After WW2, the Sub Branch initiated weekly visits to the local hospital to provide some creature comforts to the returned servicemen and women in hospital.

At that time, it was OK to give cigarettes and the occasional bottle of beer!

As the years progressed the Sub Branch decided to donate a banana to everyone in hospital, as well as the aged care units in the town area. This is very much appreciated by the residents, some of whom are pleasantly surprised that the Sub Branch should continue this gesture.

Ted Taylor, Maurie Connell and Les (Pud) Lee have been among a group of ex-servicemen to undertake the weekly delivery. Over many years, these WWII diggers have undertaken this with compassion, good humour and friendship. Often the refrain is heard “it must be Thursday, the Banana Boys are here”. It is now time for these gentlemen to retire and pass on their bananas to some younger willing ex-servicemen to carry on the tradition.

Ted, Maurice and Pud fought for Australia in WW2 and carried on the tradition of service to their community in many ways over the years – one small but significant example is the weekly “Banana Run”. The Sub Branch is proud to have Ted, Maurice and Pud as active members

and salutes their service to the Bellingen Community.