Reveille - December 2024

R E S P E C T I N G , S U P P O R T I N G A N D R E M E M B E R I N G O U R V E T E R A N S A N D T H E I R FA M I L I E S

VO L 1 1 0 , D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4

By collaborating with schools, Defence bases and community groups, RSL sub-Branches in NSW are setting a

GOLD STANDARD

C O M M EM O R AT IO N

ADVOCATING FOR VETERANS’ WELLBEING

SUB-BRANCHES MARK REMEMBRANCE DAY

HIGHLIGHTS FROM STATE CONGRESS

T H E

P R I C E

01_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Cover.indd 1

O F

L I B E R T Y

I S

E T E R N A L

V I G I L A N C E

25/11/2024 2:43 PM

From strength to strength City2Surf is inspiring members to get active and forge meaningful social connections.

Our City2Surf team is organised as part of the RSL NSW Sport & Recreation Program, and sees hundreds of enthusiastic veterans and their families take part. This year, participants represented more than 60 RSL sub-Branches.

Members can take up the challenge when registrations for the RSL NSW City2Surf 2025 team open in the new year.

328

people joined the RSL NSW City2Surf team in 2024 This event is made possible due to generous donations from RSL sub-Branches to the RSL NSW Veteran Support Fund.

“My husband, my two daughters and I all went along to City2Surf and had a really great day.”

— Alexandra Torrens

02-03_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Contents.indd 2

Registrations open early 2025 Subscribe to the Reveille newsletter to stay in the loop.

25/11/2024 2:45 PM

Contents

3

THIS MONTH 20

42

06 FEATURES

10

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Why Kehani McMillan took the plunge and signed up as an office bearer at the Woodenbong RSL sub-Branch.

12

16 20

WELLBEING How multiple regional sub-Branches collaborated with health and wellbeing services to support a veteran in need.

STELLAR SUB-BRANCHES From Wagga Wagga to Norfolk Island, these sub-Branches are building the future of RSL NSW from a grassroots level.

16

28

COMMEMORATION Remembrance Day services attracted enthusiastic crowds in communities across NSW.

ADVOCACY Exploring the response of RSL NSW to the Royal Commission’s recommendations, and other key policy areas.

33 NEWS

REGULARS

06

04

RSL NSW NEWS Outcomes from the State Congress & AGM, free legal services for veterans, 25 years since the conflict in East Timor, and more.

33

SUB-BRANCH NEWS Events and stories from sub-Branches and their members across the state.

WELCOME President Mick Bainbridge and CEO Giles Hurst on Remembrance Day, VSF funding and more.

38

LAST POST

42

SNAPSHOT The Anzac Memorial’s 90th anniversary.

rslnsw.org.au

02-03_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Contents.indd 3

26/11/2024 1:59 PM

4

Welcome

MICK BAINBRIDGE PRESIDENT, RSL NSW “Near or far, our family and friends are often the best of us, and occasions such as Remembrance Day are a poignant reminder of this.”

T

his year’s Remembrance Day was particularly special for me.

As I did last November, not one month into my role as President, I had the privilege of reciting ‘The Ode’ at the dawn service, when poppies were projected onto the Sydney Opera House. Later that morning, grey skies didn’t prevent an impressive turnout at the Martin Place Cenotaph for the main commemoration service, when I again recited ‘The Ode’, and reflected on the service and sacrifice of veterans of all ages.

I was also heartened to catch up with some of the mates I served alongside back in the Army. Dave and Ryan were among those with whom I forged long-standing bonds of camaraderie throughout my time in Defence. It’s heartening to maintain those connections in civilian life.

assistance from a handful of different RSL sub-Branches.

When it came down to it, members stepped up to deliver, connecting the veteran with a range of support and services. They may not have known the veteran in need personally, but they helped regardless.

Such is the spirit of mateship in the face of hardship.

This being the year’s final issue of Reveille, I’d like to encourage everyone to check in with their mates and family members across the holiday season. After all, everyone has their own struggles and their own successes.

Near or far, our family and friends are often the best of us, and occasions such as Remembrance Day are a poignant reminder of this.

Often, those links are lifesaving. A story recounted later in this issue tells of how a veteran experiencing homelessness in the town of Young was the beneficiary of

rslnsw.org.au

04-05_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Welcome.indd 4

25/11/2024 2:47 PM

5

THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH) ANZAC House Suite 11.02 Level 11, 175 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW 2000

GILES HURST CEO, RSL NSW

Phone (02) 9264 8188 Email support@rslnsw.org.au Web www.rslnsw.org.au President Mick Bainbridge Chief Executive Officer Giles Hurst

T

he RSL NSW State Congress & AGM, held in late October, gave me the chance to witness what comes from collaboration and discussion with members.

Members always come prepared with their priorities to share in a larger forum. This is the nature of a member-based organisation, and RSL NSW is committed to hearing the concerns of its members while also supporting those in the wider veteran community.

The experiences of female veterans and incarcerated veterans, for example, are easily overlooked but vital to remember – especially so following the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report. You can read later in this issue about how

State Secretary Jeff O’Brien

RSL NSW is advocating in the strongest possible terms for these and other groups.

Lastly, a reminder for all subBranches to consider contributing to veterans’ wellbeing initiatives via the RSL NSW Veteran Support Fund. The current round of donations closes on 30 June 2025.

Members should liaise first with their RSL sub-Branch to identify the initiative to support. And if you represent a charitable organisation, contact your RSL sub-Branch to find out what you need to provide to be nominated in the next round.

Publishing Director Jelena Li Managing Editor Hallie Donkin Editor Lachlan Haycock Creative Director Gareth Allsopp Senior Designer Nina Armitage Cover photography Getty Images

PEFC Certified Paper from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources PEFC/21-31-119

pefcaustralia.org.au

Reveille is published by the New South Wales Branch of the RSL in association with Mahlab. Everything in this magazine is copyright and may not be reproduced unless written permission is granted by RSL NSW prior to its publication date.

All rights reserved © copyright by RSL NSW. All contributions are welcome; please contact news@rslnsw.org.au.

All care will be taken with material but no responsibility is assumed or accepted by the publisher or RSL NSW for loss or damage. All opinions expressed in Reveille are not necessarily those of the publisher or RSL NSW.

rslnsw.org.au

04-05_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Welcome.indd 5

25/11/2024 2:47 PM

6

News

The three-day event focused on elevating the voice of members.

C O N G R E S S & AG M

VETERANS’ WELLBEING SUPPORT AND SERVICE DELIVERY UPDATE A number of announcements made at the RSL NSW State Congress & AGM 2024 will have a positive impact on key issues for the veteran community.

H

eld in Newcastle from 27–29 October, Congress highlighted how the organisation is providing a platform for veterans’ wellbeing, policy advocacy, the delivery of support and services, and other issues of importance for veterans and families.

Isaac Ohlin, General Manager of Policy and Services at RSL NSW, pointed to the “rousing success” of the expanded RSL NSW Wellbeing Support Officer (WSO) program, which connects veterans and families at local subBranches with the support and services they seek, wherever they are in the state.

“So far, RSL NSW has held 15 training sessions and trained more than 200 WSOs,” he said. “That’s a fantastic achievement. We’re also developing online refresher training.”

The expansion of the RSL NSW advocate network includes the development of an online platform to support volunteers.

“We’re developing an advocate forum that will be a networking tool able to be used by all advocates to get together, swap ideas, train and make sure that they’re connected.”

Delegates also received an update on the response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report.

Rising numbers Ohlin flagged how RSL subBranches have embraced the RSL NSW Sport & Recreation Program to organise inclusive community events. He indicated the impressive

growth of the program by explaining how both the number of sub-Branches and individual participants have increased since the pilot in 2022.

In a clear show of support for the program, a dozen different sub-Branches signed up during Congress. RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge remarked on how the program’s rapid growth “has never been more apparent than at this year’s City2Surf”.

“Two years ago, just eight members signed up for the fun run,” he said. “This year, RSL NSW had the event’s largest veteran and family member team, with 300 participants crossing the finish line.”

READ a full rundown of announcements and priority policy areas on the RSL NSW website.

rslnsw.org.au

06-09 _ReveilleV110_DEC24_News_v3_RS.indd 6

25/11/2024 2:49 PM

7

VETERAN SUPPORT FUND

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR VETERANS AND THEIR PARTNERS

V

eterans and their partners now have the opportunity to receive tertiary education scholarships via the RSL NSW Veteran Support Fund (VSF).

