By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
FOR the past 80 years, the Tewantin-Noosa RSL Women’s Auxiliary has with dedication served the Noosa community and beyond.
On Friday, a special birthday celebration was held at the RSL to acknowledge this outstanding contribution.
Formed back in 1935, the auxiliary’s first meeting was held at Mr Harry John’s (RSL sub-branch president) shop in Hastings Street, with just 10 women gathering for the occasion.
Some 80 years on and the auxiliary, now with 90 members is going strong.
While the services of the auxiliary were most apparent during the outbreak of World War II, their work today still greatly benefits the wider community.
During the war, the ladies were kept busy knitting scarves , balaclavas, socks and mittens, baking cakes and biscuits, all to fill the Comforts Fund parcels that were sent to the men overseas, at the same time looking after home and family without the benefit of the modern conveniences we take for granted.
In 1942 when the army moved into the area the women helped entertain the troops by serving suppers at the dances held twice weekly.
For over 40 years the auxiliary catered for engagement parties, weddings, reunion dinners and debutante balls and still today there is a core of ladies who turn up at 4am every Anzac morning to serve the early morning cuppas and then the breakfast after the dawn and cemetery services and the barbecue after Remembrance Day.
The local auxiliary supports a wide variety of local initiatives and there is a wonderful spirit of friendship within the group.
Last year school donations had increased to $100 per award and there are now 24 recipients.
The auxiliary’s regular donation list has increased and for the past three years the ladies have also taken on the catering for the annual Descendants Day Luncheon.
“Even today we think back to those 10 women who had the initiative and foresight to establish this auxiliary,” Tewantin-Noosa RSL Women’s Auxiliary secretary Kay Huntington said.
“To those who took up the torch and held it tight and to those who keep it held alight – we congratulate and salute you.
“To those who come after us and those who will be celebrating the centenary of this the Tewantin-Noosa RSL Women’s Auxiliary in the year 2035, we salute you too.”
