IPSWICH local and Army veteran Dave Earl is serving up coffee with a side of connection and camaraderie via a mobile and accessible morning tea service for those in need within the local community.
With the support of Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch, DrugARM, and the Salvation Army, Mr Earl has fitted out a vehicle with a small kitchenette that supplies coffee and morning tea twice a week to veterans and the local community.
“The vehicle is set up with hot and cold-water urns, an Esky, and coffee-making facilities that all slide out the back of the car and hang over the tailgate,” Mr Earl said.
Every Monday morning since March, the veteran travels in his special vehicle to Coles Springfield to collect donated food on behalf of the Salvation Army, then drives to the park across the road from Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch to offer morning tea for veterans and those in need.
“It’s a great, non-committal opportunity for veterans or the homeless community to have a coffee and a chat in the park,” he said.
Mr Earl said this endeavour wouldn’t be possible without the support he receives from RSL Moreton District and Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch.
Previously a member of Boonah RSL Sub Branch, last year he joined Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch as it was closer to home.
“The icing on the cake for me was the fact that Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch looks after its members and the veteran community, even if they aren’t members,” he said. “For me, that’s what a sub branch should be doing.”
On Fridays, he also hosts morning tea for veterans, and every third Friday of the month he holds a hot lunch in the local youth hall for those in need.
“Numbers are slowly growing at the lunch with not only veterans, but also first responders and prison workers coming along to enjoy a hot meal and a yarn. It’s pretty rewarding to watch everyone come together over lunch.”
