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PETER TSAKISSIRIS
PRESIDENT Peter Tsakissiris is a Chairman on the QRL Judiciary and a former RAAF serviceman whose career encompasses education, law and dedicated service to the veteran community. After completing an electrical apprenticeship, Peter served in the RAAF from 1970 to 1976 before joining TAFE Queensland as a trade teacher. Committed to lifelong learning, Peter completed a Diploma of Teaching (TAFE), a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Laws, later practising part-time as a Barrister-at-Law in Queensland. Peter joined the RSL in 2021 and currently serves as President of the Maroochy RSL. Peter became a director to contribute his experience and leadership to improving the lives of veterans and their families.
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MICHAEL HOWE
DEPUTY PRESIDENT Michael Howe served in the Australian Army’s 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment from 1962 to 1968, including deployment to Vietnam in 1965 with the first Australian troops. He joined the NSW Police Force in 1969 and completed a distinguished 37-year career, receiving the Australian Police Medal. His senior policing roles included Commander of several specialist investigative units and leadership of Task Force Bellaire. Michael holds multiple professional and academic qualifications and has been an active RSL and veterans’ advocate for decades. He has held community leadership positions, brings extensive knowledge of venue operations and gaming, and remains committed to supporting veterans and strengthening organisational direction.
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LARRAINE HOULIHAN
TREASURER Larraine Houlihan served with the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps from 1968 to 1971 as an Operator Keyboard and Cipher. With more than 35 years of RSL involvement, she holds extensive academic qualifications including a Bachelor and Master of Criminology and accreditation as a civil and criminal law Mediator. Her career spans youth justice, dispute resolution, and senior advisory work with Queensland Corrective Services, where she received the Queensland Government Australia Day Award for service to victims of crime. Larraine is President of the Sunshine Coast Ex-Service and Serving Women’s Association and serves as a Board Member and Treasurer of Maroochy RSL.
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MICHAEL GAY
DIRECTOR Michael Gay, a long-serving RSL member of 31 years, began his career as a carpenter before joining the Army in 1969. After training at Kapooka and Ingleburn, he served in Vietnam as a Rifleman, Signaller and Machine Gunner before taking discharge in 1972. Michael re-enlisted in 1977 serving across several units including the 2/4th RAR; the School of Infantry and was selected and served in the Defence Force’s first Anti-Terrorism Unit before taking discharge in 1994. Now residing in Maroochydore, he serves on the Maroochy RSL Board, motivated by his commitment to supporting fellow veterans and their families.
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IAN ATKINSON
DIRECTOR Ian Atkinson joined the Australian Army in 1962, serving in the ARA and Reserves, including active service in the Republic of South Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. After discharging in 1979, he pursued a distinguished career with the Civil Aviation Authority as an Airport Fire Officer. Ian has contributed extensively to the veteran community, including leading the establishment of the National War Dog Memorial at Alexandra Headland. A life member of the Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving Club and active member of the Vietnam Veterans Association, he is also a dedicated yachtsman with decades of racing and cruising experience.
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PETER MCANDREW
DIRECTOR Peter McAndrew, joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1972, serving as an Electronics Technician until 1993. He later held senior technical and training roles with Telstra, London Underground, and Queensland Rail. A member of the RSL since 2012, he has been part of Maroochy RSL for 13 years and contributes as a Wellbeing Advocate, as well as Radio Maintenance Officer for the Coast Guard Mooloolaba. Holding an Associate Diploma of Engineering (Electronic and Communications), he became a director to bring active volunteer insight to the Board. In his personal time, he enjoys golf and clay target shooting.