RSL sub-Branches have long supported scholarships for the children and grandchildren of veterans through the Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT). RSL NSW is now supporting six new scholarships via the VSF. RSL NSW Veteran and Partner Scholarships, which are offered by the Australian Catholic University, are funded by sub-Branch donations via the VSF. They will directly support three veterans who wish to pursue higher education at ACU by granting them access to an initial twoweek Veteran Transition Program before they start a full degree.

SCAN the QR code to learn about other ways RSL sub-Branch donations are assisting veterans and their families.

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

FEE-FREE LEGAL ADVICE FOR VETERANS

Legal Aid NSW provides fee-free legal advice, services and support to veterans.

Legal Aid NSW also offers the Veterans’ Advocacy Service to assist veterans with a range of legal issues, including entitlements with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Contact Legal Aid NSW for: Free advice about rights and entitlements Help with lodging claim forms and applications for review to the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB), Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and higher courts Representation at the VRB, the ART and higher courts

LEARN more about the services offered by Legal Aid NSW by scanning the QR code.

AVCAT scholarship recipient Danielle Peck, the daughter of a veteran, pictured in 2023.

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

“I OWE THEM MY LIFE” The staff at the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare (NCVH) have received a glowing testimonial from a recent client.

“The best thing about the NCVH’s service was the kindness and compassion with which the entire cohort treated me,” said Army veteran Tim Hibberd. He had begun his stay at the facility in an unpleasant place, and is now “bursting at the seams with joy”.

“I literally owe them my life.”

rslnsw.org.au

06-09 _ReveilleV110_DEC24_News_v3_RS.indd 7

25/11/2024 4:26 PM

8

News

BY THE NUMBERS

FURTHER BOOST FOR SPORT & RECREATION PROGRAM The RSL NSW Sport & Recreation Program is on track to have organised more than 1,500 events by the end of the year.

Participation in the program has increased significantly since the pilot year in 2022.

Year 2022 2023 RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge spoke at a ceremony at the Anzac Memorial.

Total activities organised

113 450

2024

1,370+

DID YOU KNOW? C O M M E M O R AT I O N

QUARTER-CENTURY ANNIVERSARY OF EAST TIMOR CONFLICT

Of the 145 activities organised as part of Veterans’ Health Week from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, 63 were delivered by RSL sub-Branches.

RSL NSW members marked the 25th anniversary of the deployment of the International Force East Timor on 20 September.

A

ceremony was held at the Hall of Memory at the Anzac Memorial in Sydney.

Australia’s military involvement in East Timor began in 1999, when the Timorese people overwhelmingly voted for independence from Indonesia. In response to the vote for independence, pro-Indonesian militia groups began attacking civilians.

At least 18,000 Australians served as part of the peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance force between 1999 and 2013, including six people who died during or after their service.

Approximately 1,400 civilians died and around 500,000 people were displaced from their homes.

The victorious lawn bowls team.

SPORT & RECREATION

NSW WINS BOWLS TROPHY

The RSL’s bowls team representing NSW travelled to Adelaide to compete in the 55th RSL National Lawn Bowls Carnival earlier this year. The team defeated all bar one of their opponents, winning them the trophy. RSL sub-Branch members are welcome to join.

rslnsw.org.au

06-09 _ReveilleV110_DEC24_News_v3_RS.indd 8

25/11/2024 4:22 PM

Power to the people The RSL NSW Veteran Support Fund is making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

Valuable contributions from RSL subBranches across NSW have enabled the Veteran Support Fund to:

Sponsor RSL LifeCare Veteran Services to support the delivery of wellbeing support, advocacy, employment and housing assistance, and physical and mental health services

Sponsor two assistance dogs through Integra Service Dogs Australia

Support eight veterans on a life-changing journey along the Kokoda Track with the Raising the Bar Foundation

64 Raise $164,000 to help the Vietnam Veterans, Peacekeepers & Peacemakers Association of Australia provide critical advocacy assistance to veterans That’s just a brief snapshot of what RSL sub-Branch donations have supported.

Contact your RSL sub-Branch to discuss how you can nominate an organisation, and learn more about the impact of the VSF by scanning the QR code.

06-09 _ReveilleV110_DEC24_News_v3_RS.indd 9

25/11/2024 2:49 PM

10 Member spotlight

COMING FULL CIRCLE What began as a gap year became a career-defining journey for former Navy marine technician Kehani McMillan, now Woodenbong RSL sub-Branch Treasurer and Secretary.

As told to Girard Dorney

rslnsw.org.au

10-11_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Member-Spotlight_v2.indd 10

25/11/2024 2:51 PM

11

I

grew up in the small town of Woodenbong, where there are local families that have been here for generations.

Every ANZAC Day, we present a slideshow of all the veterans from the area. You could be the toughest person in the world, and I guarantee it would bring a tear to your eye.

I never dreamed of joining Defence; I’d always wanted to be a primary school teacher.

But, before signing up for more study, I decided to do an ADF Gap Year. After training, I joined a crew clearing Japanese mines left over from World War II. In a way, I dealt with the explosives intended for the soldiers I grew up seeing in that slideshow.

At the end of my gap year, I decided to remain in the Navy and become a marine technician.

If Defence is male-dominated, the marine technician part of the Navy is especially so.

There were a couple of women who were relentlessly perved on.

I never got any of that because I set boundaries from day one, so they knew it wasn’t on. It’s a bit sad that you have to adapt like that to a workplace.

Kehani McMillan’s Navy days.

Kehani McMillan aimed to serve up to 10 years.

My goal was to serve six to 10 years, but after four I badly injured my knee. A couple of months later, I was medically discharged. I definitely had regrets. I felt like a failure; I hadn’t completed what I’d set out to do.

My husband and I started a family, having a girl and a boy.

I now work in an office role for a diesel mechanic business we set up together.

I’m responsible for both the administrative and financial paperwork. Having to navigate the sub-Branch’s administration has been daunting, but I know a fellow sub-Branch office bearer in Sydney, and he’s been unreal.

Anytime I’ve had a question, he’s been all over it.

My kids have grown up in the same culture I did. Now, every ANZAC Day, my children see their mother in the slideshow.

Connections to the past I joined the Woodenbong RSL sub-Branch in 2018. Being part of the community provided by a sub-Branch is a comfort; you can say something simple and veterans will get it straight away.

Last year at the sub-Branch Christmas party, the President asked if I’d become Treasurer and Secretary. I jumped at the opportunity. It was a chance to give something back to a community that’s been around since I was a child. I was nervous to take on the role, and it’s a lot of work, but it’s been worth it.

“I was nervous to take on the role, and it’s a lot of work, but it’s been worth it.”

— Kehani McMillan

KEY DUTIES The Secretary is responsible for the administration of a sub-Branch, and the Treasurer for the financial management. Among a host of other duties, it’s my job to properly keep all books of accounting documents and organise the conduct of meetings.

Because we’re a small community, we focus most of our efforts on ANZAC Day. Many Air Force members come down from Amberley in Queensland to march with us. They always say it’s an amazing experience, which is why they keep coming back.

rslnsw.org.au

10-11_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Member-Spotlight_v2.indd 11

25/11/2024 2:51 PM

12 Wellbeing

ALL FOR ONE After a veteran hit rock bottom, a collaboration between RSL sub-Branches and other organisations brought him back up.

Story Girard Dorney

rslnsw.org.au

12-15_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Wellbeing-feature.indd 12

25/11/2024 2:52 PM

13

R

iley, a veteran, was lying under a bridge in the town of Young.

He was in the middle of an acute mental health crisis exacerbated by discomfort in his amputated leg and pain from his neck, back and shoulder injuries.

A lot of the pain was from injuries sustained years ago, the same injuries that resulted in his medical discharge from Defence after nearly 10 years of service.

Thanks to treatment he had achieved stability over the years, but his life had spiralled and his medication was gone.

It was at this moment that the series of unfortunate happenings that had left Riley experiencing homelessness for three nights was finally interrupted by a stroke of luck. One of the town’s police officers who saw him at the station was a veteran. She heard Riley speak about his service.

The officer contacted the Boorowa RSL sub-Branch, about a thirty-minute drive away. Could they help? They provided initial assistance with three nights’ accommodation in a motel, but later called the Cootamundra RSL sub-Branch, which had a dedicated drop-in centre.

Jacqui Vincent OAM, Secretary, Treasurer and Trustee of Cootamundra RSL sub-Branch, answered the phone.

