Lara RSL trio recognised for outstanding service to veterans

THREE members of the Lara RSL Sub-branch have been recognised by their peers for their unwavering dedication and tireless contribution to the veteran community.

President Marcus McEwan, vice-president Roy Cook and secretary Russell Lowe were presented with Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Awards earlier this month, an acknowledgement of the community they had helped build in Lara.

The awards, presented as part of the annual RSL Veterans Ball, recognise the exceptional service of volunteers who exemplify the Anzac spirit and have directly supported and improved the lives of veterans and their families.

For McEwan, Cook and Lowe, who have each been a member of the Lara sub-branch for about three years, their response to the recognition is similar: it’s a humbling experience and an acknowledgement they’re grateful for, but they’ll continue to support those around them whether those efforts are seen or not.

Lara RSL president Marcus McEwan receiving his award. The individual who nominated McEwan said he had “ignited a new era of pride and community” for the Lara sub-branch and its members.

“You don’t need awards, you don’t need paper, you don’t need anything – you just need people to walk out of [the RSL] happy every Friday and you need the same people coming back there every Friday and still enjoying themselves,” Cook said.

“I just love what I do, and I love the people around me.”

The sub-branch’s committee, led by McEwan, has been attributed with transforming the organisation from an “old boys club” into a thriving hub of activity, social connection and support that has become an inviting space for women, younger veterans and children.

In just three years, the RSL’s membership has increased by 60 per cent, and notably, it’s committee now includes four women. It’s a step forward McEwan says serves as a key barometer of the club’s success.

Lara RSL Sub-branch vice-president Roy Cook said he doesn’t need awards, he just wants to see the organisation’s members enjoying themselves.

“It tells us that we’ve created a safe environment, which is critically important for us veterans… Everyone that comes through that door feels welcome.

“One of our committee members is an Indigenous elder and a veteran. For her to feel comfortable to do that, it’s phenomenal, and to see young kids running around the place on a Friday night, or whenever we’ve got our weekend events on, tells us that we’re doing well.”

It is progress Lowe said the committee had worked hard to foster, led by a pact that they would not “let bad things happen”.

“The water’s free, the chips are free, and the bad advice is free,” he said, laughing. “We’ve got a very fun atmosphere and we have all the right things happening.”