The Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch was founded in 1919 and has a proud history of serving our local veterans and their families. As we embark on our second century, we continue the strong traditions of welfare, support and fellowship.
Traditionally, our Sub Branch has been located in the Soldiers' Memorial Hall on the corner of Ruthven and Herries Sts in downtown Toowoomba. The original two storey section of the heritage listed building was erected on behalf of the citizens of Toowoomba by public subscription and used 14,000 bricks donated by the schoolchildren of Toowoomba. It was officially opened on ANZAC Day 1923. It was not only intended to be a place where returning veterans could meet but most importantly as a fitting tribute to our local military personnel, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice. Inside the Ruthven St entrance, the Hall of Memory was created to house honour boards containing the names of hundreds of men and women who served in World War One. Many visitors would not realise that the Hall of Memory is actually Toowoomba's official war memorial, although the Mother's Memorial has gradually assumed that role. Additional boards were erected over the years to contain the names of the fallen from World War Two and subsequent conflicts.
Despite the Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch being the sole occupant of the building over many years, it should be noted that it is not, nor has it ever been, owned by the Sub Branch or our parent organisation, RSL Qld. The property is cared for by the Toowoomba Regional Council on behalf of the citizens of Toowoomba. During 2020, the Sub Branch embarked on the most exciting chapter in its 100 year history with the refurbishment of the Soldiers Memorial Hall. This meant moving the office and all our activities from Ruthven Street to a temporary location.
On 8 December 2022, the original front section of the Soldiers' Memorial Hall was officially reopened, with the Sub Branch taking up residence again as from the end of July 2023. The multi million dollar refurbishment will ensure the building is once again a fitting tribute to all those from our local community who served our nation.