Sacred day for RSL sub-branch service members

ANZAC Day carried extra meaning for Jamie Tanner this year – his first leading the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch, and a moment to honour mates lost in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tanner, 42, is one of the youngest people to hold a leadership role in the sub-branch’s long history.

He served in the Australian Army for 11 years, with overseas tours in East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq.

He said Anzac Day had evolved over time, but its core message remained unchanged.

“It’s a sacred day and a time where I reflect on my service and the mates I lost overseas,” Tanner said.

“We also need to make sure we never take away the significance and the origins of what Anzac Day means.” Tanner, who worked in military intelligence, said it was a

difficult experience coming home and trying to adapt to civilian life as a 29-year-old.

“It can be a struggle in the transition period,” he said.

“When I got out, I didn’t even know what a Medicare card was.

“The veteran community really needs that support, and that’s just part of what I do with the sub-branch.”

Dick Wills served in the air force during the Vietnam War and has been part of the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch since 1981.

He said the community had embraced the dawn service, march and wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, with hundreds in attendance.

“It’s a very special day for me personally. I had great uncles who fought in the war,” Wills said.

“I found our task in Vietnam rewarding. The squadron I served with did a marvellous job.

“We were flying six missions a day with only six aircraft.”

Wills has held every position in the sub-branch and is its current trustee and vice-president.

“I love working for the veterans, and being able to help some of them get a better life is all the thank you I need,” he said.

“Having a younger bloke like Jamie involved is one of the best things to happen to the sub-branch in a long time.

“Michael Wright, the secretary, is another young one, and we can re-establish ourselves and grow with those guys.”

Claire Tyson of the Ballina RSL Club said there had been plenty of interest in its Anzac Day events.

“We were expecting a special day and the tributes have been quite moving this year,” she said.

“Members of the sub-branch are up at 3am making sure everyone comes together.

“We’re extremely grateful for everything they do.”