Reveille September 2023

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

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT TAMWORTH RSL SUB-BRANCH BOARD ELECTION 'HOW TO VOTE' GUIDE

DOUBLE DUTY Victor Guevara on balancing life in and out of the Reserves

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1/9/2023 11:11 am

11 November 2023 | HMAS Adelaide III

Together, we can make a difference to veterans and their families!

RSL LifeCare will be hosting the inaugural Poppy Ball aboard HMAS Adelaide III on Saturday 11 November 2023. The purpose of the ball is to raise awareness and funds to provide ongoing support to veterans and their families as the request for support services increases each year.

While seats and sponsorship packages are SOLD OUT, it’s not too late to show your support for the veterans that we care for.

For just $100, you can buy a virtual Seat of Support at poppyball.org.au.

Funds go to vital services like financial assistance, housing support, and assistance with claims to DVA. Your donation is tax-deductible and gets a shout-out at the event!

Together, let’s champion our veterans and their loved ones!

Buy your seat of support for $100 today – visit poppyball.org.au

Platinum Sponsor

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Contents

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THIS MONTH

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FEATURES

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ON THE COVER Four members share their experiences balancing life in and out of the Reserves.

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UNDER THE HOOD Insights into where support and services are needed the most across the state.

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MEMBERSHIP David Howells on how membership has increased at Tamworth RSL sub-Branch.

MOU IN ACTION The partnership betwen sub-Branches on the Northern Beaches, Dee Why RSL Club and RSL LifeCare Veteran Services.

TOGETHER WE STAND Brigette Glynn is on a mission to support female veterans at Dubbo RSL sub-Branch.

ELECTION GUIDE Candidate information and voting guide for the 2023 RSL NSW Board Election.

NEWS

REGULARS

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RSL NSW NEWS Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs announced, Veterans’ Services and Policy Committee update, State Congress and AGM, and more.

WELCOME Ray James OAM and Jon Black issue their final address in Reveille as RSL NSW President and CEO respectively.

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

LAST POST

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SNAPSHOT Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

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Welcome

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ietnam Veterans’ Day has been commemorated officially on 18 August since 1987, but this year’s services were of particular importance.

RAY JAMES OAM PRESIDENT, RSL NSW “They were left isolated, without access to key support services or a network of like-minded peers. When these veterans needed the League the most, the RSL community in NSW let them down.

For those injustices and for our misjudgement, we are sorry.”

Fifty years after the proclamation to end Australia’s involvement in the war in Vietnam, we recognised the service of more than 60,000 Australians in that conflict, and honoured the sacrifices they and their families made. We also reckoned with the past and addressed a wrong.

At a solemn service in Sydney, I, representing the RSL in NSW, apologised for the mistreatment of veterans returning home from Vietnam.

Some were spurned by veterans of previous conflicts and refused membership by some RSL sub-Branches. They were isolated, without access to key support services or a network of like-minded peers.

When these veterans needed the League the most, the RSL community in NSW let them down. For those injustices and for our misjudgement, we are sorry.

The continued remembrance of the sacrifice and experience of veterans on occasions such as Vietnam Veterans’ Day, and Korean Veterans’ Day in July, represents our promise to stand for and support all

current and future veterans, to prevent the mistakes of the past from recurring and to embrace positive, forwardthinking change.

By the time that the RSL NSW State Congress and AGM take place in late October, a new President will have been elected. My time in the role has been characterised by significant developments and achievements, and I’ll be encouraging the next President to maintain the same forward direction.

Congress also marks the end of Jon Black’s time as CEO of RSL NSW. Jon faced a fast learning curve from the moment he became CEO in 2019; at the start he didn’t know the difference between a sub-Branch and a Club. But we hit the ground running together, with a new constitution that followed a members’ vote in favour of a strategic plan to guide the organisation’s future.

Jon was tasked with producing and implementing that plan, work that he has embraced tirelessly. I am very confident that the incoming CEO will take up the baton to further the standing of RSL NSW as the state’s preeminent ex-service organisation.

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

JON BLACK CEO, RSL NSW

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ay James and I have shared a responsive synergy across our four years of working together. He has the knowledge and experience of decades in the League, and I have brought more than 20 years in senior leadership and management roles in large, changing organisations.

As the eyes, ears and soul of RSL NSW, Ray has made an extraordinary commitment to collaborate with like-minded organisations. Together, Ray and I have been able to translate passion into action to realise what the RSL in NSW can be.

I’m sure the next President and CEO will continue to work with the ANZAC House team, RSL sub-Branches and our partner charity RSL LifeCare Veteran Services to continue delivering valuable support and services to veterans and their families wherever they live in the state.

Ongoing and high-quality service delivery is facilitated

Phone (02) 9264 8188 Email support@rslnsw.org.au Web www.rslnsw.org.au President Ray James Chief Executive Officer Jon Black

by sub-Branch donations to the RSL NSW Veteran Support Fund, recent updates to which are governed by the revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 1. Combining contributions under a single fund allows sub-Branches, together as one RSL NSW, to more effectively fund charitable initiatives and deliver even better outcomes.