“You have to know you’re not alone, when to reach out and where your boundaries are.”

— Bronte Pollard, RSL NSW Liaison Officer at National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare A support network grows “It was the first time we have had to assist a veteran experiencing homelessness,” says Vincent.

“It was quite daunting.”

After a 90-minute drive, Riley arrived. Vincent and Cootamundra sub-Branch President Danny Whitehead were volunteering at the drop-in centre. Times like this were why they were RSL NSW Wellbeing Support Officers (WSOs).

Riley had lost much of his documentation, but a search

by Cootamundra’s accredited advocate, Gerry O’Brien, revealed Riley was a gold card holder.

Another week in a motel was paid for, but, looking for something more permanent, Vincent reached out to Bronte Pollard, RSL NSW Liaison Officer at the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare (NCVH), who had facilitated her WSO training.

“We realised his situation was too acute even for our specialist services,” explains Pollard. “Our clinical operations manager and a consulting psychiatrist gave advice. Riley needed an in-patient admission to a local health care facility to stabilise his medication.”

Riley would stay the next six weeks at the mental health unit at Wagga Wagga. “I visited Riley about once a week and took him on some escorted outings from the facility to the bank and the like, so he could begin to get on top of his affairs,” says Vincent.

Once stabilised, he needed a home. Unfortunately, the cost-ofliving crisis made that a battle.

“They would not let him out of that facility until he had a permanent address,” says Vincent. “I was not giving up until I had him moved into accommodation.”

Riley himself found an ad for a small place in Tumut, about an hour from Cootamundra. Vincent handled the application process for him, helped by a social worker at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.

Then, another stroke of luck: the bedsit turned out to be owned by the Tumut RSL sub-Branch.

The road to recovery In his role as liaison officer, Pollard got the Tumut RSL sub-Branch on the same page as the rest of Riley’s support team.

“When it’s known someone has been at an in-patient facility, »

rslnsw.org.au

12-15_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Wellbeing-feature.indd 13

25/11/2024 2:52 PM

14 Wellbeing

some people may have concerns about that person’s behaviour,” Pollard tells Reveille.

“My approach is to normalise the condition. Riley is on medication and a good, functioning person.

I have osteoarthritis and I take medication. Bad outcomes might happen if we weren’t on medication, but you don’t shun people with a condition like mine.”

Once Riley was in his own place, the NCVH began figuring out whether he needed a new prosthesis for his leg and assisting with his other musculoskeletal issues.

Boorowa RSL sub-Branch kept up its support, with Alan Banks having Riley’s vehicle serviced and re-registered.

Getting Riley to his car was another challenge. A member from yet another sub-Branch put his hand up. Keith Wood, from the Gundagai RSL subBranch, travelled 30 minutes south to Tumut to pick Riley up, then an hour and a half back north to Young.

Vincent describes the teamwork between all the organisations as “phenomenal”.

“When these sorts of things happen, you need to collaborate,” she explains.

Cootamundra RSL sub-Branch, and Vincent, may have done a large share of the work, but members from the sub-Branches in Tumut, Young, Boorowa and Gundagai played their part.

And that’s before you mention the Young police, and staff at the Wagga Wagga hospital and the NCVH.

The power of community Vincent and Pollard say that collaboration is crucial.

“You have to know you’re not alone, when to reach out and where your boundaries are,” says Pollard. “Too many times wellmeaning people get to that point

“This story demonstrates the power of community. When we’re all pushing in the same direction, it’s incredible.”

— Bronte Pollard, RSL NSW Liaison Officer at National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare

L-R: Rob Breddels, Cootamundra; Arthur Hoswell and Dean Franklin, Boorowa; Glenn Ivins, South Western District Council; Jacqui Vincent; Bronte Pollard

where they’ve done amazing work, but they push past their capacity.

There’s no need to do that.”

There’s another lesson in this story.

Something happened which, when it happens, is transformative for RSL NSW. Sub-Branches came together.

It didn’t matter that they were from different districts, hours from one another, or had disparities in their membership make-up and resources; they answered the call, and contributed what they could.

A single sub-Branch wouldn’t have been able to complete this mission.

The people involved shared a few things – they had served their countries and are now serving their communities. Today, they have another thing in common. Because of them, a veteran who hit rock bottom has a home.

“This story demonstrates the power of community,” says Pollard. “When we’re all pushing in the same direction, it’s incredible.”

rslnsw.org.au

12-15_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Wellbeing-feature.indd 14

25/11/2024 2:52 PM

Making a

real difference In 2023-2024, RSL sub-Branches donated $3.3 million to support our charity partner RSL LifeCare Veteran Services.

RSL LifeCare Veteran Services provides free advocacy, claims and appeals support, and a range of other services, to current and ex-serving Defence personnel and their families.

Financial support from RSL sub-Branches has helped to enable RSL LifeCare Veteran Services to:

Assist 142 veterans experiencing homelessness, providing 4,902 nights of accommodation

Provide $359,392 in financial assistance to veterans and their families

Guide 137 veterans through courses at Spur Equine Ranch, logging 1,302 hours of activities

Assist 777 veterans to lodge 3,390 DVA claims

Refer 58 veterans or partners to the RSL Employment Program

Lodge 201 new appeals to the Veterans’ Review Board and represented 30 full hearings

Discuss with fellow members at your RSL sub-Branch about how you can donate to the valuable efforts of RSL LifeCare Veteran Services in the 2024-25 financial year, via the RSL NSW Veteran Support Fund.

12-15_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Wellbeing-feature.indd 15

26/11/2024 12:27 PM

16 Commemoration

1 1. Redfern RSL sub-Branch member Victor Guevara (centre) was among those in attendance.

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2024 A snapshot of commemorations in Sydney and at RSL sub-Branches across NSW, and what the day means to RSL NSW members.

SYDNEY CBD The main commemoration service, held at the Martin Place Cenotaph on Monday 11 November, attracted a strong turnout from the public.

A number of current serving Defence personnel were present at the event, alongside those who have recently transitioned out of Defence.

rslnsw.org.au

16-19_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Remembrance-Day_V4.indd 16

25/11/2024 3:14 PM

SYDNEY PHOTOS © SALTY DINGO.

17

2

3

2. As has become tradition each year, red poppies were cast onto the side of the Sydney Opera House before dawn and after dusk.

3. Air Force veteran and Gudjala Elder Uncle Harry Allie AM BEM provided an Acknowledgement of Country.

4. Dignitaries included Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW; the Hon Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW; and the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, representing the Prime Minister.

4

5. 2024 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholars Joshua Davison and Olivia Wright recited ‘In Flanders Fields’.

6. Members from RAAF Base Richmond formed the catafalque party. »

5

6 rslnsw.org.au

16-19_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Remembrance-Day_V5.indd 17

26/11/2024 12:30 PM

18 Commemoration

SUB-BRANCH SERVICES Across NSW, RSL sub-Branches organised Remembrance Day services with open invitations to everyone in the community.

A CHANCE FOR MATESHIP

S

“It’s a most important occasion. I personally served for 15 years in the Army, and that was a great honour. It’s important for all of us to think of those who are still serving the country, and ensure that everyone gets the respect they deserve.”

Pollard is now an RSL NSW member attached to the North Bondi RSL sub-Branch.

“I’ve gained a lot of assistance from the sub-Branch.

I’ve experienced some issues with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The sub-Branch was there to assist me during that time. It’s amazing the work that a sub-Branch does.”

After the main service, Pollard had made plans to catch up with mates from his days in the Army, including RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge.

“I’ll be catching up with him to share some stories.”

PHOTO: STEVE ADAMS.

peaking to Reveille at the Sydney CBD service, Army veteran Dave Pollard (above left) said Remembrance Day is an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives.

B IN G A R A In its second year participating in the Draw to Remember initiative, the Bingara RSL sub-Branch had three of its members visit Bingara Central School in the week preceding Remembrance Day to share tales of service and commemoration.

rslnsw.org.au

16-19_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Remembrance-Day_V4.indd 18

25/11/2024 3:14 PM

19

F O R E S T V IL L E After laying a wreath at his local service, WWII veteran and Forestville RSL sub-Branch member Don Kennedy OAM passed away on Saturday 23 November, aged 97.

“We anticipated that Don may not have been strong enough to join us at the Forestville RSL Club after the service,” said sub-Branch President Bob Lunnon. “Not our Don! He and his family stayed until the very end.”

JUNEE Poppies were crocheted by members of the Junee RSL sub-Branch in 2018 to create a memorial blanket.

