Get to know Laurieton RSL sub-Branch president Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty

WITH Anzac Day around the corner, News Of The Area gets to know Laurieton RSL sub-Branch president Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty.

Buster, tell us about your journey to the Hastings region.

My wife Sandie lived in Port Macquarie for most of her life before joining the Army.

We met in Townsville in 1982 and spent many years holidaying in the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie area.

After 38 years of Army service and moving around Australia during that time, we decided to make Camden Haven our home in 2014.

What inspired you to start getting involved in the local community?

In many ways, volunteering in the community has been a natural continuation of the service ethic that comes with military life.

I feel fortunate to live in a part of the world where community spirit is so strong.

Camden Haven and Port Macquarie are places where people genuinely look out for each other, and that sense of connection is something I’ve always valued.

My involvement grew from simply wanting to give something back.

Like many people, I’ve benefited from the support and friendships that come from living in a close-knit community, and volunteering felt like a natural way to contribute.

Over time, that involvement led me into roles supporting veterans and the broader community through the local RSL sub-Branch and other activities.

What is the focus of your community work and what do you enjoy most about giving back?

Much of my volunteer work has been through the Laurieton RSL sub-Branch, where I currently serve as President.

Our focus is supporting veterans and their families, while also bringing the broader community together.

This includes organising commemorative services such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, often involving local schools, as well as wellbeing, social, sport and recreation activities for veterans.

We also run community events, support local schools, aged care facilities, and work with other organisations.

What I enjoy most is the people.

Volunteers give their time freely and often quietly, without expecting recognition.

Seeing people come together, support each other, and build friendships is one of the most rewarding parts of community work.

What is one thing you’re really proud of?

Rather than one specific achievement, I’m most proud of helping maintain a strong and active RSL sub-Branch with around 140 members that continues to support veterans while remaining closely connected to the community.

A key part of that success is our very active Auxiliary, a group of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes raising funds so we can continue assisting veterans and their families.

Many people don’t realise that RSL sub-Branches are run entirely by volunteers.

Being part of a team that continues to provide support, organise commemorations, and create opportunities for veterans and community members to connect is something I’m very proud of.

It’s truly a collective effort, and the credit belongs to the many volunteers who quietly give their time and energy to make it happen.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the community?

My hope is that the strong sense of community we already have continues to grow.

Regional communities rely heavily on volunteers, and encouraging new and younger people to get involved will be important for the future.

I’d also like to see continued awareness of the needs of veterans and their families, as well as ongoing support for the many local groups and organisations that quietly contribute to the wellbeing of our community.

While we always welcome new members to the RSL sub-Branch, it’s important for veterans and their families to know that they do not need to be members to seek assistance or support.

We meet every Thursday from 9 am to 12 noon, so if you’re in the area, feel free to drop by for a brew and a chat.

The Camden Haven and Port Macquarie areas are wonderful places to live, and communities like ours thrive when people simply look out for one another and are willing to lend a hand.