I encourage all sub-Branches to familiarise themselves with changes to SOP 1, and for all current and incoming sub-Branch office bearers to access the Written Directions Framework on the sub-Branch Portal.

To all members and supporters of RSL NSW, thank you for your contributions to the League, and my best wishes for your continued success in support of veterans and their families.

State Secretary Jeff O’Brien

Publishing Director Jelena Li Managing Editor Hallie Donkin Editor Lachlan Haycock Creative Director Gareth Allsopp Art direction and design Fiona Robinson, Heath Dunn Integrated Producer Jai Chouhan Cover photography Salty Dingo Advertising Manager Nicole Prioste +61 2 4932 7123 nicole@nkmedia.com.au Advertising Operations Executive William Ryan 0412 747 323 william.ryan@mahlab.co 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.

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News

ADVOCATING FOR VETERANS’ POLICY RSL NSW continues to advocate for the affairs of veterans and families, and lobbies for progressive changes to the policies that affect them via the RSL NSW Veterans’ Services and Policy Committee (VSPC).

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he committee aims to develop policies that improve the lives of veterans, and present those policies at state and national levels.

“The VSPC is RSL NSW’s most important committee, in my opinion,” said RSL NSW Director and VSPC Chair David McCann. “We take on board the many motions that are put forward by sub-Branches at the RSL NSW State Congress and develop them into policy.

“Every RSL NSW member can put forward their ideas and suggestions for improvement, and know that those ideas will be considered, worked on and hopefully brought into action.”

These suggestions form the basis of policy submissions to the RSL Australia National Veterans’ Advisory Committee (NVAC). The NVAC then presents recommendations to bodies such as the Department of Veterans’ Affairs – where they help to form veterans’ policies.

VSPC priorities The rollout of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs program, RSL NSW’s network of veterans’ advocates, and the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide are all current priorities of the VSPC. “The Royal Commission is a very high-profile policy item at the moment,” said McCann. “Many of our members have raised items that are being addressed by the Royal Commission,

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DEREGISTRATION OF THE LEGION including challenges in the DVA claims process and the availability of medical personnel.

“In our advocacy, we are proposing ways that the DVA can improve its processing of claims.”

Among other initiatives, the VSPC has: • Advocated for an increase in Veterans’ Home Care funding • Lobbied for an extension to the Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT) program • Pushed for all Reservists to be covered by non-liability health care provisions The RSL, via the VSPC and NVAC, has also been heavily involved in advocacy and suggesting changes to the Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP) so future advocates are better trained.

The NSW branch of the Australian Legion of ExServicemen & Women has been officially deregistered by regulators, finalising its merger with RSL NSW.

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ll members of the Legion have now become members of RSL NSW. Former Legion subBranches have been officially dissolved and now exist as chapters of RSL sub-Branches, governed by the rules and procedures of RSL NSW. Members of the Legion will be remembered in perpetuity on 10 October each year, the anniversary of the 1944 incorporation of the NSW branch of the Legion.

“I pass on our thanks and gratitude to all of the Legion’s members … and to those licenced [sic] clubs

RSL NSW President Ray James OAM shakes hands with the Legion State President Gary Bigg in September 2022.

that share a commitment to the veteran cause,” said State President Gary Bigg.

Under the RSL NSW Strategic Plan 2021-26, RSL NSW welcomes any exservice organisation that is unable to maintain its membership or fundraise to support its cause to become members of the RSL.

UPCOMING STATE CONGRESS The 2023 State Congress and AGM is next month – do you know who your sub-Branch’s delegate is?

Learn more about the VSPC by using the QR code below, and at your next sub-Branch AGM consider ways for your sub-Branch to make a submission to the VSPC.

The RSL NSW State Congress and AGM will be held at the Newcastle Convention and Exhibition Centre on 22–24 October.

Registrations to attend as a delegate are now open, and close on Monday 9 October. One delegate position has been allocated to each RSL sub-Branch. Sub-Branches must comply with Clause 15.39 of the Constitution to be eligible to register to attend the Congress and AGM. This means all sub-Branches must have submitted their 2022 sub-Branch acquittal.

All members are encouraged to know the identity of their subBranch’s delegate for voting and reporting purposes.

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News

TAKEAWAYS FROM THE NATIONAL ESO FORUM Key outcomes from the second National ESO Forum include broad acceptance for the introduction of an ESO classification system, and assessment of the priority functions of a higher authority, or peak body, for the ESO sector.

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epresentatives from more than 40 exservice organisations gathered in May for the National ESO Forum, organised by RSL Australia and RSL sub-Branches.

Presenters included The Hon Matthew Keogh MP, Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs; and Royal Commissioners Nick Kaldas APM, Peggy Brown AO and The Hon James Douglas KC. There was agreement about the need for an ESO classification system.

Proposed classifications include Claims Advocacy, Referral Service, Wellbeing

Support, Veteran Policy Promotion, and Commemoration and Camaraderie.

Participants agreed on a preliminary list of possible functions of an ESO peak body, including policy advocacy, performance reporting, best practice guidance and campaigning.

