Auxiliary president Peter Keen, elected this year, cut the birthday cake with the youngest and oldest members of the Auxiliary … from left, Kelly Stevenson, Peter Keen and Evelyn Kingston
July 24, 2026
Members of the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch & Citizens’ Auxiliary returned to their roots last Saturday to mark the 80th anniversary of the organisation.
The first meeting of the then-Murgon RSL Women’s Auxiliary was held in the Murgon Town Hall in 1946.
The 80th anniversary was marked by a High Tea luncheon which filled the hall with members, friends and invited guests, including members of the Nanango and Bundaberg RSL Auxiliaries.
In 2018, the association added “Citizens” to its title and structure, expanding its membership to also include men.
Over the years, the volunteers have helped out the Sub-Branch in many ways … catering for events, raising funds at stalls, selling raffle tickets, crocheting poppies and hosting Melbourne Cup functions.
In the earlier days, they were also involved in preparing packages for troops.
Murgon RSL Sub-Branch president Grahame Blackwell OAM said the support of the Auxiliary had been “second to none”.
South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff said the Auxiliary had been “the heartbeat” of the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of certificates to several long-serving members by current Auxiliary president Peter Keen, the first man to serve in the role.
Honoured were: Evelyn Kingston (25 years), Daphne Holznagel (25 years), Madge Kingston (25 years) and Margaret Kidd (10 years).
Guests enjoyed savoury and sweet treats prepared and served up by Auxiliary members.
Murgon RSL Sub-Branch vice-president Trevor Williamson OAM with his wife Liz, the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch Auxiliary secretaryLocal councillor Heath Sander and South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff were special guests at the event … Mayor Duff also led the Toast to the Auxiliary from the podiumRobyn and John Kratzmann, from WinderaCynthia Smith, from Murgon; and Daphne Reeve, from WondaiMadge Ramke and Evelyn Kingston, from MurgonEntertainment was provided by Brian Mansfield on keyboards …… and Wayne Spresser on vocalsBetty Hawkins and Glenda Taylor, from the Bundaberg RSL AuxiliaryHelen Lindorff, Jan Rimmington and Verlie Climpson, from the Bundaberg RSL AuxiliaryClair Venz and Janette Thorne, from MurgonMurgon RSL Sub-Branch commemorative committee secretary (and Murgon SHS Deputy Principal) Morgan Suchoronczak compered the celebrationMurgon RSL Sub-Branch Auxiliary member Phyllis Hopf OAM, from Goomeri, said grace before the food was servedAuxiliary member Gloria Bell was looking over the memorabilia wall … Gloria was the last president of the Women’s Auxiliary in 2018 and the first president of the Citizen’s Auxiliary the same yearMurgon RSL Sub-Branch president Grahame Blackwell OAM thanked the Auxiliary members for their supportMurgon RSL Sub-Branch & Citizens’ Auxiliary president Peter Keen presented Evelyn Kingston with a 25-Year Membership CertificatePeter also presented Daphne Holznagel with a 25-Year Membership CertificateMadge Ramke also received a 25-Year Membership CertificateMargaret Kidd was presented with a 10-year Membership CertificateMurgon Town Hall was filled for the High Tea luncheon which celebrated 80 years of the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch Auxiliary
