Passing the Tongs: Men's Shed continues the legacy of "Lt. Benson"

By Rodney Hansen – Burpengary and District Men's Shed 

A well-known community barbecue trailer that has served Southeast Queensland for almost two decades has found a new home, ensuring its story and purpose will continue for many years to come. 

The Burpengary and District Men's Shed has recently purchased the fundraising barbecue trailer formerly operated by the Bribie Island Vietnam Veterans Association. Built about 20 years ago by Vietnam veterans Rob Moseley, Warren Johnson and colleagues, the trailer became affectionately known as "Lt. Benson" or simply "Benson". 

While the origins of the name remain something of a mystery, its significance has never been questioned. To the veterans who built and operated the trailer, Benson represented far more than a name painted on steel. He symbolised a generation of ordinary Australians who answered their nation's call, served with distinction and then quietly returned home to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities. 

Over the years, Benson became a familiar sight at community events, fundraising activities, commemorations and local gatherings. Every sausage cooked and every dollar raised helped support veterans, local causes and community projects throughout the region. 

The story of Benson began when Rob Moseley and Warren Johnson turned their skills and determination to a new mission. Long after their military service had ended, they worked together to create a practical fundraising tool that embodied the values many Vietnam veterans carried throughout their lives: mateship, service, resilience and remembrance. 

For veterans living around Bribie Island and Southeast Queensland, projects such as Benson demonstrated that service to others does not end when the uniform comes off. Instead, it continues through volunteering, mentoring, fundraising and supporting local communities. 

Today, the trailer enters a new chapter. 

The Burpengary and District Men's Shed is proud to become the next custodian of Benson's legacy. The trailer will undergo a modest refurbishment to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for purpose, while retaining the character and history established by its veteran creators. 

The Men's Shed movement and the veteran community share many of the same values. Both organisations understand the importance of connection, purpose and supporting one another. Both provide opportunities for men to come together, share skills, combat isolation and contribute positively to their communities. 

That shared commitment to men's health and wellbeing makes the transfer of Benson especially meaningful. It represents a passing of the torch between two organisations that believe in the power of mateship and community service. 

Whether Benson was named after a specific individual or chosen to represent a broader generation of servicemen, the trailer continues to honour those who served before us. It reminds us that behind every name on a memorial plaque is a real person: a son, a husband, a father, a mate, a farmer, a fisherman, a soldier and a valued member of the community. 

As Benson begins appearing at fundraising and community events across the City of Moreton Bay under the care of the Burpengary and District Men's Shed, we are proud to continue the work started by Rob Moseley, Warren Johnson and colleagues. 

The trailer may be changing hands, but its purpose remains the same - bringing people together, supporting worthy causes and preserving the spirit of service and mateship that has defined Benson for almost two decades. 

In that sense, Benson is more than a barbecue trailer. It is a reminder that service to community never truly ends; it is simply passed from one set of hands to another.