A third forum to finalise details of both initiatives will be scheduled before the end of the year.

Read the full report on the second National ESO Forum by scanning the QR code.

Royal Commissioners Nick Kaldas APM, Peggy Brown AO and The Hon James Douglas KC presented at the forum.

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ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FOR OFFICE BEARERS The RSL NSW Written Directions Framework is a mustdownload guide for all RSL sub-Branch office bearers.

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overing areas of governance, operations and RSL NSW’s charitable purpose, the Written Directions Framework is available to download from the subBranch Portal.

The resource contains clear guidance notes, templates and handover guides to assist the induction of new office bearers following a subBranch’s AGM. In addition to outlining the roles and responsibilities of new

position holders in the interests of transparency, it also contains a risk register template to assist in the assessment and reporting of risks.

Use the QR code to manage your member data and access the sub-Branch Portal.

GOT A QUESTION FOR ANZAC HOUSE? Ask ANZAC House sessions, held monthly, provide a forum for members to engage with RSL NSW leadership and discuss the issues of importance to them. At the most recent session, Board Director Phillip Bridie outlined some of the commitments and responsibilities of Board members.

“The most important thing is to come in with an open mind,” he told viewers.

FUNDING FOR VETERANS’ HUBS The Australian Government has awarded RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, supported

by RSL NSW, $150,000 to develop business cases to establish three Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, one apiece in the Hunter, Queanbeyan and Tweed regions.

The business cases will outline the operational and management plans for the new hubs that are tailored to the needs of the local community.

“RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, supported by RSL NSW, will be able to undertake further consultation with key local veteran, family and service provider stakeholders, allowing them to identify local needs... and maximise benefits for veterans and families,” said Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

ESOs have also been invited by the DVA to submit applications for Hubs in the Central Coast and Hawkesbury regions.

Watch past recordings and join the next meeting, 6–7pm on 20 September.

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10 On the cover

THE PERFECT BALANCE Between the immersion and community of full-time service and the independence of civilian life are the Reserves. Four RSL NSW members provide their unique points of view on the Reservist experience.

Story Chris Sheedy

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any members of RSL NSW, whether they have served full-time in Defence or not, are also members of the Reserves.

It’s a career choice that enables the best of both worlds — the ability to forge a living and family life in the civilian sphere while also developing and keeping a powerful link to the Defence and veteran community.

Of course, the decision to join the Reserves is also one that ensures the individual’s sense of service to their country is fulfilled.

So, what is the experience of the Reserves really like? And what about its precursor, the Citizen Military Forces (CMF)? What is the value in being a Reservist, the satisfaction that keeps parttime servicepeople coming back year after year, and sometimes deploying for months at a time?

To find out, we spoke with four servicepeople at different stages of the Reservist or CMF journey. »

Victor Guevara is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Reserves; he also works for a multinational pharma company.

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12 On the cover

Army Reserve since

2007

VICTOR GUEVARA Redfern RSL sub-Branch

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s others who have served would know, very often you meet people from different places, with different backgrounds and from different walks of life when you join the Army Reserve, which is very enriching and rewarding.

You meet people from so many different careers, professional environments and stages of life, and there’s one thing that is almost universally common between them: they are all the most down-toearth people I’ve ever met.

I’m a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve, and the Chief Financial Officer of the Australia/ New Zealand operations for a US multinational pharma company.

For the Reserves, I generally do about 50 days a year.

I’m a Royal Australian Army Pay Corps Officer, currently posted to the Adjutant General’s branch of Army Headquarters.

Members of our corps provide the capability to deploy financial advisers on operations, and we

help to provide financial advice and assistance with governance and risk for the Army.

I joined the Reserves in 2007, after having been in the civilian workforce for five years. In my mid-20s, I was moved from an expat assignment in Singapore to a small factory in Gosford. I originally thought the business was trying to send me a message. They weren’t, and I had a great career with that business, but it made me want to experience other things.

One day I found an accounting magazine in the lunchroom of the factory. Inside was a story about an accountant who had joined the Reserves.

It was just what I was looking for. Sixteen years later, I’m still in the Reserves and have had numerous fantastic experiences.

Five years ago, I received a phone call asking if I’d like to go to the Middle East for six months for Operation Accordion.

My employer was very gracious and said yes. I was based at the

main Australian logistics base in the Middle East. I was the financial adviser for Operation Accordion for six months, and it was a truly eye-opening experience which I shall never forget.

The Reserves has allowed me to experience a work life and a career outside of what I knew, without actually leaving my civilian work life. I wanted to keep a foot in the door of my civilian career.

But professionally, it has been rewarding in that the Reserves gives me an experience of what it is like to do things outside the corporate environment.

It can be a juggle at times, depending on where you are in your civilian job, and the pressures of that job. But being in the Reserves is quite flexible.

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21 years Royal Australian Navy Reserves since

NICKI YOUNG

2016

Chief Operating Officer, RSL LifeCare

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transitioned out at a time when career opportunities were quite limited. In the Defence health workforce, and beyond the rank of Commander, there were fewer opportunities to progress.