This year, leftover poppies were laid on the cenotaph situated beneath Junee War Memorial Clock Tower, providing an opportunity for more people to get involved in the ceremony.

CITY OF

ORANGE In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, members were pictured selling poppy tokens at the local Bunnings in support of the veteran community.

rslnsw.org.au

16-19_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Remembrance-Day_V4.indd 19

25/11/2024 4:26 PM

20 On the cover

STELLAR SUB-BRANCH STORIES

rslnsw.org.au

20-27_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Cover-Story_v2.indd 20

25/11/2024 3:15 PM

21

Whether they’re hosting innovative family-friendly events, engaging with schools and Defence bases, or finding new ways to support the community, here are four RSL sub-Branches building the future of grassroots RSL NSW.

Story Caroline Riches

0

n a sunny day in June, Norfolk Island residents gathered at the jetty in their oldfashioned finery and straw hats to celebrate Bounty Day. The occasion honours the moment in 1856 when 194 descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers arrived from overcrowded Pitcairn Island to start a new life, marking permanent civilian settlement on Norfolk.

“It’s our anniversary day,” Terence “Tet” Grube, Secretary of the Norfolk Island RSL subBranch, tells Reveille. “Pitcairn descendants march up to the cenotaph and we pay respect to our forefathers and foremothers.

Then we go to the cemetery and the children put flowers on our family members’ headstones.”

On this day, as well as Remembrance Day, ANZAC Day, Kapyong Day, Victory in the Pacific Day and Vietnam Veterans’ Day, families unite at the Norfolk Island RSL sub-Branch.

“But for the other 360-odd days in a year, we rarely see them,” says Grube. “It’s such a pity.”

Despite its remote and small population of approximately 2,200, Norfolk Island boasts a rich military history. Many islanders joined the military during the World Wars and Korean War simply as a way to escape the island, Grube explains.

“Most families, if not all, are linked to the honour board at the RSL sub-Branch memorial,” he says.

RSL sub-Branches in isolated areas with small populations, such as Norfolk Island, often face funding shortages and low attendance.

They must work harder and get creative to remain relevant and connect with their communities.

For Norfolk Island, there’s an additional challenge. The end of self-government in 2016 and the opening of immigration to all Australian citizens diluted their sense of community. »

Peter Lipscomb is a descendant of Norfolk Island’s first residents.

rslnsw.org.au

20-27_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Cover-Story_v2.indd 21

26/11/2024 12:33 PM

22 On the cover

“The event created a camaraderie that we hadn’t seen on Norfolk Island for a long time.”

— Terence “Tet” Grube, Norfolk Island RSL sub-Branch “To get people into the fold is very difficult,” says Grube. “The interest of the families joining us is sadly diminishing.”

Meanwhile, young veterans on the island struggle to attend commemorative services.

“The events are just too emotional.”

Finding reconnection Now Grube is on a mission to increase the sub-Branch’s prominence via the RSL NSW Sport & Recreation Program. He is supported by a mainland veteran with a passion for the island.

Peter Lipscomb, Honorary Secretary/Treasurer of the City of Wollongong sub-Branch, served with Grube in the navy in the early 1980s. Both he and Grube are descendants of Bounty mutineers.

During this year’s Bounty Day celebrations, Lipscomb visited Norfolk for the first time, donning a straw hat for the march.

“The visit reconnected me to the island, and now it feels like my spiritual home,” he says.

Lipscomb also participated in a meeting to discuss ideas to revitalise the sub-Branch, and enhance engagement with local veterans and their families.

‘NRLawn Bowls’ Day at Norfolk Island Bowling Club.

Drawing from his experience in Wollongong, he proposed an ‘NRLawn Bowls’ Day, a community event blending traditional lawn bowls with a rugby league twist, funded by the RSL NSW Sport & Recreation Program.

Held at the Norfolk Island Bowling Club in September, the game involved 14 teams from local organisations and sports clubs, with participants scoring “tries” by bowling within a target area and kicking “goals” by bowling between goal posts. Lipscomb flew in for the event.

“It created a camaraderie that we hadn’t seen on Norfolk Island for a long time,” says Grube. “It was so much fun. Pete blew the whistle just like an NRL referee, and everyone was jumping with joy.”

Afterwards, Grube even managed to sign up new veterans to the sub-Branch. He is now planning further activities using funding from the Sport & Recreation Program, including an RSL NSW inclusion in Norfolk Island’s cricket competition, and other ways to be present in the community beyond commemorative days.

One idea is to install an interactive sign outside the sub-Branch featuring a ‘Veteran of the Week’.

“Ron Nobbs, one of our islanders, has researched every single veteran for World War I and World War II from the day they left Norfolk to the day they returned home or paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he says.

“Norfolk Islanders served in both the ADF and NZDF – an incredible ANZAC contribution.”

rslnsw.org.au

20-27_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Cover-Story_v2.indd 22

25/11/2024 3:15 PM

23

Lipscomb is eager to share more successful ideas from Wollongong that could be replicated on the island.

“The Sport & Recreation Program has enabled sub-Branches to better support their members, provide meaningful community involvement and maintain a vibrant presence, even in remote locations,” he says.

“Every time I do something at home, I consider if it could be done on Norfolk Island.”

Grube feels the new ideas have already invigorated his sub-Branch.

“Even though we’re a long, long way from mainland Australia, I feel like we’re part of the RSL NSW family now,” he says. “This is just the beginning for us.”

Helping those who are struggling Medowie RSL sub-Branch may benefit from a strategic location close to RAAF Base Williamtown, which has enabled it to foster connections with serving Defence personnel – but it has also faced its own challenges.

When husband and wife Bernie and Lyn Edmonds became President and Secretary in March, the sub-Branch was seen as an “old boys’ club” and was facing a declining membership.

“We had members transferring out because they’d just have meetings and a few beers, and most of our members weren’t interested,” explains Lyn. “The RAAF members had no idea what RSL NSW could do and what we could offer them.” »

Smiles abound at events in Wollongong.

H EL P IN G A

FELLOW SUB-BRANCH Some RSL sub-Branches are supporting those with limited resources by donating to the RSL NSW Veteran Support Fund (VSF).

The City of Wollongong is one such sub-Branch, with Peter Lipscomb and its other members taking great joy in assisting branches such as Norfolk Island that lack their own income stream.

“We’re proud to be able to support fellow sub-Branches via the VSF,” says Lipscomb.

“Sport and recreation provide camaraderie, attract younger members and reinvigorate existing ones. It’s reinvigorated our sub-Branch. Once-inactive members now participate and even speak at schools.”

Illawarra members enjoy free golf and lawn bowls through partnerships with local Clubs,

alongside coastal walks, cycling, judo, gym and fishing charters, with a darts competition starting soon.

The sub-Branch also organises family outings to orchards or Sydney Aquarium, with more activities in the works.

For older members, it offers exercise physiology classes.

“We’ve got about 15 older members from five Illawarra sub-Branches participating regularly, and two or three say it’s saved their life,” says Lipscomb. “All these activities, for both young and old, are very important.”

“The Sport & Recreation Program has enabled sub-Branches to better support their members.”

— Peter Lipscomb, City of Wollongong RSL sub-Branch rslnsw.org.au

20-27_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Cover-Story_v2.indd 23

25/11/2024 3:16 PM

24 On the cover

Bernie with RAAF Base Williamtown personnel and Navy veteran Bill Walshe, who sadly passed away two weeks after receiving his medallion.

They also invite their federal member, Meryl Swanson, to come in on a regular basis.

The couple recruited young veterans and Defence personnel serving at Williamtown to the committee, achieving a 50/50 split between men and women.

“We’ve put our heads together and looked at what the veterans are asking for, and we’ve tried to deliver that with funding from RSL NSW,” says Bernie. “We’ve come a long way from when we took over.”

Lyn and Bernie have tried to become more present in the community, keeping an eye out for people who need support.

The revamped sub-Branch now offers coffee mornings where members have a safe space to talk, trivia nights with a raffle, and activities using the Sport & Recreation Program.

It recently hosted a comedy show at the local golf club that attracted current Defence members, veterans and other community members. With the money left over, they purchased tenpin bowling vouchers for families who could do with some cheer.

“We’re showing that RSL NSW isn’t just there for the members.

We’re there for everybody in the Defence community and their families,” says Lyn.

“You’ll see her sitting on the floor with the children while the parents ask her questions.”

