General News
22 February, 2024
New sub branch president
The Maryborough RSL sub branch has welcomed a new president, with Roy ‘Shady’ Lane hopeful of securing the group’s future for many years to come. Moving to the shire seven years ago, Mr Lane has been actively involved with the RSL since he...
The Maryborough RSL sub branch has welcomed a new president, with Roy ‘Shady’ Lane hopeful of securing the group’s future for many years to come.
Moving to the shire seven years ago, Mr Lane has been actively involved with the RSL since he returned from Vietnam in 1969 and when asked whether he’d take on presidency of the local sub branch, the answer was always going to be yes.
Mr Lane retired from the Royal Australian Navy in 2013 after 46 years of active duty, which saw him complete two tours of Vietnam in 1968 and 1970 — seeing involvement in Operation Sea Dragon.
In his second tour, Mr Lane was part of a 10-man team of navy divers who checked ships for mines and assisted with rescues of pilots downed over the sea.
Following his involvement in Vietnam, Mr Lane was involved in peace keeping missions in the Soloman Islands and the Middle East, as well as border protection duties and civil defence operations both in Australia and abroad.
Mr Lane said now, just over 10 years since retiring from his eventful military career, he is eager to give back to the community.
“When Danny asked me just before Christmas if I’d be interested in taking on this role I said yes, the RSL is bigger than me and it’s important to the community,” he said.
“For me, this is about giving back to both the RSL but also this community.
“I’m involved with the RSL, Vietnam Veterans and Legacy but none of that is for me, it’s for the families of veterans and how we can support them.”
Mr Lane said he’s eager to get more young people involved with the local sub branch to secure its longevity in the community.
“I want to try and get some younger people interested and involved,” he said.
“A lot of people don’t know much about the RSL, they think it’s for old people but in reality it’s for everyone.
“If something happens to veterans or their families, there has to be something there for them and to support them — that’s what the RSL is for.
“We don’t want to lose the RSL and I certainly don’t want to see the local sub branch close, if I can do anything to help keep it up and running I will have achieved my goal. That’s all I want to do.”
Maryborough RSL sub branch secretary Danny McIver welcomed Mr Lane as the branch’s new president.
“We’re thrilled to have Roy take on the presidency and are optimistic about the future of the sub branch under his leadership,” he said.