I felt that I was young enough to get out there and do something else. I also had three teenage boys who were in high school and had already been in seven different schools. I made a commitment to them to stabilise.

So it was not an easy decision. It was really all about timing. But I didn’t want to stop serving.

The beauty about serving part-time is that you still get opportunities to reconnect. You just don’t get it day to day.

When you jump out into the workforce it’s exciting, but that sense of belonging draws you back. People in Defence have a real sense of service to their country and their community. You don’t see that everywhere, but it’s a common bond we share in the military.

It’s an esteemed connection.

So, for me, being part-time is great. I get to reconnect with my friends. I get to be involved in what I consider to be important issues around the different regimes and how we might formulate an operational capability to defend our country.

Most people don’t have the context to understand these issues, but when you’re in it, you get to be a part of it.

Being part-time is an absolute commitment. It’s a life outside your current life. It has challenges and new expectations. It’s like having a second job when you already have a full-time job.

Every year I’ve had different commitments and worked on some very cool projects. The first couple of years that I went into the part-time workforce, I supported the Directorate of Navy Health to establish a new branch called Navy Health Service Officers.

At the moment, I’m posted to a position as Staff Officer 1 within the Navy Health Services

Directorate. In Defence, it’s very hard to keep an operational specialist medical workforce because most of the people in Defence are healthy.

But when we go on operations, we need specific technical skills.

So, we have a parallel workforce in Navy Health to ensure a ready and deployable health element if we need to go on operations. I work within that structure.

Sometimes, the challenge in part-time is that those who are permanent don’t always have an appreciation of the extra stresses and obligations part-timers have in their civilian life. Because they haven’t lived that experience, it can be hard for them to contextualise those additional barriers and issues. That can be a frustration, but in terms of the value part-timers bring to the organisation, I think we are absolutely acknowledged. »

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14 On the cover

Reserves

2003–2006 Regular Army

2006–2010 Reserves

JOHN CATTERSON

2010–2022

City of Orange RSL sub-Branch

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oining the Army was something I became interested in during the last couple years of school. But I thought it would be a good idea to go to university first.

So, I enlisted in the Sydney University Regiment in my first year of uni as a way of doing both, with a plan to go into the Regular Army once I finished.

I’ve spent enough time in Defence to see a huge change in attitude towards the Reserves from the early 2000s. Full-time Army staff would sometimes be posted to a Reserve unit and it was seen as a post that was not preferred. They had a chip on their shoulder. It usually took those members 6–12 months before they started to get their head around the Reserves and how it works.

There used to be a marked delineation between fulltimers and Reservists, but now there seems to be much more integration. When I deployed to Iraq in 2007, a couple of the

drivers attached to our platoon were Reservists. That was the first time I saw Reservists and the Regular Army working together so closely.

I have seen this happening more over time; there has been a lot more integration into deployments. In recent years, we’ve seen some really good opportunities for Reservists to get deployments and do courses and get the same skills as fulltime personnel.

I think there’s now a lot more respect than there was. The attitude when I joined the Regular Army was very much that the Reserves don’t count, but I no longer see that attitude when we have full-time people come into the Reserves. There’s much better understanding between service types.

I would now recommend that any person who has separated from the Regular Army should give the Reserves a try. It’s not the same as being full-time, but it does in some way fill that hole.

There’s a similar camaraderie.

There’s a community, and the big difference is that it’s for three hours on a Tuesday night, rather than every living moment. But there’s still a common language, common jobs, common culture and a common understanding.

At the same time, it is a juggle. To have a life or a family is a juggle in the military either way. It can be tricky to have a full-time job and finish at 5pm on a Friday, be down at the unit at 7pm, work the whole weekend and be back in the office on Monday.

But you’re bonding throughout that; the other people around you are in the same position. It’s not easy in the Reserves and it’s not easy in the Regular Army, but you make those sacrifices. »

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SOMETHING UNEXPECTED

Our Reservists tell us what most surprised them about part-time service.

“I thought after a couple of years I would lose interest and move on. But even though I have a successful career outside and am part of other communities, I still feel a real sense of connection and am drawn back. It’s part of who I am, part of my DNA and something I’m really passionate about and connected to.”

— Nicki Young

“The Reserve is surprisingly flexible.

You can even become inactive for a year or two and then come back as an active Reservist.”

— Victor Guevara

“From my time in the Regular Army I have friends all over Australia, but in the Reserves, because it’s in a fixed location and people in that unit come from your town, that local community network is stronger. I have many friends from the Reserves right here in Orange who I can chat with and reach out to for support when I need it.”

— John Catterson

Morning mist over Central West countryside near Orange, where Reservist John Catterson calls home. rslnsw.org.au

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16 On the cover

National Service

1967–1969

ALAN BARNES OAM President, Kingsgrove RSL sub-Branch Junior Vice-President, RSL Far Southern Metropolitan District

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wenty-four hours before I flew out of Vietnam, I was on a tactical area of responsibility patrol. I flew out that same day, and I had no way of telling my family I was coming home. I arrived back at Mascot and grabbed a cab, and the taxi driver asked where I’d been.