Medowie sub-Branch works extensively with chaplains to identify those in need.

“If the chaplain tells us there’s a mum who has Defence Housing on her back because the yard’s become untidy, we hire a contractor to mow her lawns,” says Bernie.

“We’re also supporting a serving member who has a premature baby, and is in need of emotional and social wellbeing and support.

“If veterans are hurting, we want to say, ‘Come and talk to us’.

We don’t want them struggling.”

10

SUGGESTIONS TO INVIGORATE YOUR RSL SUB-BRANCH

The Edmonds also offer activities they hope will appeal to serving members at Williamtown, who they hope one day will become members of the sub-Branch.

“Being close to Williamtown gives us a huge advantage,” says Lyn. “Defence members like to keep fit, so we do a beach walk. They can be part of what we do without having to join.”

Members at the base also enjoy a Remembrance Day dinner and touch footy, thanks to Sport & Recreation Program funding.

In addition, sub-Branch committee members are undergoing advocacy

1.

INCLUDE

young veterans, serving members and plenty of women in your RSL sub-Branch committee to ensure broad community representation in decision-making.

rslnsw.org.au

20-27_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Cover-Story_v2.indd 24

25/11/2024 3:16 PM

25

training with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs with the aim of supporting those transitioning out of Defence.

“We want them to know that when they get out, we can pick them up and help them through that transition process,” says Bernie.

“The sub-Branch is that bridge.

We can walk beside them, and help them find a home and a job.

“And I think other sub-Branches could also help transitioning Air Force members into civilian life.”

All their efforts have paid off, says Lyn.

Medowie coffee mornings for members.

“We have people joining online or dropping in on a Saturday to join, and some transferring from other sub-Branches. We can just offer so much more for our membership.”

Engaging young and old Veteran Jay McTeare is also keen to expand the reach of subBranches to both young and older veterans, and deliberately joined a sub-Branch where he felt he could make a difference.

The 42-year-old was originally going to join his local sub-Branch on the Central Coast, but joined the Entrance/Long Jetty RSL sub-Branch instead upon seeing his local sub-Branch filled with younger veterans.

“I want to get our older veterans out and moving.”

— Jay McTeare, Entrance/Long Jetty RSL sub-Branch “The Entrance/Long Jetty RSL sub-Branch, by contrast, has a lot of older veterans and I wanted to help keep RSL NSW alive,” he says.

That was four years ago, and McTeare has been secretary for the past two. In that time, around 10 young veterans have signed up.

It’s thanks in part to new activities based on member surveys, he says.

Planned activities include walking, soccer, swimming, yoga, cycling, kayaking, pickleball, darts and board games, for which McTeare intends to access funding from the Sport & Recreation Program.

Last year, the sub-Branch introduced barefoot bowls to attract veterans and their families. »

2.

3.

4.

APPLY

BALANCE

your federal member to come in and answer questions from community members.

for needs-based funding via the RSL NSW Sport & Recreation Fund, for sub-Branches requiring assistance to organise events.

activities for both younger and older veterans, scheduling them at convenient times for each age group. »

INVITE

rslnsw.org.au

20-27_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Cover-Story_v2.indd 25

25/11/2024 3:16 PM

26 On the cover

“We want parents to see we’re not just having meetings and talking about the past. We’re about them and their families now.”

— Rodney Cooper, Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch “It was a really good turnout, and hopefully this year is exactly the same. At the moment, we have 120 people coming,” says McTeare.

But it’s not just about getting new veterans on board; it’s also about keeping older veterans young.

“I want to get our older veterans out and moving, so they’re not sitting at home all the time,” he says.

Activities for older veterans include monthly bus trips, barbecues and coffee catch-ups in the local community hall. But it’s the pizza and movie days that McTeare is most excited about.

“A year and a half ago, I threw some pizzas down to see if we could get people out. At first, we had 10 to 15 people; now we’re up to around 30.”

A new mural adorns the sub-Branch’s building.

What he loves most is when the older and younger veterans mix together.

“All veterans get along with other veterans because everyone’s been there, in one way or another.

But it’s the younger ones that will keep the RSL alive.”

Connecting with families Rodney Cooper, President of the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch, says connecting with families of serving members is a way to ensure enduring support for the subBranch, while preserving Australia’s military past.

Wagga Wagga is a garrison city with a long military history, thanks in part to Australia’s Light Horse Regiment and the Kangaroo March in 1915. And the sub-Branch works closely with Defence bases and local schools.

5.

6.

7.

with local Defence bases. Attend coffee mornings or playgroups for spouses where you cook morning tea with children. Provide fitness events for serving members.

family-friendly events such as barefoot bowls, pizza and movie nights, or visits to local attractions.

with local schools by joining programs such as Draw to Remember.

CONNECT

ORGANISE

ENGAGE

rslnsw.org.au

20-27_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Cover-Story_v2.indd 26

25/11/2024 4:24 PM

27

As part of the Draw to Remember program, Cooper visited three local primary schools – including Kapooka Public School and one next to the RAAF Base Wagga – encouraging students to capture their feelings around Remembrance Day on the ground in chalk.

“The students would have no concept of the number of people who lost their lives in World War I, and how horrific the war was,” he says. “But I think they do understand the concept and purpose of the day.”

The sub-Branch also supports schools in commemorative events; sponsors educational support dog Xena; serves sausage sizzle at the Kapooka preschool’s Christmas carols event; and hosts information stalls and barbecues at community groups and gatherings.

For members, veterans and families, there are also monthly barbecues and Friday ‘Snacks and Chats’ over drinks at the RSL Club.

Welcome to Wagga event for new military families, and a ‘make your own morning tea’ event.

just having meetings and talking about the past. We’re about them and their families now.

“We’re slowly getting a trickle of serving members and younger veterans with their families attending these events.”

The sub-Branch connects with partners of serving members by supporting the Australian Military Wives Choir, which sings on ANZAC Day and at the subBranch’s Christmas party. It also visits community groups for spouses at the bases.

Cooper believes it’s vital for young Australians, especially those in a garrison city, to understand how military history has shaped the nation’s identity – such as by etching Remembrance Day stories undercover, so they don’t get washed away.

“In a few more decades it will be 200 years ago that ANZAC happened and the guns fell silent,” he says. “If the younger generation talks about Remembrance and ANZAC Day, there is a chance that the significance of past sacrifices won’t be forgotten.

“We want to encourage more members,” explains Cooper. “We want parents to see we’re not

“Often they bring their kids along. Sometimes we make scones with them for morning tea,” says Cooper.

8.

9.

10.

exercise physiology classes for veterans of all ages – you may even save a life.

committee members as Wellbeing Support Officers to connect veterans with the services they seek.

at what other sub-Branches are doing to engage their communities. If one thing doesn’t work, try something else and don’t give up.

OFFER

TRAIN

“We don’t want to see that happen.”

LOOK

rslnsw.org.au

20-27_ReveilleV110_DEC24_Cover-Story_v2.indd 27

25/11/2024 3:16 PM

28 Advocacy

CHANGE-MAKERS How the RSL NSW team is advocating in the strongest terms possible for veterans and families, and the process for members wanting to get involved.

Story Lachlan Haycock

R

SL NSW is member-led and member-focused.

This means your voice matters, and RSL NSW will always strive with the concerns and priorities of members at heart.

The organisation is providing a platform for veterans’ wellbeing, policy advocacy, the delivery of support and services, and other issues of importance for veterans and families.

“[The Royal Commission is] the core of everything we’ve done for the past 12 months, and everything for the next 12 months.”

— Isaac Ohlin, RSL NSW

Isaac Ohlin, General Manager of Policy and Services at RSL NSW, outlined to Reveille several key areas of veterans’ policy advocacy, and how members of RSL sub-Branches can concretely contribute to the process.

Ohlin firstly explained the response of RSL NSW to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which he said represents “the core of

rslnsw.org.au

28-31_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Advocacy-feature_v2.indd 28

25/11/2024 3:16 PM

29

everything we’ve done for the past 12 months, and everything for the next 12 months”.

“We’re going to, in the next few months, begin to fund and support Defence transition programs to improve ADF member resilience and veteran wellbeing,” he said.

“We’re going to have funding pathways for community programs for advocacy, crisis and regional needs.”

TOP ADVOCACY PRIORITIES FOR RSL NSW

1.

Implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

2.

Establish a permanent, independent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Wellbeing.

3.

Develop pathways to support incarcerated veterans.

