Supporting roles: The story of a veteran’s wife, her commitment and embracing the future.
When you think of the RSL, it’s easy to just think of the support we give to the servicemen and women who have returned home. But what about the people they’re returning home to? Partners and families who have also had to sacrifice time away from their loved ones, perhaps putting life on hold to navigate the unique challenges of the Defence lifestyle. Cherie is one of those partners. The wife of returned serviceman, Trent, who was discharged from the Army in 2014. Her story is one of commitment, support, and embracing opportunity.
I’ve really got to give it up to her. When I returned home, seeing Cherie still waiting for me was a rare and precious moment.
Strength in the face of adversity.
Cherie is the embodiment of unwavering support. Hearing Trent recount the moment he returned home from service, he’s quick to acknowledge that it’s not always the case. “There were a few guys and girls that kind of came back and weren't still with their partners.” It’s a scene that highlights the unfortunate reality faced by many service members whose relationships falter under the strain of deployment.
It's hard. It takes a toll. You realise that it's no longer about yourself. A lot of it is about the person who was in Defence or is still in Defence.
After Trent’s return home,
Cherie then found herself becoming his carer. “The role of caregiver often overshadowed my own aspirations and desires,” Cherie admits. “A lot of my needs tend to get forgotten about because the focus is on him.” Yet, Cherie remained a steadfast pillar of support, facing these newfound challenges with understanding, compassion, and optimism for the future. A journey of personal growth. Since returning home, Trent was granted a scholarship through RSL Queensland.
And now, nearly a decade after their emotional airport reunion, Cherie found herself presented with a similar opportunity. “He got his scholarship first, then he heard there was a partner scholarship available. Trent encouraged me to pursue my dreams.” With the support of RSL Queensland through the RSL Scholarship Program and RSL Employment Program, Cherie was able to focus on her aspirations and embark on a career in nursing. Studying a mental health unit within the course also empowered her with new tools to care for Trent. “Some veterans can suffer from mental health challenges, so there was a lot of things that I learned that helped me with being able to look after Trent every day.” Looking after the things that matter. It’s hard to underestimate the importance of a strong support network and having people around you that genuinely care. For Cherie and Trent, their commitment to each other has never wavered, and the support and commitment they’ve received from RSL Queensland has had a positive impact on their lives and future. “RSL Queensland's doing an amazing job to support not only the veterans, but also the veterans' families. Scholarship and Employment programs like this, and all the other stuff they do, is invaluable.
I'd like to say to the VIP Club members of RSL Art Union, a huge thank you. The help that you provide means that people like me can go to university. (Without you) It wouldn't be possible for us to be able to achieve these great things.
Are you buying tickets, without the VIP benefits?
From $5 a ticket, you could become a VIP Club member and receive these added benefits, with the flexibility to pause or cancel at any time.
How your support changes lives
Our regular supporters are so important for RSL Queensland to provide much-needed help to veterans and families. The money raised helps deliver a range of impactful services and programs to help in real and meaningful ways. In 2023, 20% more veterans and families were supported by RSL Queensland’s services than the previous year, including:
Frequently asked questions
As a VIP Club member you'll enjoy a wide range of benefits including:
- Guaranteed entry into all Dream Home prize draws
- Automatic entry into quarterly $100,000 bonus cash draws
- Automatic entry into weekly $5,000 bonus cash draws
- Exclusive entry in the two VIP gold bullion VIP-only Heroes Draws worth millions
See the VIP Calendar for all draw dates.
Through your ongoing support as a VIP Club member, you'll also help RSL Queensland continue providing much-needed assistance to veterans and families and assist in funding programs for veterans throughout Australia. Find out more about joining the VIP Club!
Only VIP Club members can enter VIP-only draws. You can join the VIP Club online.
VIP Heroes Draws: You can increase your chances of winning the VIP-only Heroes Draw (conducted twice a year) by increasing your subscription ticket book value prior to the draw opening. Once the draw has opened additional tickets cannot be purchased.
(Please note, this will also increase your VIP Club subscription value for future draws unless you change it. You can update your VIP Club subscription value any time via your online account.)
Quarterly $100,000 & weekly $5,000 bonus cash draws: Additional tickets aren't available in these VIP only bonus cash draws. If you're a VIP Club member with a valid entry in a current Dream Home Art Union (new name of RSL Art Union) draw, you'll receive automatic entry into the corresponding bonus cash draws.
See the VIP Calendar for draw dates.
For more information, please see the Terms and Conditions or get in touch.
To start your VIP Club subscription and enjoy all the exclusive VIP benefits, simply:
- Sign up online
or
- Call our customer service team on 1300 775 888.
There are 12 draws a year including 10 prize home draws and 2 VIP-only Heroes Draws. Your payment will be debited on the open day of each draw. (For draw dates please see the VIP Calendar.)
Want to see what you could win? Check out the latest prize lineup!
As a VIP Club member you're free to change, pause or cancel your subscription at any time. You can also skip a draw if you like.
To adjust your ticket purchase amount, or skip/pause/cancel your VIP subscription simply log into your account.
Please note that if your subscription is paused, you won't be eligible for any VIP-only bonus draws.
Each VIP Heroes Draw gives VIP Club members the chance to win a share of millions (subject to State/Territory Licensing approval).
Only VIP Club members can enter this draw (held twice a year), offering great odds to win! Tickets in the VIP Heroes Draws are only $5 and VIPs are billed at their regular ticket book value on the open day of each draw.
VIP Club members with a valid entry in the current prize home draw receive automatic entry into the weekly $5K Pay Day Draws.
The $5K Pay Day Draw is drawn every Thursday at 10am (AEST).
For future draw dates, check out the VIP Calendar.
VIP Club members with a valid entry in the current prize home draw receive automatic entry into the quarterly $100K Quarterly Cash Draws.
The $100K Quarterly Cash Draws are drawn on the nominated day at 10am (AEST) each quarter.
For future draw dates, check out the VIP Calendar.
In the first instance the winner will be notified by phone. If the winner does not have a valid phone number on file, we will reach out via email or mail.