General News
15 November, 2025
Veterans thanked at dinner
VETERANS, their families and community supporters gathered last Saturday evening for the Cairns RSL Sub Branch’s sixth annual ‘Thank you for your service’ gala dinner.
The event at the Cairns Convention Centre celebrated the service and sacrifice of Defence Force personnel, past and present, as well as the families who support them.
Cairns RSL Sub Branch president Nathan Shingles welcomed guests, highlighting the commitment of those who serve and the resilience of their families.
“Serving in the Defence Force doesn’t just belong to the person in uniform. It’s a whole-of-family sacrifice,” he said.
The evening was opened by MC John Hardgrave, head of league development at RSL Queensland and a veteran of the infantry, who acknowledged the contributions of Defence personnel and their supporters.
He detailed the Cairns RSL Sub Branch’s extensive community work, including well-being visits, advocacy, funeral services and the provision of Christmas hampers for veterans.
Guests observed the Ode to the fallen and a minute of silence before standing for the Australian National Anthem.