RSL NSW has been liaising with fellow ex-service organisations (ESOs), and with universities and research institutes, about how best to shape the veteran support system following the Royal Commission.

“We want to support transitioning veterans better.

It’s really clear that this is a crucial time in the health and wellbeing of veterans, so it’s about making sure that the transition support services are what veterans need, when they need it.” »

4.

Support female veterans by advocating for improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

5.

Improve claims and wellbeing advocacy for veterans.

6.

Increase processing capacity for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) entitlements claims.

7.

Improve access to health care for veterans and their families.

8.

Address the causes of veteran homelessness.

IT’S TIME FOR ACTION. Explore in more detail how the Royal Commission’s Final Report outlines a roadmap for reforming the ESO sector.

9.

Establish a peak body for ESOs to improve service delivery and quality, and to improve support for veterans and their families.

rslnsw.org.au

28-31_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Advocacy-feature_v2.indd 29

25/11/2024 3:16 PM

30 Advocacy

“[We] can leverage the full power of our K E Y D AT E S JAN 2025 Federal pre-Budget submissions due

MAY 2025

150,000-strong national membership to give veterans a robust voice in government.”

— Isaac Ohlin, RSL NSW

Federal Budget

AUG 2025 NSW pre-Budget submissions due

New pathways

SEP 2025

Two other policy areas of note are female veterans and incarcerated veterans.

NSW Budget

27 SEP 2025 Latest date for Federal election

OCT 2025 RSL NSW State Congress & AGM

In November, the first meeting of a newly established expert advisory group was organised

by RSL NSW, the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs and Monash University.

The group is designed to provide insights and guidance on service delivery, access and barriers to wellbeing support in the state, ensuring the research framework reflects the needs of women who have previously served in Defence.

“It’s fair to say that there is a gap in terms of the services available specifically for female veterans,” said Ohlin. “We’re working with the NSW Office of Veterans’ Affairs and the DVA to improve this.

“RSL NSW is also looking to develop improved pathways for incarcerated veterans.

We will be working with the government to facilitate access to services for veterans who are incarcerated, and looking at the effectiveness of peer support models – how to reintegrate incarcerated veterans who have returned to civilian life. These talks are already underway.”

Year-round focus Ohlin stressed that veterans’ policy concerns don’t only need to be raised at the RSL NSW State Congress & AGM. “For us, it’s a year-round policy cycle,” he said. “So if there are particular things that you or your sub-Branch want to raise, raise them and help get the issue to the District Council, which will then get it to the Veteran Services and Policy Committee.

“Members who are concerned about or want to be proactive in addressing any of these policy issues should also

rslnsw.org.au

28-31_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Advocacy-feature_v2.indd 30

25/11/2024 3:16 PM

31

HOW TO RAISE AN ISSUE Do you have an issue that you’d like to raise?

Here’s how it reaches the right audience.

DC votes to raise the issue to the District President’s Council.

Sub-Branch votes to raise issue to the District Council.

4

5

DPC votes to raise the issue to the RSL NSW Veterans’ Services & Policy Committee for review.

“By working together with RSL Australia, RSL NSW can leverage the full power of our 150,000-strong national membership to give veterans a robust voice in government.”

Members discuss issues at an RSL sub-Branch meeting.

2

3

be encouraged to take the information that we have provided and talk to their MP about it.

1

VSPC votes to endorse the issue and determines action to be taken.

SHARE YOUR VOICE If there’s an issue affecting the veteran community, stand up and get involved. Use the resources shared in this story to raise an issue at your next sub-Branch meeting, and educate yourself about how RSL NSW is always advocating for the needs and unique circumstances of veterans and their families.

rslnsw.org.au

28-31_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Advocacy-feature_v2.indd 31

25/11/2024 3:16 PM

Join the largest

sport and recreation program for veterans in Australia The RSL NSW Sport & Recreation Program has set a gold standard for encouraging the physical and social wellbeing of veterans and families.

It’s free to all RSL sub-Branches to take part.

Benefits of signing up for the program include access to:

> A regular newsletter full of inspiration for events you can organise in your local area

> A free, curated and frequently updated suite of resources designed to help encourage sub-Branches in conceptualising what’s possible in their area

“The camaraderie before, during and after the event was so tangible.”

– RSL NSW participant in City2Surf, organised as part of the Sport & Recreation Program

> Funding support to assist your sub-Branch in organising activities

> A range of fun competitions Hear stories from other sub-Branches, get inspired, and be supported throughout the program.

32-37_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Sub-Branch-News_v3.indd 32

Access the events calendar Take a look at the activities other RSL sub-Branches are organising by scanning the QR code – and register for the program.

25/11/2024 3:20 PM

Sub-Branch news

33

WINGHAM

SPORT AND RECREATION SUCCESS

The Wingham Community Nutbush Dance, held on the first day of Veterans’ Health Week in October, is the latest in a line of Sport & Recreation Program events hosted by the Wingham RSL sub-Branch.

“The sub-Branch has been involved in the Sport & Recreation Program from the beginning,” sub-Branch President Brian Willey told Reveille. “We’re always looking for new ideas to engage both members and veterans who aren’t yet members.

“A nutbush event had been floating around in my head for a while, and Veterans’ Health Week was the right opportunity for it to happen. We started planning it in June because I wanted the whole community to take part, not only the sub-Branch.”

Willey said almost 400 people took part in the nutbush event at Wingham Central Park. The tremendous turnout was thanks to extensive outreach in the months prior to the event.

“We made posters. We spoke through the local Chamber of Commerce. We contacted every community organisation, from schools to sports clubs, fishing clubs to knitting groups. Anyone we could think of.

“An Affiliate member of the sub-Branch is very capable in social media. She knows how to use Facebook and volunteered to get the message out that way.

She’s been a real dynamo that was very effective.”

Making the event fun and interactive is a sure-fire way of making it memorable.

“A couple in their 80s dressed up and took part, even though they couldn’t dance for very long,” said Willey. “The kids got involved too. People have been talking about the event non-stop.”

DISCOVER six steps to building a successful sport and recreation activity for veterans and their families.

Part of the event’s success was how Wingham collaborated with fellow sub-Branches.

rslnsw.org.au

32-37_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Sub-Branch-News_v3.indd 33

25/11/2024 4:23 PM

34 Sub-Branch news

Veterans enjoyed a day in the sunshine and met 101-yearold Roger Chand.

WOONONA/BULLI

GETTING OUT, GETTING ACTIVE

Veterans at the Woonona/Bulli RSL sub-Branch have embraced the benefits of activities that foster physical wellbeing.

Events organised by the sub-Branch include lawn bowls activities, which are enjoyed by all in attendance.

Members of the sub-Branch have also visited the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway at Concord in Sydney – which isn’t far from

the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare. The occasion proved most enlightening for those who participated, who were also honoured by the presence of 101-year-old Roger Chand, who fought in the Kokoda campaign.

In an example of camaraderie between Illawarra veterans, members also often attend the events organised by other subBranches, such as the City of

Wollongong RSL sub-Branch, including for a cruise on Sydney Harbour.

Plus, monthly art classes for members started in August 2024 as part of the RSL NSW Sport & Recreation Program.

HOW could your sub-Branch encourage members to get active, and which other subBranches could you work with?

340 (City of Griffith)

GRIFFITH

Squadron Australian

CITRUS SPLENDOUR

Members in Griffith enjoyed a “fantastic” morning with Griffith Orange Sculptures, and later were photographed standing proudly with their creations. Also joining the fray were members of the 340 (City of Griffith) Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets.

Air Force Cadets.

Members of the Griffith RSL sub-Branch.

rslnsw.org.au

32-37_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Sub-Branch-News_v3.indd 34

25/11/2024 3:20 PM

Submit your sub-Branch news and images news@rslnsw.org.au

35

BROOKLYN

MULTI-PRONGED SUPPORT FOR VETERANS IN NEED

For the second year in a row, the Brooklyn RSL sub-Branch has hosted veterans from the Homes for Heroes program for a cruise along the Hawkesbury River.

Operated by RSL LifeCare Veteran Services with the support of RSL NSW, Homes for Heroes offers transitional accommodation and wraparound in-community support to veterans who are, or who are at risk of, experiencing homelessness.

Aboard the MV Deliverance – kindly provided by its owner, an Army Reservist – sub-Branch members and their guests spent a day exploring the Lower Hawkesbury, including Refuge Bay. This was the site of departure for Z Special Unit for a daring kayak raid on Singapore Harbour in September 1943.

