The Leader Newspaper // Special Features ANZAC Day 2019 Supplement | Page 11

COMMEMORATING ANZAC Freeling RSL is right at home By Liz Alderslade Based out of Mr Garry Shearing’s back room hideaway, the Freeling RSL feels very at home being able to relax at their meetings. The RSL has been notorious for temporary homes, hopping from clubs to pubs to institutes. It was during 2010, when the RSL nearly went into recess, that Garry, president of the RSL, decided to move the meetings and gatherings to his home. While they are still looking for proper clubrooms, the homely aspect has been a great place for the members to gather. Garry said, “They feel like it’s their home. They can bring a beer, have a beer, and get that camaraderie and chin wag going on. “We are very close knit. Out of the 21 members, some of them are current serving members. I still get 10-14 to a meeting. When you look at ratios, the big RSLs in town can’t get that many people coming to meetings. “We have been up and down over the years. We nearly went into recess in 2010. Since then, in my opinion, we have kicked goals by being able to win a community event of the year. I was citizen of the year, mainly through my work with the RSL, Mr Garry Shearing, Freeling RSL president, with some of the war memorabilia owned by Freeling RSL. ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING TREES GREENOCK CREEK CHARTER Wintulichs Quality Butcher and also won the community project of the year, ANZAC Park.” Garry was a serving member in the Defence Force for 21 years, working as a Chief Petty Officer marine technician. He enjoyed his time in the Defence Force and was glad to join the RSL in his home town to meet and interact with other people that have served. Freeling RSL, in recent years, have held some very special ANZAC Day commemorations for their community. They celebrated the opening of ANZAC Park on October 28, 2017, the Centenary of the Battle of Beersheba. Last year, Freeling was one of the few RSL’s in Australia that had a Centenary of Armistice with the Barossa and District Pipe Band playing a specific tune at the same time worldwide. Garry said Freeling RSL always love celebrating the big centenaries and armistice’ since there should always be celebrations at the end of conflicts. Freeling RSL had fireworks for the Centenary of Gallipoli battle, which went really well. The club won Community Event of the Year for that celebration. The family friendly RSL is always open to the community, since these days there are for men and women both in the defence force and they want to provide that extra support and community to those families. It’s the same with the ANZAC Day football matches. Garry said it’s important to give a medal on the day to create unity between everyone. “The service members are still part of the community... A lot of farming communities have a lot more spirit than other areas,” said Garry. “Whether it’s rain, hail, shine, or something goes on, community areas will always come together. “I hope everyone comes out and supports ANZAC Day. Don’t forget your local servicemen are still just a person. Building the relationship with the community is more important to us.” Lest We Forget 8522 2100 31 Hill Street, Gawler South 8562 8092 [email protected] www.greenockcreekcharter.com 0438 257 723 49 Railway Terrace, Nuriootpa Lest We Forget Lest We Forget BAROSSABIKE Kerrie Woodards Insurance Lest We Forget Lest We Forget Lest We Forget 0400 537 770 barossabike.bikeit.com.au 8562 1956 6 Second Street, Nuriootpa John & James Insurance Services Pty Ltd t/as Kerrie Woodards Insurance | CAR 1265565 ACN 626 546 932 Authorised Representatives of National Adviser Services Pty Ltd t/as Community Broker Network | AFSL 233750 | ACN 096 916 184 8562 3110 57 Murray Street, Nuriootpa With the kind assistance of the participating businesses, The Leader has been able to provide a generous donation to the local RSL sub branches “The Leader”, Commemorating ANZAC, Wednesday, April 17, 2019 - 11