Anzac Day service organisers are asking for donations as cost-of-living pressures bite vets

The Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch is ready for another massive Anzac Day at the Goods Shed but like all major events, it is feeling the pinch and seriously needs the community to help out.

Spencer Smith relishes his chance at being the Spinner in a Two-up game on ANZAC Day in The Goods Shed. Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.

• Anzac Day service times across the Darling Downs

The Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch is gearing up for another huge Anzac Day of commemorations at the Goods Shed but like many events across Australia, cost of living pressures are starting to bite.

Organiser Sheldon Rogers said the cost to run the 2024 event is up about $7000 on the previous year.

To help ease the burden, the sub branch has asked attendees to contribute a small donation at the door.

“As a sub branch, we sat down a few weeks ago and asked ourselves if we could really afford to hold the event,” Mr Rogers said.

“To the people who are coming along to enjoy the event, we ask for a small donation because we are a non-for-profit group and every dollar we receive goes to veteran welfare.

“We hope we can keep the event going, to deliver it into the future.”

For several years the sub branch has used the Goods Shed as its home base for Toowoomba Anzac Day Services.

Scott and Russel Catton wore their fathers medals. Roy Samuel Catton's service took in D Day, Sicily and Tonga. Gunfire breakfast at The Goods Shed on ANZAC Day. Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Work at the site starts about 3am, where volunteers prepare a Gunfire Breakfast and dole out warming cups of coffee and rum after the Dawn Service.

Throughout the day the Goods Shed plays host to a range of food truck vendors, community groups and military displays, in a casual and family-focused atmosphere.

More than 4000 people attended the event in 2023, with volunteers serving up 1400 meals.

The event also provides vital outreach for community groups seeking to connect with veterans and their families, especially among the ageing demographic of returned servicemen and women.

(from left) Anthony Clark, Murray Gladwin, Charlie Gladwin and Tim Guse line up for the Gunfire breakfast at The Goods Shed on ANZAC Day. Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Mr Rogers said this older cohort was hit hard by cost of living pressures.

“There has been a real pressure on veterans, particularly those who are on a pension,” he said.

“Their real income has stayed the same while the cost of living has increased.

“As a sub branch we have given several one-off donations to veterans who need to move (to a cheaper area), downsize or more into a shared house because they can no longer afford to live on their own.

“Cost of living is affecting veteran mental health and livelihood.”

Former deputy president Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch Sheldon Rogers encourages people to bring copies of pictures showing them or their loved ones during service to The Goods Shed on ANZAC Day. Thursday, April 20, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Along with serving up food and good conversation, the Goods Shed event will feature several food truck vendors, vintage military displays, two-up and a Wall of Remembrance – where families are invited to hand a copy of a photo of a loved one who served in the armed forces.

“It is all well and good to commemorate the name on the cenotaph, but this allows us to put a face to those names and draw home the history of service in our community,” Mr Rogers said.

Anzac Day at the Goods Shed starts at 6.30am on Thursday, with Two-Up from 12pm.