I said, “Nui Dat,” and he said, “Where’s that?”, which I found very upsetting.

Ten days later, I was discharged from the Army, which was an unreal circumstance.

I can now understand what recent veterans go through.

They can do multiple tours in Afghanistan, then come home and think, “It’s not that long ago that I was in a war zone, carrying a rifle and fearing for my life.”

With my transition back to civilian life, there was no help. You were in, then you were out. You were home, but you were still over there. And at that time, there were demonstrations and the anti-war movement was really taking hold.

My options had been to do National Service or spend two years in jail. World War II had only finished around 20 years previously, so we all knew a lot of people who had served.

My mother and my father had served. It was part of your upbringing at the time, so off we went, as most of them thought it would be good for us to experience military life.

Six months after my number came out of the barrel, and after completing all my training in preparation to go to Vietnam as part of the reinforcements, the Army sent 70 of us down from Sydney to form the nucleus of the battalion, which was just being formed. We spent the next 12 months in Woodside. I was only left with five months to serve in Vietnam before my time was up.

Part of my motivation when I was called up was to see if I was up to it. So many of my peers had served in World War II, and I wanted to prove I could do it.

At the end of my time, I wanted to extend, but I was told I’d have to sign up for three years. I said if it was another six months I’d do it, but no way would I do three more years.

Now, when I look at Reserves, I have a very high level of respect for the fact that they give up their time. I think it’s terrific that they have the opportunity. Those who want to utilise the skills that Defence has given them.

While it’s different now, the fact is that people can get a lot out of the Reserves. It can be tough, but you’re serving your country. You have it on your record that you’ve served. That’s something that I’m still proud of — putting on the Australian uniform and serving our country.

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EVOLUTION OF THE RESERVES

1911 Australia’s first National Service Scheme begins and lasts throughout World War I. 636,000 men are called to serve in the CMF during the first four years, but none are conscripted into the Australian Imperial Force to serve overseas.

1929 The National Service Scheme is suspended.

1939 The Menzies Government announces compulsory military training will begin in 1940.

1943 A bill is passed to allow for Australian men to be conscripted and sent to war in the South West Pacific. This conscription scheme runs until 1946.

1942 290,000 men are enlisted in the CMF.

1951 Under a new scheme, 18-year-olds are required to undertake 176 days of military training. The scheme ends in 1959.

2000 Legislation passes enabling Reservists to be called up to full-time service and deployment overseas.

1964 A final period of National Service is introduced. Names were chosen via a birthday ballot. This scheme is abolished in 1972.

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DUBBO REGIONAL LGA 1,016 Total veterans

FINDING

FUTURE MEMBERS

188 Members

Dubbo RSL sub-Branch

Census data reveals where RSL NSW support and services are most needed.

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eterans live in communities across the state, but only some of them are RSL NSW members.

Knowing the number of veterans living in each region can help RSL sub-Branches with their outreach efforts and assist the RSL in NSW to achieve its target, outlined in the RSL NSW Strategic Plan 2021-26, of 30,000 members by 2030.

The 2021 Census was the first to include a question on military service and revealed that over 500,000 Australians had previously served or were currently serving in Defence.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has called for further data about veterans to be collected in the future, including the year of discharge.

To inform sub-Branches’ outreach to veterans in their local area, here’s a snapshot of eight regional hubs with either a large number of veterans living locally, or a nearby military base or Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, drawing on Census data for each Local Government Area (LGA).

Census data has also been provided to RSL District Councils.

BATHURST REGIONAL LGA 1,030 Total veterans 206 Members

Bathurst RSL sub-Branch

WAGGA WAGGA LGA 3,046 Total veterans 319 Members

Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch

Blamey Barracks, Kapooka Local base

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TAMWORTH REGIONAL LGA 1,544 Total veterans 200 Members

Tamworth RSL sub-Branch Old Bar Beach RSL sub-Branch has increased its membership in part due to familyfriendly events.

MID-COAST LGA 3,391 Total veterans 91 Members

Old Bar Beach RSL sub-Branch

SUTHERLAND SHIRE LGA 4,574 Total veterans 168 Members

Cronulla RSL sub-Branch

Holsworthy Barracks Local base SHOALHAVEN LGA 5,702 Total veterans 197 Members

ALBURY LGA

HMAS Albatross Local base

1,636 Total veterans 156 Members

Nowra RSL sub-Branch

Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre Local hub

City of Albury RSL sub-Branch

Served more than 900 veterans since launching in December 2022

Want to know what possibilities exist in your LGA? Find out how many veterans live in your local region by accessing the full visualisation on the RSL NSW website. Scan the QR code to view.

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FINDING NEW RELEVANCE IN FAMILY

SUNSET OVER TAMWORTH / DESTINATION NSW

Over the last year, Tamworth RSL sub-Branch has grown by 35 per cent. It’s nothing to do with luck, says President David Howells.

Instead, it’s due to the sub-Branch’s family-first strategy, as embodied by the RSL NSW Strategic Plan.

