The Jimboomba RSL has a new address, but it still feels like home for its members.
The heritage building has been re-opened following the relocation of the structure to a new site within the Jimboomba Park precinct.
A new Memorial Garden featuring undercover seating, a turfed space designed to stage events and a barbecue area, were also unveiled at the new location.
The $1.18 million project was jointly funded by Logan City Council and the Australian and Queensland Governments.
The relocation of the RSL building is part of the first stage of the draft Jimboomba Park Master Plan which seeks to improve the public space.
Mayor Darren Power said the upgraded facilities would allow Jimboomba RSL to better support the local community and veterans.
“The RSL is always here to help and the upgraded facilities will ensure that the Jimboomba RSL sub branch can continue to support veterans in the local community,’ Cr Power said.
“It will also serve as a hub for members to continue to plan and deliver important memorial events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
City Lifestyle Chair Cr Laurie Koranski said the relocation project was a great outcome for the RSL and the Jimboomba community.
“Logan is growing rapidly and it’s important that we continue to develop and evolve our community spaces so our residents can continue to make the most of them,” Cr Koranski said.
“I look forward to seeing many services and community events at Jimboomba RSL.”
Council provided funding for the project through the Sport and Recreation Budget, as well as $250,000 from the Division 9 Local Infrastructure Program.
Division 9 Councillor Scott Bannan has led the way on the relocation and upgrade of the RSL building.
“It has taken a lot of hard work to make this happen for our veterans and the Jimboomba community,” Cr Bannan said.
“I’m proud that we have been able to find the RSL a fantastic new location with upgraded facilities that will ensure it remains a much-loved and well-used community venue.”
Jimboomba RSL Vice-President Brett McCreadie paid tribute to building’s namesake, the late Gaven Thurlow OAM.
“We wouldn’t have a building without Gaven. He literally loaded it onto the truck in Wacol and brought it here,” Mr McCreadie said.
“It’s a great facility and I want to thank our community representatives, and everyone involved [in this project].
“This beautiful space has been created and we look forward to using it for many, many years to come in memory of Gaven Thurlow OAM and others who have contributed to our sub-branch over the years.”
The Australian Government provided $750,000 to the project through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI).
This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.
The Queensland Government contributed $132,787.27 through the Queensland Remembers Grant.
State Member for Logan, Linus Power MP congratulated Jimboomba RSL on the move.
“The Government continues to support the RSL as an important local community organisation,’ he said.
“A big thank you to all our hard-working volunteers who support our veterans.”
