By Abbey Cannan
The Tewantin Noosa RSL Sub Branch has welcomed a new president after Gino Amarrador’s nine months spent working in the busy role.
Deputy president Michael Masters has been voted in by the Board to take up the position up until the next AGM in March 2023.
Michael said it was an honour to have been elected as president.
“My aim is to make the RSL Sub Branch a big part of the community and work with all groups,” he said.
“I did 26 years in the Army and started my journey in February 1972 as an Assault Pioneer 8RAR – 8/9RAR discharged December 1973.
“Re-enlisted Reserves and transferred over to the ARA August 1986 until discharge July 2011 as Warrant Officer Class 2 Chief Clerk.
“I did tours of the Sinai 1993 and Interfet East Timor 1999/2000.”
After being discharged, Michael was employed by RSL Queensland as an advocate looking after ex-service personnel with their DVA claims, and to this day he still volunteers.
“I am married to Melissa, and we both retired in 2020. Our hobbies are looking after our two dogs, playing golf and gardening,” Michael said.
During his time in the role, Michael aims to focus on veteran wellbeing.
“We are having a health and wellbeing forum for veterans in late August at the Noosa Golf Club,” he said.
“This will focus on positive, uplifting ways of enhancing veterans’ health – physically, emotionally and even financially.”
“I also hope that we get more veterans signing on to be Sub Branch members – as there are a lot great benefits available when you do sign up.”
Michael said they are in the very early stages of working with Noosa Council to see if it is possible to build a new memorial in RSL Memorial Park.
“We want to build a new memorial that honours veterans from all theatres of war including peacekeeping and those lesser known conflicts,” he said.
“It would be great to have this as the focal point for our Commemorative events in the future.
“We are always open to suggestions from the community as far as veteran welfare, activities and commemorations are concerned.”