Story Chris Sheedy

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L

ate last year the Tamworth RSL sub-Branch held a horse-riding day at a property just outside of town. There were activities for all ages, from kids to the elderly, including riding lessons, electric buggy tours of the property and a petting zoo.

A barbecue was laid on, with food and soft drink provided for attendees. That event attracted 50 people, members and nonmembers. It was reported by local media and resulted in several people signing up for new memberships as those in the community realised RSL NSW was more relevant to them than they had previously thought.

SUNSET OVER TAMWORTH / DESTINATION NSW

“It cost us about $2,000 to put that on, and we were limited with our funds, so we had to carry out fundraising activities,” says subBranch President David Howells.

“We do the ANZAC Appeal and Bunnings sausage sizzles.

We have a member who is very good at woodwork who made us a beautiful coffee table with resin insets, which we raffled.

“But importantly, it’s not just about raising money. It’s about educating the public that the RSL is not about beers, parmies and pokies. We’re not that RSL. We’re a charitable organisation.

“That’s an important thing when you’re talking to people, to remind them that’s what we are. That’s what we remind new members of. We’re not a Club. We’re a sub-Branch that offers services to the veteran community and their families.”

Events such as the horse-riding day, Bunnings barbecues and other fundraising activities also offer sub-Branches the opportunity to showcase the branding resources included in the Member Recruitment Toolkit, says Howells.

Through the toolkit, subBranches can print posters and flyers that are pre-populated with QR codes that make membership application immediate and easy for people who are interested in joining up, he says.

By organising family-friendly events and utilising marketing collateral from the toolkit, the sub-Branch has grown from 158 members to 213 members in 12 months. For the four years before that, membership had been declining.

Communicating charitable purpose When the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers, an Australian Army Reserve light-armoured regiment, held an open day recently, it attracted hundreds of people, both military and nonmilitary. They came to see the Bushmasters, armoured trucks, displays, weapons and more.

The Lancers invited related organisations, including the Tamworth RSL sub-Branch, Defence Force Recruiting, Open Arms and Legacy.

“We were there with our gazebo and it proved very valuable for us because it had a number of effects,” says Howells. “It was good to talk to the serving members, who didn’t realise they could join the RSL. They thought they had to be out of the Army Reserve before they could join. »

“Before, we might have only had 40 people [at our Christmas party]. Now, we’re getting close to 100.”

— Tamworth RSL sub-Branch President David Howells

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“We could educate veterans who came through about the services we offer, like advocacy and wellbeing services. And with the general public, we could educate them about the fact that we’re not the RSL Club. We provide for veterans and their families.”

Importantly, the sub-Branch’s efforts at the open day were supported by materials from the Member Recruitment Toolkit that had been printed and laminated.

The materials helped provide a consistent message for those who were only just discovering the true purpose of RSL NSW. “That’s a really important part of what we’re doing here in Tamworth: getting our name out there and reminding people of who we are and what we do,” says Howells.

Friendly to families Over the last 12 months, Howells and his leadership team have overhauled many of the sub-Branch’s meeting and event practices to make them more family-friendly.

The Christmas party used to be at lunchtime on a Wednesday. For the younger working families, that meant they were unable to attend.

The solution was simple — it was moved to a Sunday at the local West Tamworth League Club, which offered the venue for free with discounted meals.

“By moving it to Sunday, we’re now getting better patronage,” says Howells. “Before, we might have only had 40 people. Now, we’re getting close to 100.”

At the annual luncheon after the AGM, where awards are given out to deserving members, a new award was instituted this year.

It’s called the Shanahan Shield in memory of past President Father Tom Shanahan, and is awarded to a member who has done amazing work behind the scenes for the sub-Branch.

“This year, the Shanahan Shield was awarded to a member who absolutely did not expect it, and it really meant a lot to him,” says Howells. “It has kept that member going. He was speechless.”

Some meetings have been moved out of meeting rooms at Clubs and instead have been made a part of family-friendly events. Recently, the meeting was moved to Chaffey Dam, about 40 kilometres out of Tamworth.

Events for families and engagement with the local Reserves base have been central to the subBranch’s outreach.

“You probably think it’s mad in the wintertime to go out to Chaffey Dam,” says Howells. “But we had about 40 people turn up because it was a family fun day.

“And this is an integral part of what we’re doing now: making it more family inclusive. We all went out there, and people took their dogs as well. We had some of the new members there. We had people who weren’t members, but they’re going to become members.

“Hopefully, out of our Chaffey Dam visit, there will be four new members, all younger veterans.”

The sub-Branch’s outreach reflects the family-friendly strategy to membership

“It was good to talk to the serving members, who didn’t realise they could join the RSL. They thought they had to be out of the Army Reserve before they could join.”

— Tamworth RSL sub-Branch President David Howells rslnsw.org.au

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acquisition outlined in the RSL NSW Strategic Plan 2021-26.

New activities, such as coffee catch-ups at various cafes around town, have also been added to the social schedule.

Greater than the sum of its parts A lot of unexpected and positive things come out of events that bring people together, says Howells.

At the coffee meetings, for example, younger veterans and their families come together with other generations and develop powerful networks.

