MOREE RSL Sub-Branch has started 2026 with a committee reshuffle and renewed calls for affiliate and auxiliary members.
Newly-elected president Jeff Biddle said the Moree sub-branch is a voluntary group made up of past serving members of the Australian defence forces as well as auxiliary and affiliate members.
“Our veterans have full membership of the sub-branch, and we always welcome those who would like to join, including affiliate members – those related to service personnel,” Mr Biddle said.
“We are also calling on auxiliary members to join the sub-branch.
“These members don’t need to have served or be related to full members or service personnel, but who would simply like to help with sub-branch functions and fundraising, especially helping veterans and their families,” he said.
The goal of all sub-branch members is to educate the community about the sacrifices made by service personnel throughout the years.
“We are looking to increase our current membership at all levels,” Mr Biddle said.
“Members maintain memorials and conduct local ceremonies, such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.”
Sub-branch members meet at 5.30pm on the third Wednesday of each month at the Moree RSL Regional Military Museum on Balo Street.
Members also help with the upkeep and general running of the museum, which shares the former War Memorial Education Centre and old town library building with the Dhiiyaan Centre.
The museum currently exhibits more than 600 items as well as an extensive library holding nearly 1000 books, with hundreds more to catalogue.
There are also dozens of pieces in storage, ready to exhibit.
Mr Biddle was elected president at a recent sub-branch executive meeting.
John Williams was elected vice-president, with Eric Taylor junior vice-president.
The secretary-treasurer role has been taken by John Tramby, with Lila Fisher appointed minutes’ secretary.
Sub-branch trustees are Roger Butler, John Williams and John Tramby, with Mr Williams and Mr Tramby appointed Moree RSL Military Museum chairman and curator respectively.
The sub-branch and museum are funded by monies raised from badge and poppy sales, and other fundraising activities and events conducted by members and volunteers.
“The Moree Services Club has had a long association with the sub-branch, and over many years has been a valued supporter of our activities,” Mr Biddle said.
“The club has always been supportive, however the sub-branch is a stand-alone entity and incomes are separate.
“To that end, it falls upon the sub-branch to raise its own funding to continue operations and remain a strong support unit for our veterans, their families and the wider community,” Mr Biddle said.
“I encourage anyone interested who can spare any amount of time to help the sub-branch maintain and improve the service and help with all we provide in the local community.
“Sub-branches like ours are very important, traditional Australian organisations and I encourage people to join up as auxiliary or affiliate members,” he said.
Those interested can contact Jeff Biddle on 0400 804922 or email sbmoree@rslnsw.org.au.