Via the RSL NSW Veteran Support Fund (VSF), the Brooklyn sub-Branch donated $10,000 in support of the initiatives of RSL LifeCare Veteran Services.

VIEW further information about the VSF on the RSL NSW website by scanning the QR code.

AU X I L I A RY OLD BAR BEACH

AWARDEE ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to the Old Bar Beach RSL Auxiliary, which was awarded the Lady Woodward Cup at the RSL NSW State Congress & AGM. The award is presented in recognition of an Auxiliary’s excellence across areas of fundraising for veterans’ services, supporting the local veterans’ community, and engaging with the broader community.

“It’s a proud moment for everyone,” wrote the Old Bar Beach RSL subBranch on Facebook.

AU X I L I A RY STATEWIDE

FUNDRAISING TOOLKIT NOW AVAILABLE

The Brooklyn RSL sub-Branch plans to continue its annual tradition.

Broo klyn RSL sub-B r anch dona has ted g ener to th o usly e RS L NS Vete W ran S uppo rt Fund .

To assist with fundraising efforts, ANZAC House has created a Fundraising Toolkit for RSL sub-Branches and RSL Auxiliaries.

The toolkit makes it easy to purchase RSL NSW-branded marquees, tablecloths, pull-up banners and merchandise, and fundraising tokens and boxes, all with flat-rate shipping.

TO VIEW the full range of merchandise available to RSL NSW members, visit the Member Merchandise Store.

rslnsw.org.au

32-37_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Sub-Branch-News_v3.indd 35

25/11/2024 4:24 PM

36 Sub-Branch news

MITTAGONG

BRIGHT AND BLOOMING

Charles Cooke

Cherry trees were blooming at the Bowral Vietnam War Memorial, right in time for Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemorations.

OAM and John

Photograph depicts the blooms in years past.

Governor of NSW.

Brooks OAM with Her Excellency The Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC,

SCONE

EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY SERVICE RECOGNISED In a rare milestone, two members of the Scone RSL sub-Branch have received an OAM on the same day.

BINGARA

“ALL OUR MEMBERS STUCK TOGETHER” The September issue of Reveille profiled the impressive transformation of the Bingara RSL sub-Branch, which has nearly doubled its membership as a result of introducing informal meetings and inclusive social events.

Now, sub-Branch member Steve Adams has revealed part of that success is down to its embrace of both Affiliate and Service members.

“Our Affiliate members are integral to the wellbeing of our Service members,” he said. “In some instances, they have better knowledge than ourselves for our needs and wellbeing.

“Our sub-Branch was down to just 10 members last year – but now, we have a Service/Affiliate ratio of 60/40, and have another two Service members coming on board. All our members stuck together, and we now have a very vibrant sub-Branch.”

John Brooks OAM, who was posted to Vietnam and has been an RSL NSW member since 1968, was recognised for services to the Scone community.

Charles Cooke OAM, an Associate member of the sub-Branch, was recognised for his services to the Scottish community in NSW. Both his parents served in the 6th Division during World War II.

O AT L E Y

EMBRACED AT THE THRESHOLD

at the Oatley RSL Community Club for the exquisite food and impeccable table service that made our celebration truly unforgettable.”

The Oatley RSL sub-Branch celebrated its 80th anniversary in style, with the atmosphere described as full of joy and camaraderie from the moment guests arrived.

The sub-Branch wrote on Facebook that they were “thrilled to see so many familiar faces and new friends join us for this momentous occasion”.

“A special shout-out to the Oat Mill and the fantastic team

Oatley RSL sub-Branch members celebrate in culinary style.

rslnsw.org.au

32-37_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Sub-Branch-News_v3.indd 36

25/11/2024 3:20 PM

Join RSL NSW No fees, simple sign-up, open to serving members and veterans There should be no barrier for any current serving member or veteran of the ADF to join RSL NSW. That’s why we’ve made membership fee-free.

Members receive: A membership badge Reveille magazine Access to RSL services and support Connection to community Mateship and connection to others who have served Opportunity to volunteer and support veterans and coordinate commemorations

Join instantly now.

Scan code to learn more

32-37_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Sub-Branch-News_v3.indd 37

25/11/2024 3:20 PM

38 Last post

“LEST WE FORGET” Remembering the service and bravery of those who have served our country.

NAVY ALFORD, JB 11889 ALLSOPP, KH S9520 AMERY, DB PM5372 ANDREWS, GK R51410 AVARD, MA R96117 BAKER, WE S/9206 BOSUSTOW, MR 8056128 BRITZ, BJ R54213

BULL, RP 5639 BUTCHER, MC R48587 CAMERON, TG R59995 CAMPBELL, AS R66993 CHESHIRE, VA 38665 CLARK, VR R93179 COLLINS, AJ R54340 CUNLIFFE, OO R55985 CURRIE, JW 1823 DAVIS, R O.106911 DUNN, RG 57544

ELLIOTT, BL R155809 ERSKINE, AC R103407 FISH, MR R42442 FLOWER, EW PM4624 FOWLER, JG 1337 GRIFFITHS, DL P125008 GRIFFITHS, GW R58759 HENDERSON, GT S9299 HERINGTON, WL S9769 HERON, RC R47810 HOPKINS, BF R58766

HOWARD, JC R55929 HOWELL, GA R43495 INGLIS, GG PA3360 JAMES, A R59493 JAMES, JJ R59696 JEFFREY, JT R62765 JOHNS, WF R50631 JOHNSON, RL 5388NS JONES, TW 1611 JONES, JE 2944 JOSLIN, RJ R57676

rslnsw.org.au

38-41_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Last-post.indd 38

25/11/2024 3:26 PM

39

East Maitland Public School students’ artwork from the 2024 Draw to Remember program.

KELLY, DJ R53626 KENSEY, RW R62515 KENT, NA R65790 LANG, PB S133904 LOVASZ, F R108999 LYALL, SJ R66436 MACMILLAN, NC R35753 MARSHALL, FW S135029 MARTIN, GJ R104152 MCCRACKEN, JG 106233 MCDONALD, KS R52699 MCNEICE, DD S10241 MEADOWCROFT, D RM9012 MILLER, RG R42236 MOFFETT, AW R55548 NIX, VE R150818 O’BRIEN, JM R57409 PETRIE, RW R56979 PRANCE, VH S5611 PUSSER, KR R64022 RANDELL, RH S8404 RAPPS, T R108963

RENFIELD, C P/SA330332 SANFEAD, EW R52810 SCOTT, PM R93275 SHIMMIN, LW FX605016 SIMPSON, DG R62697 SLATYER, CW R54709 SMITH, RA R59523 SMITH, NJ R65913 STEWART, RB S130308 TAYLOR, RL R65664 TAYLOR, J R54033 TEBBUTT, RP R104172 TENORIO, RK 32262 TUOHY, MW R109412 WALSHE, WJ S6360 WANT, NL R58000 WASKIW, I R55158 WILLIAMSON, WC R59087 WILSON, PF R47260 WITHER, BL R65353 WITHERIDGE, RD R55896 YOUNG, WJ 117812

ARMY ALDOUS, MJ 2270165 AURISCH, DG 2786864 BADMAN, AR NX142471 BELFORD, SR 215598 BERNAUER, RC NX178031 BREWER, JE 2786505 CARPENTER, NA NX177432 CARTER, CJ 2789418 CATHCART, DR 2784855 COLEMAN, MG NX170522 COLLEY, M NF454087 COOKSLEY, RG 4720935 COOPER, RD 2718486 COOPER, CD 215673 COOPER, NW 219358 CRAVEN, GW NX164469 CRESWICK, CR NX72177 CUMMINS, RJ 224604 DAVIS, RJ 216514