“We have a member who has trained his dog to be an assistance dog, and he is now helping other veterans to train their dogs to do the same,” he says.

“There’s one young woman in particular whose dog has come forward, in leaps and bounds, from being a companion dog to an assistance dog.”

With a membership group that involves people from all age groups, and with an average age in the late 60s, the Tamworth RSL sub-Branch has found great success in ensuring events and communications are relevant across all generations, particularly for families.

“What we do is so important on so many levels,” says Howells.

“As we attract more younger veterans, we have to stay in touch with what they want from us. The only way we can do that is by spending time with them.”

DAVID’S TOP TIPS FOR ATTRACTING NEW MEMBERS Develop a close relationship with local media outlets, including print, radio and television. Let them know about events — they’ll provide valuable reporting, helping to spread the word before and after.

Form positive relationships with local councils as well as State and Federal Members of Parliament. Kevin Anderson MP and Barnaby Joyce MP are both members of the Tamworth RSL sub-Branch.

Keep members informed about what’s going on at the sub-Branch with a regular newsletter or email, and use the RSL NSW Member Recruitment Toolkit to post on social media or engage veterans living in the community.

Develop a following on at least one social media platform. In Tamworth, that’s Facebook. That way, you can also create connections with non-members and with members of the RSL NSW family in other parts of the state.

Speaking of RSL NSW members outside your own sub-Branch, invite them to your events and travel to theirs. That way, successful ideas can be shared.

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MOU IN ACTION How RSL sub-Branches in the Northern Beaches, Dee Why RSL Club and RSL LifeCare Veteran Services are working together to deliver services and support to veterans.

Story Lachlan Haycock

T

wo years ago, RSL sub-Branches in Sydney’s Northern Beaches identified the need to establish a centre that catered for the wellbeing of local veterans.

A facility run by Veterans Centre Australia had recently closed its doors, leaving veterans and their families without a critical lifeline to essential support and services.

“A lot of younger veterans who transition out of Defence want to live on the Northern Beaches,” says Bob Lunnon, President of Forestville RSL sub-Branch and the Northern Beaches District Council. “We do have a very good lifestyle ­— and we’re blessed with beautiful beaches.

“But sometimes, circumstances such as homelessness or employment issues may unfortunately eventuate.”

which has been designed with the ‘hub and spoke’ mdoel of services outlined in the RSL NSW Strategic Plan 2021-26.

The closing of the Veterans Centre Australia facility provided the impetus for sub-Branches in the district to collaborate with Dee Why RSL Club and RSL NSW’s charity partner RSL LifeCare Veteran Services to establish a new centre — one that would provide essential housing and employment support, education and skills training, and DVA claims support to veterans who need it.

“We needed to work with a supportive RSL Club,” explains Lunnon. “The Dee Why RSL Club provided office space for the centre on its fourth floor.”

From plan to execution A number of ingredients were necessary to establish the new Northern Beaches Veteran Wellbeing Centre,

The Club has committed to providing $1 million in funding.

“After the 2022 State Congress, we started a dialogue with David Anderson, Executive General Manager of RSL LifeCare Veteran Services,” says Lunnon.

That resulted in us having David along to our Northern Beaches District Council meetings to provide an update on services.”

The third element was a network of supportive RSL sub-Branches,

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“We also have to think outside our own membership and make sure we’re fulfilling our charitable purpose by looking after all veterans and their families, not only our current members.”

— Bob Lunnon

including Forestville, Balgowlah, Avalon and Dee Why, who were each willing to contribute to the centre via the RSL NSW Veteran Support Fund.

“Once we brought all those elements together, we started to see progress, and our District’s sub-Branches are now fundraising to support the centre,” says Lunnon.

Fruits of collaboration The establishment of the centre is an example of what can be accomplished when RSL subBranches collaborate with local Clubs and RSL LifeCare Veteran Services to support veterans and families in the community.

It also embodies the purpose of an MoU between RSL subBranches, ClubsNSW and

the RSL & Services Clubs Association — an MoU which aims to promote stronger bonds between RSL sub-Branches and Clubs regardless of whether there is a historical link.

RSL NSW remains committed to furthering links at a governance level, with a view to sending representatives to the upcoming Clubs NSW conference and the RSL & Services Clubs Association conference.

“The feedback from our members has been nothing but positive,” says Lunnon. “But we also have to think outside our own membership and make sure we’re fulfilling our charitable purpose by looking after all veterans and their families, not only our current members.”

OPEN THE TOOLKIT The Clubs Engagement Toolkit, created by RSL NSW in collaboration with ClubsNSW and the RSL & Services Clubs Association, can be used to engage the services, facilities and support of local Clubs. Download the Working with Clubs guide and other resources in the toolkit to promote the partnership between your sub-Branch and local Clubs to better engage veterans and families.

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TOGETHER WE STAND Brigette Glynn is on a mission to ensure female veterans have someone to speak to when they need support — and Dubbo RSL sub-Branch President Shaun Graham is ready to help.

