Our Club
Nestled in Queensland’s far north tropics, Cardwell is a picturesque seaside village where sunlight sparkles off the ocean to the east and lush rainforest-covered mountains frame the horizon to the west.
This unique environment shapes the charm and beauty of our little town.
Life in Cardwell has not always been smooth sailing. In 2011, Cyclone Yasi, the biggest storm in Queensland’s history, swept through our town, testing the resilience of our community. The storm’s impact left the coastal side of our township devastated, with sandblasting and debris destroying much of our infrastructure.
Elevated from the worst-hit areas, the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch became the recovery center for the SES and emergency services, offering a refuge for people to eat and sleep. This pivotal role forged our place in Cardwell as a welcoming community hub.
Revitalising a Community
Over the years, the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch has grown into a vibrant community hub. Our journey began with humble beginnings, but through engaging with local schools, hosting ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies, selling raffle tickets in town, and cooking a hearty barbecue lunch every Sunday, we’ve seen our membership triple in just a couple of years. Today, we proudly have 53 social members, 31 ex-service members, and nine dedicated volunteers.
Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our wonderful volunteers. Together, we’ve created a real sense of community, evolving and developing while honoring the legacy of those who came before us.
Bonding Through Mateship
At Cardwell RSL Sub Branch, providing camaraderie and mateship to our members, especially veterans, is at the heart of what we do. We strive to welcome non-member veterans back into the fold, offering genuine support through communication and shared experiences that only fellow veterans can understand.
Mateship and camaraderie are highly valued here, making ANZAC Day one of our most important events.
We extend a warm welcome to everyone in the Kennedy Valley district – from Bilyana in the north to the Cardwell range in the south. Join us at the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch as we honor the memory and history of veterans past and present. We look forward to seeing you here and being a part of our thriving community.