DAWSON, DS 34374 DELVES, GK 2786585 DORRINGTON, GT 2793341 DOWNIE, DW NX169849 ESSEX-CLARK, J 311479 EVERSON, BJ 213989 EYLES, E 2/743542 FARR-WHARTON, JD 216907 FERGUSSON, DW 2787342 FINCH, RA NX204282 FISH, HV VX149699 FORRESTER, LJ NX143961 FULLJAMES, WJ NX161932 GAUCI, GJ 2789506 GOOD, J 2793394 GRIBBIN, SJ A223145 HAMMOND, RM NX39689 HANLEY, J 2116863 HARRIS, IS 1200628 HART, PC 214751 HERNON, LC Q155556 HILL, KJ 2785321 »

rslnsw.org.au

38-41_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Last-post.indd 39

25/11/2024 3:26 PM

40 Last post

HORROCKS, P 54921 HOULIHAN, EJ 3791700 HUDSON, AG 28294 HUMBY, RJ 315315 HUNTER, CJ 874424 HUTCHINSON, DH 2/42583 ICELY, PC NX168319 ILLINGWORTH, RW 2411921 JEFFS, N N478964 JERRARD, BJ 2789692 KANE, PM 2190877 KIRBY, GG 2782609 LABUTIS, VR 2794992 LANSDOWN, DP 2738855 LAPSLEY, RH 2838 LATHOUWERS, TJ 810230 LEES, DJ 2140707 LISTER, RG 5411414 LLOYD, PJ 167231 LOCKREY, CG 2791007 LUTHER, WT 2781705 MACDIARMID, AR 2/741089 MASON-JONES, NG 54422 MCINTOSH, GE NX79307 MCKEE-WRIGHT, MR 2791401 MCNEIL, DG 2789043 MITCHELL, PO NF454581 MOLONEY, JM 2251161 MOORE, JT 316668 MOORE, R 218668 MORGAN, RP NX505566 MORRISON, HJ NX501379 MOXEY, W 2717619 MUNN, LL NX141006 MUNRO, RB 2/702083 NICHOLAS, PW 231055 O’CALLAGHAN, JP 2781397 OCKERBY, AP 1992066

OLIVER, KA 218929 OLIVER, FW NX123511 OSBURN, RK 2/17560 PANKHURST, AJ NX162482 PARKINSON, KG 224412 PATERSON, JB NF456327 PETERSON, AS 2/191939 PHILLIPS, JA 2782924 POWELL, PR 2167934 PURDIE, LG 39455 RALEIGH, BP 3790916 READ, GC 2794307 RENTMEESTER, JM 316273 RHODES, ML 54678 RIECK, LW 1708675 RING, LR NX122972 ROBERTS, CA NF466274 ROBERTSON, ID 2/715355 ROXBURGH, JH 2749176 RYAN, TL 2788125 SAMOJLOWICZ, T 4719166 SCHLEIBS, FP 3799807 SCHUBERT, DJ 2782633 SCIBERRAS, S 2784879 SCOTT, AJ 350593 SEBO, CJ 8118642 SESSIONS, GP 2239961 SHARP, J 22151841 SHIELS, B 27543 SHIPARD, RJ 5411662 SHORT, IR 2738704 SIMPSON, IJ 2787599 SINCLAIR, AW 22500950 SMITH, JJ 2787871 SOPER, MJ 2167231 SPENCE, E W/49765 STEPHENS, GE NX168335 STEPHENS, RF 2781748

STEVENS, RF 218409 SULLIVAN, EP NX163710 TAYLOR, H NX170380 TOVEY, WH 3788961 TOWERS, KE 2167891 TOWNSEND, RB NX194095 TREASURE, S NF463052 TREZISE, JL VX126931 TRIPP, RW 224052 TURNER, CR 2/401152 WALTERS, K NX126043 WATTS, RG 2/712381 WELLS, AJ NX205623 WHITE, LL 2787658 WILLIAMS, ES NX205744 WILLIAMS, WE NX206796 WILSON, IG 63461 WILSON, TW NX192334 WILSON, GA NX206442 WINTERFORD, V NX194890 WOELLNER, RE NX126133 YOUNG, JP 219975 YOUNG, DV NX179607 YOW YEH, SJ 17900 ZAPPALA, GH 216062

AIR FORCE

MORTON, RR 164321 MULLER, KC A314981 MURRIN, FT 440204 NEILSEN, KF A17497 NEWBURG, R 167860 NUGENT, MH 160673 PARRY, MG A220696 PERRY, AJ A321386 PETTIGREW, MD 316344 PIKE, EG 138464 PIPER, RJ A215179 PLUNKETT, BE A210603 POWDERLY, CJ A231056 PRICE, RJ A223690 RIDOUT, JW A216447 SHEAHAN, BA A216115 SMITH, GC 39628 STEEGE, J 221022 TEAGLE, GR A46667 WEST, MA 886909 WILSON, NK 449324 YOUNGER, DN A220021

MERCHANT NAVY KENNEDY, D 2161486

BEEHAG, AF A219760 CASTLETON, G A28225 COLYVAN, A A27392 FLANNERY, PJ A232202 HODSON, RL A112640 HOLMES, GJ A221551 KENDALL, GA A116736 KRIEG, PA O410565

The information contained in the Last Post has been provided by the DVA and RSL members.

Where possible we have attempted to provide all service details. We regret any missing information.

rslnsw.org.au

38-41_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Last-post_v2.indd 40

26/11/2024 2:02 PM

Fund the future Commemoration. Mateship. Advocacy.

As vital now as they were in 1916.

As important now as they will be in 2036.

“My Future Fund experience showed me the value of alignment of purpose with the pattern of investing and spending to achieve an organisation’s objective.”

The future of RSL NSW is not assured. Mobilising the combined resources of sub-Branches is critical to supporting veterans and their families, and ensuring the RSL brand is recognised and respected by the whole community, so the community knows who we are, what we stand for and what we do.

That’s why we have launched the RSL NSW Strategic Plan which includes a new funding model for the future. Colloquially called the ‘Pooled’ funding model, it has two parts: the Aggregated Investment Management Service and the Veteran Support Fund.

Invest in the future of the League in NSW.

38-41_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Last-post.indd 41

David Murray AO, is the Inaugural Chair of the Australian Government Future Fund Board of Guardians.

David acted in an advisory capacity to the selection process of the competitive market tender. He provided insight into the assessment of risk, governance, and other qualitative factors on the selection of the preferred investment manager for RSL NSW and its sub-Branches.

Please contact Patrick Regan at Morgan Stanley on (02) 9775 2902 Scan the QR code to read about the funding model on the RSL NSW website.

25/11/2024 3:26 PM

© DOMENIC BARTOLO

42 Snapshot

90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANZAC MEMORIAL 24 NOVEMBER 2024 More than 100,000 people witnessed the official opening of the Anzac Memorial in November 1934. The Anzac Memorial’s 2024 Veteran Artist in Residence, Domenic Bartolo, created the above artwork in recognition of its 90th anniversary, which was also marked by a special commemorative service, exhibitions and live performances.

The image is reminiscent of the original 1936 cover of Reveille, reflecting the spirit of remembrance and commemoration shared by RSL NSW and the Anzac Memorial.

rslnsw.org.au

42-44_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Snapshot_v2.indd 42

25/11/2024 3:27 PM

Member recruitment tools The RSL NSW Member Recruitment Toolkit is a one-stop shop for sub-Branches to engage their veteran communities and attract new members.

The RSL NSW Member Recruitment Toolkit contains resources to empower RSL NSW members reach out to veterans in their community and encourage them to join, including: Advertising material, including signage, posters and banners, to help you publicise your sub-Branch to local veterans and their families Social media resources, templates and guides so you can put your sub-Branch’s best foot forward Event-in-a-box collateral to help create opportunities to speak with local veterans and build community

[image] Mockup

Be Be part part of of something something bigger. r r. bigger.

Join your local RSL sub-Branch.

Join your local RSL sub-Branch.

Join RSL NSW. W W. Join RSL NSW.

A new member welcome kit, to turn interest into long-term membership and active sub-Branch involvement

The toolkit is free to download for all sub-Branches.

@

Share how your sub-Branch is using the toolkit to reach out to and engage new members and their families – it can help us develop even more effective tools for sub-Branches.

Member recruitment tools_House Ad_2024.indd 1

42-44_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Snapshot_v2.indd 43

Tag RSL NSW on social media or email us using the QR code.

27/5/2024 3:35 PM

25/11/2024 3:27 PM

THE MOBILE FOOT CLINIC THAT COMES TO YOU

ARE YOU A VETERAN? WITH FOOT & KNEE RELATED ISSUES? MOBILE PODIATRIST SYDNEY,, ILLAWARRA & CENTRAL COAST

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

0493 367 109

INFO@THEMOBILEFOOTCLINIC.COM. AU

General nail and foot care. including corns, calluses and ingrown toe nails Management of foot/ankle/heel and knee pain Prescribed Medical Grade Footwear/Orthotics

42-44_ ReveilleV110_DEC24_Snapshot_v2.indd 44

DVA Health Cards (Gold & White) are accepted as payment upon GP referral We also take care of organising your GP referral for a seamless experience.

25/11/2024 3:27 PM