Veterans’ ‘Tour of Duty’ to Kalgoorlie
By Brian Jennings, North Beach RSL Sub-Branch
Following a successful Tour of Duty to Darwin in 2021 and after six months of planning, 40 veterans and members from Western Australia’s North Beach RSL Sub-Branch recently toured Kalgoorlie and immediate surrounds.
They travelled to Kalgoorlie on the Prospector train, and visited historical sites dating from the 1890s to present-day mining operations as well as military museums. This tour was part of the Sub-Branch’s annual program to interest and improve the wellbeing of its members.
Paul McGuinness from the Sub-Branch, and Robyn Steenbach, President of the Kalgoorlie RSL Sub-Branch, planned a full schedule for the veterans, including tours of:
- Hannan’s Museum
- Mount Charlotte
- the Streets of Boulder
- Kalgoorlie Military Museum
- Boulder and Kalgoorlie town halls
- tour of Kalgoorlie’s Super Pit
- day trip to Gwalia to visit the museum with stop-overs in Menzies and the Kookynie Hotel
- Visit to Coolgardie and surrounds.
‘As the average age of participants was over 70, it was carefully planned so all our veterans could enjoy the tour at their own pace,’ said Paul McGuiness. ‘It is important when we plan and undertake our “Tours of Duty” that we consider the interest, health and capability of our veterans and members.’
One of the highlights of the tour was bonding with members of Kalgoorlie’s 16 Battalion over a barbecue on one of the evenings, and forging a strong relationship with members of the Kalgoorlie RSL Sub Branch.
Photos from this Tour of Duty can be accessed through North Beach’s Facebook page or its website.
Boulder War Memorial