GLASS House Mountains RSL Sub-Branch is in desperate need of volunteers to step into key roles with concerns the organisation cannot continue to provide invaluable services around the hinterland.
Ahead of the sub-branch’s May annual general meeting, president Brian Machin has shared his concerns about the future of the local organisation and frustration at the lack of volunteers.
The sub-branch, which has over 200 members including 95 service members, currently runs a successful Friday night dinners as well as regular events throughout the week.
But critical to the smooth running of it are volunteers.
Of greatest concern are the secretary and Treasurer roles, which will become vacant in May.
Asked if the positions weren’t filled at the AGM, Brian was blunt: “It wouldn’t be able to operate.”
“If we can’t fill the roles, that’s the danger we face. It’s a real danger and that’s what concerns us.”
A combination of increased working lives, multiple other options in retirement and a lack of desire to help are just some of the reasons Brian puts down to the issue the branch and so many other community organisations face.
After five years as president, Brian will also be stepping down this year, saying it is time for newcomers to have a go.
“There are so many other things you can go and do now opposed to 20 years ago,” he said.
“Because of that we aren’t doing enough of what we’d like to do with other member events because we just can’t get the volunteers.
“If we had more members involved we’d like to do more member activities, sports days, outings, visiting other RSLs, lots of other things.”
Brian said despite these pressures he said it was incredibly satisfying to volunteer with the club.
“It’s fun, it’s interesting. You can learn new things at your own pace, so there’s no real pressure in that sense,” he said.
The branch is ideally looking for volunteers who are retired or semi-retired , who don’t have family pressures and are looking to give something back to their community.
“The benefits are social interaction, new learning, mentoring and having a lot of fun,” Brian said.