters, badges and poppies on both Saturday and Sunday.