A lot will be said about the 91st RSL Queensland Annual State Congress held in Roma this past weekend but one of the outstanding results was the election of a new State President in Mr. Doug Formby. Other elections for Executive positions also took place. Appearing below is the text of the Media Release regarding these elections. You may also read the actually media release document.

Text of Media Release - June 18, 2006

Mr Doug Formby has been elected State President of the Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) at the 91st State Congress in Roma this weekend (17-18 June). Speaking after the election, Mr Formby said he was looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead for the League in Queensland. "We need to focus the RSL back onto welfare," Mr Formby said. "Welfare is not necessarily about money. It's about face to face care and compassion for our members, and particularly those in rural and remote areas."

Mr Formby also vowed to keep the League relevant and to ensure that the RSL remains a strong and united voice for the ex-service and serving community. Mr Formby has over 40 years of experience in the Army, public service and private enterprises. He served in the Army from 1958-1989 and has served as the Executive Director for QLD Corrective Services Commission, and as General Manager of the RSPCA (QLD).

Mr Formby's endorsement will usher in a new era for the RSL (QLD Branch) as the League undertakes a "Fresh Start" program, a new reform agenda designed to bring administrative and structural changes to benefit the RSL in Queensland. Elections were also held for other Executive positions. Mr Kel Ryan was elected Deputy State President, while Paul Gilmour-Walsh and Ray Townsend OAM, were elected State Vice Presidents.

The State Congress is the forum at which RSL delegates representing Districts and Sub Branches throughout Queensland, can debate motions relating to RSL policy, veterans' affairs and issues relating to the Australian Defence Force. The Congress in Roma, the largest State Congress in the history of the League with over 400 attendees, concludes on Sunday 18 June.