MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Honouring Our Veterans, One Story at a Time

Welcome to the Camberwell Pompey Elliott RSL’s Member Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on the remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation. Through their stories, we celebrate the courage, commitment, and camaraderie that define our RSL community. Join us as we delve into the lives of our members, honouring their contributions and preserving their legacies for generations to come.

 

INTRODUCING ELISABETH QUINN

One of our newest members, Elisabeth Quinn has over 20 years’ experience in the Royal Australian Navy. She’s passionate about women’s sport, mentorship, and adventure – like hiking the Great Ocean Walk in Crocs! A sci-fi fan and dedicated leader, she’s already making waves at our RSL.

 

How long have you been a member of our Club? 

I first came along in June but joined in August of this year (2024).

 

What motivated you to join the RSL? 

I’ve long had great respect for the role the RSL has played in assisting veterans and their families reintegrate into the community after a deployment, when their time in service has ended, or assisting the family when a service member has passed. As my time in full-time service in the navy draws to a close, I’m eager to explore ways I can continue to serve. My relationship with the Christie family is what brought me specifically to the Camberwell RSL.

 

What’s your favourite part of being a member of the RSL?

The people you meet along the way! Of course, we go to some very interesting places and do so many exciting things, but it’s always the people you serve alongside.

 

Tell us about your experience of serving in the military.

I’ve been fortunate to have had an overwhelmingly great experience in the navy. I’ve been [to] places I never thought I would go, had experiences most people never get to have and made friendships that will last a lifetime.

 

What do you love most about your work/industry?

I work a lot in women’s sport and I love how the lessons I’ve been able to learn in my military career are helping enable girls and women achieve great things in sport and business.

What advice would you give someone who wants to enter your field or follow in your footsteps?

Do it! Take the leap and follow your ambitions. There are always people around who will help you and you’ll have amazing experiences along the way. But you need to be up for a challenge and be willing to embrace the struggle!

How do you define success?

If what you do positively impacts the people around you and makes them better you’re successful.

If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why?

I am blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful and successful people (see definition above) who I actively engage for mentoring, but if there’s one person I could seek out to have a chat to, it would be Kon Karapanagiotidis, the CEO and founder of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. His advice for the rights of people seeking asylum, refugees and Indigenous Australians is incredibly inspiring.

What’s one thing you learned in the last month?

That crocs are actually great hiking shoes!

Who are your family members?

My own family consists of my partner Laura and her daughter Lucy (15). My parents, Harry and Andrea, live in Tumut NSW and I’m the youngest of six kids who are spread out around Australia and the USA.

 

What’s something about you that few people know?

I love space-based sci-fi movies. The more far-fetched the better!

 

Tell us about the last book you read.

I just finished a novel called Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll. Brilliant, devastating, compelling… and not for everyone!

 

What are your favourite hobbies?

Reading books, hiking, and pottering around the house.

 

What’s one item you can’t live without?

Sadly, it’s my phone.

 

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Roast lamb and veg.

 

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?

I’m about to step off on the Great Ocean Walk, which has been a bucket list trip for me for a while!