Community & Business
30 April, 2026
Oakey RSL launch Charter camp
Oakey RSL sub-branch launched its first pilot Youth Charter camp at Emu Gully recently.
The camp, entirely funded by Emu Gully, was attended by 35 mostly high school aged children and their families, all of whom had links to the Australian Defence Force.
Some of the attendees came from Australian Air Force Cadets 209 Squadron at Oakey who were invited by the sub-branch.
Organiser, Oakey RSL sub-branch member Mark Carter, said the camp was a great way of passing on military stories and of encouraging young people to consider a career in Defence.
“It’s a way of community engagement,” Mr Carter said.
“We are encouraging our kids and grandkids to think about the military and consider serving.”
Speaking the day before the camp, Emu Gully CEO Guy Hawkins said the young people attending would be learning about the character values of character values of courage, mateship, sacrifice and perseverance.
The original idea of an RSL youth camp program came from RSL member Leigh Clayton and was inspired by the RSL’s 1918 Charter.
Mr Carter said other sub-branches and the leadership of the RSL should consider supporting similar events.
“The RSL needs to jump on board, at least in Queensland and I think, in Australia, too. The youth are our future,” he said.
