RSL Queensland will raise vital funds for the veteran community, while also helping the environment, through a unique partnership with the Australian Rainforest Foundation.
This partnership will see the creation of the RSL Rainforest in the George Mansford Rainforest Reserve at Cape Tribulation, north of Cairns.
The reserve is part of 200 acres of rare tropical rainforest bought by the Australian Rainforest Foundation in 2007.
About 40 percent of the land had previously been cleared for farming and RSL Queensland has pledged its support to protect, extend and recover an initial hectare of what was once unique Australian rainforest.
Every tree bought for the RSL Rainforest will result in a financial contribution back to the RSL in support of its vital pensions and welfare work for ex-serving and current Australian Defence Force personnel.
RSL members will benefit from this partnership by not only being part of a socially responsible organisation, but also from the welfare and advocacy work undertaken thanks to the funds raised.
A 500m Salute to Service Walk alongside a creek that flows through the RSL Rainforest allows for special memorial trees to be planted in honour of current and ex-service Australian Defence Force members.
These trees are GPS marked for easy location by the purchaser so they can monitor the growth of their ‘living memorial’ and include an inscribed plaque of dedication.
Jodie Buswell and her three sons recently planted a tree in the RSL Rainforest in memory of their late husband and father, Lance Corporal Timothy Buswell, formerly of 1 RAR Townsville.
“This symbolises something where some good will come from Tim’s death, with money raised through the purchase of the trees going back to the RSL to help our veterans,” she said.
The trees and gifts available for purchase are as follows:-
Memory Trees - $98
Give a memory tree for any occasion. ARF choose right tree for the site, one of over 100 different species which ARF plant, tag and GPS so you can locate your tree and visit it virtually through the Foundation’s website.
Salute to Service Tree -$150
ARF will plant your Memory Tree in the Salute to Service walk within the rejuvenating rainforest and place a plaque in the memorial walk with the name and number of the serviceperson.
Memorial Tree - $750
ARF receive ashes on your behalf and plant a Memory Tree with them in a special part of the rainforest that is not only virtually accessible but can be visited by the family and friends of the departed. A small plaque in the memorial walk will indicate the tree’s location.
Rainforest Angel-$490
Our funeral directors can receive your relative’s ashes and scatter them in the Forest of Life, to become a part of this new rainforest.
Partner Tree -$1000
You can reserve a space for two family members’ Memorial Tree and we will plant them now or on request.
Family Trees - $2000
Reserve up to five Memorial Trees for the family so that they may all be in the same place in the Forest and we will plant them now or on your request.
Living Memory Tree
Plant your Memorial Tree or trees now and watch them grow while you are still alive, knowing that at the appropriate time that a tree can take your ashes.
To buy a tree for the RSL Rainforest and view the other Forest of Life gift products click here.