How you help Sandie the Navy Cook

Forging the way for females in the Navy

Updated 11 Feb 2024 (first published Feb 2024)

Meet Sandie Beaumont, who is our dedicated hero for VIP Heroes Draw 18. As a cook in the Royal Australian Navy, Sandie Beaumont travelled the world and forged life-long friendships while proudly serving her country. Sandie’s connection to Defence first started in 1989 when she joined the Navy, and during her time in service she was one of the first 20 females on board the HMAS Success, and the only female cook.

While at times it was tough being the only female in the galley, Sandie embraced the challenge while enjoying the camaraderie that the Navy provided. In 1992 Sandie participated in the RIMPAC exercises along with five other nations. “We got to visit Hawaii, San Diego, and even a trip down to Mexico. One time when we were ashore there was a statue built by the Royal Australian Navy back in 78’ and we got to repaint it, just the little things like that were really great,” Sandie recalls fondly.

After finishing up her time in the Navy in 1995, Sandie struggled transitioning into civilian life.

I did find it a bit hard, having the camaraderie of all those people around you supporting you like brothers and sisters. To suddenly being on your own without that stability.

Adjusting to a completely different life

Sandie had hit a low point and eventually returned home to Brisbane to live with her mum and dad. An old friend from the Navy recognised the struggles Sandie had been dealing with, and suggested she join Mates4Mates.

An initiative of RSL Queensland, Mates4Mates provides a way forward for current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel, and their families, impacted by service. Over 11,000 veterans and their families to date have benefited from the physical rehabilitation and mental health services, skills and wellbeing programs, and social connection activities that Mates4Mates provides.

Before reaching out to Mates4Mates I was a bit lost, I was unable to work at the time and didn’t really know what direction to go.

Turning things around for the better

After doing a bit of initial research, Sandie made an appointment at one of their centres. “It’s the best thing that I did,” she says smiling.

During her first appointment with Mates4Mates, Sandie was introduced to Stacey, who asked her what type of services she wanted to use. “I told Stacey I was looking for a social connection because, I was feeling a bit isolated.” Since joining Mates4Mates, Sandie has participated in a range of social activities such as Ambrose Golf Days, a Story Bridge climb, painting classes, and regular coffee catch ups just to name a few. In addition to this, Sandie has utilised exercise physiology services offered by Mates4Mates and still joins in weekly yoga classes.

The exercise physiology helped with my mental health, and a few issues and injuries that I had. The yoga was actually fantastic.

Sandie feels like she has come full circle since joining Mates4Mates, after losing the camaraderie when she left the Navy. Now she has so much support around her, not just from her family and friends, but also the new friends she’s made through Mates4Mates. “I feel like I’m more confident. It’s helped me get that connection back, that sense of belonging.”

“I’d like to say to the supporters of the RSL Art Union a very big thank you. I even thank the people who sell the tickets at the supermarkets,” Sandie says smiling again.

Thank you very much, because some of the programs offered by RSL Queensland have really helped me. Like the Veteran Homelessness program and now Mates4Mates. If it wasn’t for that, I don’t know where I’d be.

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.

Dream Home Art Union VIP Club $100K Quarterly Cash Draw
Dream Home Art Union VIP Club Weekly $5K Pay Day Draw
Dream Home Art Union VIP Club Entry into every Prize Home Lottery Draw
Dream Home Art Union VIP Club Exclusive Draws Worth Millions

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:

8411 veterans and families supported by RSL Queensland's services
6712 claims and appeals submitted to the Department of Veterans' Affairs
285 jobs found for veterans and their partners
202 veterans and families housed in safe, permanent accommodation

Frequently asked questions

How your support helps
What does my contribution to Dream Home Art Union go towards? 

Funds raised through Dream Home Art Union (the new name of RSL Art Union) allows RSL Queensland to provide practical support, assistance, advice and camaraderie to current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families across Queensland and nationally.

RSL Queensland’s mission is to provide care, commemoration and camaraderie to enable veterans and families to live with dignity and respect.

