Working together helps these two RSL sub-Branches bolster camaraderie

How veterans in Wollongong have helped those on Norfolk Island take part in rewarding sport and recreation activities.

By Caroline Riches

At a glance:

• RSL sub-Branches in isolated areas such as Norfolk Island often face funding shortages and low attendance at events.
• A new raft of social activities on Norfolk Island has “created a camaraderie that we hadn’t seen … for a long time”.
• The City of Wollongong and Norfolk Island RSL sub-Branches plan to continue their collaboration on future activities, bringing more successful ideas from Wollongong to the island.

On a sunny day in June, Norfolk Island residents gathered at the jetty in their old-fashioned finery and straw hats to celebrate Bounty Day.

The occasion honours the moment in 1856 when 194 descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers arrived from overcrowded Pitcairn Island to start a new life, marking permanent civilian settlement on Norfolk.

“It’s our anniversary day,” Terence ‘Tet’ Grube, Secretary of the Norfolk Island RSL sub-Branch, tells Reveille. “Pitcairn descendants march up to the cenotaph and we pay respect to our forefathers and foremothers. Then we go to the cemetery and the children put flowers on our family members’ headstones.”

On this day, as well as Remembrance Day, ANZAC Day, Kapyong Day, Victory in the Pacific Day and Vietnam Veterans’ Day, families unite at the Norfolk Island RSL sub-Branch.

“But for the other 360-odd days in a year, we rarely see them,” says Grube. “It’s such a pity.”

Despite its remote and small population of approximately 2,200, Norfolk Island boasts a rich military history. Many islanders joined the military during the World Wars and Korean War simply as a way to escape the island, explains Grube.

“Most families, if not all, are linked to the honour board at the RSL sub-Branch memorial,” he says.

RSL sub-Branches in isolated areas with small populations, such as Norfolk Island, often face funding shortages and low attendance. They must work harder and get creative to remain relevant and connect with their communities.

For Norfolk Island, there’s an additional challenge. The end of self-government in 2016 and the opening of immigration to all Australian citizens diluted their sense of community.

“To get people into the fold is very difficult,” says Grube. “The interest of the families joining us is sadly diminishing.”

Meanwhile, young veterans on the island struggle to attend commemorative services. “The events are just too emotional.”

Finding reconnection

Now Grube is on a mission to increase the sub-Branch’s prominence via the RSL NSW Sport & Recreation Program. He is supported by a mainland veteran with a passion for the island.

Peter Lipscomb, Honorary Secretary/Treasurer of the City of Wollongong RSL sub-Branch, served with Grube in the navy in the early 1980s. Both he and Grube are descendants of Bounty mutineers.

During this year’s Bounty Day celebrations, Lipscomb visited Norfolk for the first time, donning a straw hat for the march.

“The visit reconnected me to the island, and now it feels like my spiritual home,” he says.

Peter Lipscomb is a descendant of Norfolk Island’s first residents.

Lipscomb also participated in a meeting to discuss ideas to revitalise the sub-Branch, and enhance engagement with local veterans and their families. Drawing from his experience in Wollongong, he proposed an ‘NRLawn Bowls’ Day, a community event blending traditional lawn bowls with a rugby league twist, funded by the Sport & Recreation Program.

Held at the Norfolk Island Bowling Club in September, the game involved 14 teams from local organisations and sports clubs, with participants scoring ‘tries’ by bowling within a target area and kicking ‘goals’ by bowling between goal posts. Lipscomb flew in for the event.

“It created a camaraderie that we hadn’t seen on Norfolk Island for a long time,” says Grube. “It was so much fun. Pete blew the whistle just like an NRL referee, and everyone was jumping with joy.” 

Afterwards, Grube even managed to sign up new veterans to the sub-Branch. He is now planning further activities using funding from the Sport & Recreation Program, including an RSL NSW inclusion in Norfolk Island’s cricket competition, and other ways to be present in the community beyond commemorative days.

One idea is to install an interactive sign outside the sub-Branch featuring a ‘Veteran of the Week’.

“Ron Nobbs, one of our islanders, has researched every single veteran for World War I and World War II from the day they left Norfolk to the day they returned home or paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he says. “Norfolk Islanders served in both the ADF and NZDF – an incredible ANZAC contribution.”

‘NRLawn Bowls’ Day at Norfolk Island Bowling Club

Lipscomb is eager to share more successful ideas from Wollongong that could be replicated on the island.

“The Sport & Recreation Program has enabled sub-Branches to better support their members, provide meaningful community involvement and maintain a vibrant presence, even in remote locations,” he says. “Every time I do something at home, I consider if it could be done on Norfolk Island.”

Grube feels the new ideas have already invigorated his sub-Branch. 

“Even though we’re a long, long way from mainland Australia, I feel like we’re part of the RSL NSW family now,” he says. “This is just the beginning for us.”

RSL NSW welcomes veterans of any age to join the organisation. Access support services and become part of a like-minded community of peers by becoming a member of RSL NSW.