TIPPED as favourite to be the next South Eastern District President of the Returned and Services League of Australia, Doug Egan is already shaping as one of the key figures in the future of the RSL, serving currently as Senior Vice President of the District.
A former Royal Australian Air Force Airfield Defence Guard, Mr Egan confirmed he will contest two major leadership roles this year. He will stand for South Eastern District President at the upcoming SED AGM, while also throwing his hat in the ring for State Deputy President of RSL Queensland, a position he previously contested three years ago.
While others have talked up his chances, he remains measured.
“I’ve had people tap me on the shoulder to go again,” he said. “It’s always good when people have that confidence in you.”
Mr Egan brings with him hands-on experience at every level of the organisation.
He served five years as the founding President of the Greater Springfield sub-branch, helping transform it from the former Springfield Light Tower Association – into a modern, growing place for veterans.
Reflecting on the sub-branch’s recent success, including a surge in membership and innovative events like the march at Brighton Homes Arena under President Glenn West, he said it was rewarding to see fresh leadership thrive.
“It’s a really good feeling,” he said.
“After five years of building it up, seeing new people come in with new ideas – that’s exactly what we need.”
Mr Egan is a strong advocate for leadership renewal within the RSL.
“I don’t want to be President for nine or 12 years,” he said. “Ideas can get stale. You need that new flush of energy to keep things moving.”
The Greater Springfield sub-branch is now one of the youngest in the district, with an average age of 42, a strong contingent of actively serving members, and a growing number of younger veterans joining its ranks – a sign, Mr Egan said, of where the league must head.
“Getting younger people involved is critical,” he said.
“We have to respect our traditions, but we also need to be proactive about the future.”