For example, in 2023, RSL Queensland supported 8,411 veterans and their families with their services, found jobs for 285 veterans and their partners, and helped 202 individuals into safe, permanent housing.

You can read about our services and stories at dreamhomeartunion.com.au/about/impact.

How can I get assistance from RSL Queensland?

Life always has its ups and downs. But as a veteran, or the partner of a veteran, you don’t have to face them on your own.

Whether you're looking for employment, scholarships, wellness programs, or assistance with DVA claims, RSL Queensland has free programs, and people at the ready, to help you achieve your life goals.

To learn more and get assistance, visit www.rslqld.org or call 134 RSL.

Our Prizes
How many prize homes do you draw each year? 

Every year we bring you 10 multi-million dollar prize home properties, some with added gold bullion or even luxury cars. Get a sneak peak at future prizes with up to 5 games available for purchase or pre-order at any time. See the VIP Calendar for more on prize draw dates.

What are the VIP Heroes Draws?

In addition to our 10 prize home draws each year, VIP Club members have exclusive entry in two VIP-only Heroes Draws worth millions in gold bullion (subject to State/Territory Licensing approval). In other words, you must be a VIP Club member to be able to purchase these tickets. See the VIP Calendar for more on prize draw dates. Or find out about how you can become a VIP here from $5 a ticket.

How do pre-order tickets work?

Get in early and reserve your tickets before a game officially opens through pre-order. Simply add the tickets to your cart now and we won’t deduct any funds until the draw’s nominated open day. See the VIP Calendar for more on prize draw dates.

What is the Bonus Gold prize?

If you purchase a ticket book worth $10 or more in one of our 8 prize home draws, or a ticket book worth $30 or more in one of our 2 Golden Treasure prize home draws, you're eligible to win a Bonus Gold prize!

Ranging between $10,000 and $100,000 in gold bullion, the Bonus Gold prize is awarded to the first prize winner and determined by the value of their ticket book purchase.

For more information, please see the Terms and Conditions.

What happens if I win gold bullion?

You have the option of taking possession of the gold bullion or selling the gold bullion to claim its value in cash.

Please note that selling costs and market variations apply when selling gold bullion.

How do I find out if I'm a winner?

After each draw, we attempt to contact the winner by phone as the priority. The winning ticket number will also be posted on our Winners page, Facebook and Instagram shortly after the draw.

See our latest winner stories.

When will the details of each draw be released to the public?

Full details of our current, and some of our upcoming draws are available online – see Prizes.

For the latest draw updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

If you're signed up for our emails, we'll email you on the open day of each draw, giving you all the draw details and the chance to order tickets.

See the VIP Calendar for draw dates.

Do I have to pay tax on the first prize if I win?

The transfer of all our lottery prizes to prize winners is not taxable for the prize winner. There may be tax consequences for the prize winner for the ongoing use or sale of the prize. More detailed information can be found via the Australian Taxation Office.

Please note RSL Queensland is not able to provide financial or taxation advice. We advise all our prize winners to seek professional financial and tax advice to fully understand any implications.

Where are the draws held?

Dream Home Art Union (the new name of RSL Art Union) draws are held at ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 or as specified in the Terms and Conditions for each draw. Draw results will be published online, on Facebook and Instagram.

Are all of your prize homes new?

The majority of Dream Home Art Union (the new name of RSL Art Union) prize homes are built brand new, while some are existing homes, expertly renovated. In both instances, RSL Queensland works closely with our accredited partners in the building industry to ensure the highest quality of standards is maintained.

Are your prize homes open for viewing?

Due to the often residential location and popularity of our prize homes, Dream Home Art Union (the new name of RSL Art Union) has not been permitted by regional councils to conduct open homes because of the disruption to the local community.

Our prize homes might be closed to public viewing, but you can explore them in just as much detail online, any time you like! Visit our Prize page to access draw brochures, photos, videos, floor plans and virtual tours. All addresses are listed on our prize pages, so why not take a drive past and explore the neighbourhood. Dream Home Art Union (the new name of RSL Art Union) will continue to assess opportunities to re-open prize homes to the public into the future.

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