Community
30 April, 2025
RSL membership drive proves successful
The Mount Isa sub-branch has been working hard to ensure that all former soldiers join the local RSL.
The RSL Mount Isa sub-branch has proven that where there is a will, there is a way, after volunteers organised a special Anzac Day for one former soldier with just a few hours notice.
RSL sub-branch welfare officer Kate Fischer was first alerted by Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia workers on the afternoon prior to Anzac Day that former
Private Tom Davison was living at the Laura Johnson Home.
Mr Davison was unknown to the RSL, having only arrived back in Mount Isa a few years ago.
However, the sub-branch has made a concerted effort in recent times to locate the retired servicemen and women in the city through its community outreach initiative.
The RSL immediately made contact with Mr Davison to arrange a bus to collect him in the morning, as well as a seat in a sidecar at the morning service motorbike procession, and a meal at the Irish Club later that day.
There was even a last-minute dash to Kmart to ensure the former army soldier would have adequate clothing for the occasion.
Mr Davison had not attended an Mount Isa Anzac Day commemoration before.
However, following Friday’s series of events, Mr Davison said he would join the RSL and hoped to be involved in future events.
“This is the most fun I have had in quite a while,” he told North West Weekly.
“I haven’t been able to get out of the nursing home very much so to be able to be around all these people is really special.”
Originally from Northern Ireland, Mr Davison migrated to Australia in 1970 before enlisting in the Royal Australian Corps of Transport the following year.
He would serve in Townsville and Sydney for the next six years.
Having worked at Mount Isa Mines upon leaving the army before living in Townsville, Darwin and Brisbane, Mr Davison returned to the North West following the passing of his wife a few years ago to be closer to his son.
Ill health took hold of the 73-year-old and, in December 2023, he took residence at Laura Johnson Home.
RSL Mount Isa sub-branch president Jim Nuttall said about six new members had joined the RSL over the weekend. He said there was an open invitation to all former soldiers to join up.
“People seem to think there is a database out there that allows us to find out who has served in the military – there is nothing like that and so we rely on people coming to us to join,” he said.
“We are seeing the sub-branch numbers growing, which is very encouraging. We probably have more than 75 members now and we even picked up some at the
Anzac Day services, as well as at the races on Saturday.
“So, people are seeing the value in joining and wanting to become part of that community.”