THREE DECADES OF DEDICATION

Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch President Rodger Bow with Lynette Croton and George Croton, holding their volunteer service recognitions. Photo supplied: Herbert River RSL

‍

By Victoria Velton

‍

For 30 years, the Herbert River RSL have hosted raffles and prizes on Friday nights. Behind this consistent fundraising has been the quiet dedication of George and Lynette Croton.

‍

The couple were recently recognised for three decades of voluntary service to the Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch, having spent thousands of Friday nights volunteering, selling raffle tickets and helping wherever they were needed, as well as giving countless hours behind the scenes.

“Thirty years of volunteering isn't just a milestone — it represents an incredible amount of dedication, generosity and commitment to our Club,” said Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch Manager Kerryn Brock.

‍

Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch President, Rodger Bow said the raffles did not simply happen each week, with someone needing to organise prizes, prepare for the evening, sell tickets, conduct the draws and make sure everything ran smoothly.

‍

“For the past 30 years, two of our members have done exactly that,” Rodger said.

“Through their steadfast dedication, reliability and countless hours of voluntary service, they have made Friday nights a valued tradition and contributed greatly to our club's success.”

‍

Lynette said the award was a meaningful acknowledgement of the years she and George have spent supporting the RSL and its members.

“It’s a real honour. I was really surprised. Thirty years to me is a long time,” she said.

‍

The couple first became involved with the RSL around 30 years ago, with Lynette’s father already involved with the Board.  

At the time, there were no Friday night raffles, and Lynette approached the manager about starting them.

‍

‍

She enlisted the help of her friend Diane, and the pair began organising the weekly raffles.  

“I think it was ’96 that we started,” George said.

‍

Three decades later, the raffles remain a familiar part of the club, but the couple say the friendships built along the way have been just as important.

“We’ve made lots and lots of friends over the last 30 years. It’s been really great,” said George.

‍

Beyond the raffles, George has also regularly taken on jobs around the club and even heads to the cemetery to repair and paint graves without being asked.

“If there’s something to be done around here, we just do it,” George said.  

‍

“It’s just something that we like doing, and we don’t do it because we have to. We do it because we want to do it.”

The couple plan to be involved with the RSL for as long as they are able.

‍

“It’s just nice to be appreciated for what you do. We’ve been working here a long time,” George said.

‍

“But we don’t do it for the recognition. We just do it because we enjoy doing it.”