As told to Jessica Abelsohn

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Brigette Glynn Brigette Glynn has recently started sharing her experiences in Defence, including her experiences of trauma that led to a diagnosis of PTSD. While some memories are difficult to talk about, she believes that the more she speaks up, the more willing others will be to share their own experiences.

G

rowing up, Mum wasn’t really into schooling, and when I considered courses at TAFE, I couldn’t find anything that drew my attention. So Dad took me to the Army recruitment centre. I walked in, fell in love and signed up. Defence was in my blood.

After Kapooka, I moved around Australia a fair bit before I was medically discharged in Sydney.

Pretty early on I realised that it was a very different experience for women in Defence. When you sign up, you become part of the military personnel. For women, this could mean feeling sexualised by other personnel or told to ‘man up’. In my case, I felt I lost my femininity.

There are so many female veterans who need support, and as women, we are here to support one another. But the men support us too, and that’s what’s so special about the Dubbo sub-Branch.

Things are slowly changing for the better. It’s not all about having a drink, it’s about improving mental health, learning to do other things, broadening your horizons and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Younger veterans have seen how staying quiet has impacted older veterans, such as those who served in Vietnam. We don’t want to be like that.

There are always going to be people who don’t want to talk about their experiences, and that’s OK. That’s one of the main reasons I joined the sub-Branch. If I don’t step up, who will? I have to pave the way, just like other women who have come before me.

At the Dubbo RSL sub-Branch, I’m not made to do all the jobs that were once associated with women. I’m an equal part of the committee, part of the team. The difference is that I now have lots of uncles and brothers who accept me for who I am. Being involved has really pulled me out of my shell.

Another big offering is our drop-in centre, which is open to everyone. There’s a library and computers. We have a support worker and a DVA Claims Advocate to help those in need.

It’s where we host most of our events; we had a movie night not long ago with a big open fire. We also hold barbecues and have a vegetable garden going in.

For any women looking to join an RSL sub-Branch, or even for those who don’t feel like they’re ready to go into one, my phone is always on. I’m always here to talk to fellow female veterans, because I’ve been there. It’s quite daunting to go into a place full of old fellas, but I’ve never felt more protected in all my life. I’m very much loved and looked after. »

“If I don’t step up, who will? I have to pave the way, just like other women who have come before me.”

— Brigette Glynn rslnsw.org.au

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warrior image prominent in the Army, women tend to downplay their role in the service. But like any profession, women fill many jobs in the military.

It’s important they are recognised the same as men.

Dubbo sub-Branch President Shaun Graham is a strong advocate for ensuring female veterans feel safe and supported.

G

oing into Defence isn’t the most popular of professions for a young boy growing up in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

When I joined up, a lot of my friends were taken aback. But it was the best decision of my life, and something I wanted to do from when I was young.

After a stint in the UK where I was embedded in the British Army, I came back to Dubbo, where my wife at the time had

moved to be closer to her family while I was away. The moment I landed, the Dubbo RSL subBranch gave me an application form. I’m now the president.

I met Brigette through the subBranch. From the beginning, she sought to get more female veterans involved, and it’s something the entire sub-Branch supports.

Regardless of who you are or where you come from, when you join Defence you join a club.

Sometimes, because of the

There’s an understanding that if there’s a car in the driveway, someone is there and anyone is welcome to pop in. We’ve had veterans drop in from as far as Bourke, Nyngan and Cobar.

To those women looking to join a sub-Branch, I’d simply say take the plunge. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Here at Dubbo, we’re very welcoming, and I’m sure other sub-Branches are as well. Give it a crack because it’s a good thing to get involved in.

“We’re trying to build a culture here. It’s not all beers and pokies, it’s about helping and looking out for one another.”

— Shaun Graham

IMAGE: RICHARD DOBSON

Shaun Graham

It’s brilliant that Brigette feels so comfortable and safe here at the sub-Branch. We’re trying to build a culture here. It’s not all beers and pokies, it’s about helping and looking out for one another. That’s what the drop-in centre is all about.

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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:

AD

Advertising material, including signage, posters and banners, to help you publicise your sub-Branch to local veterans and their families

[image] Mockup

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

IMAGE: RICHARD DOBSON

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.

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

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30 Sub-Branch news

The rededicated cenotaph is located in the MacCabe Park Memorial Complex in the middle of Wollongong.

CITY OF WOLLONGONG

CENOTAPH REDEDICATED ON ANNIVERSARY

On its 100th anniversary, the Wollongong Cenotaph was rededicated at a ceremony attended by guests including the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW; RSL NSW President

Ray James OAM; and RSL Auxiliary State Coordinator Pauline James.

The cenotaph’s stone and marble had been professionally cleaned and repaired via a grant from

Culburra BeachOrient Point RSL sub-Branch members gather in the Commemorative Courtyard.

Heritage NSW and funding awarded by Wollongong City Council.

City of Wollongong RSL sub-Branch President John Sperring reflected on the work that went into the restoration and the importance of the cenotaph for the city of Wollongong and its citizens.

“It’s important that the sub-Branch organises these events for the benefit of the local community,” he said.

Soldiers from Bravo Company 4th/3rd Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment, provided a catafalque party, while the HARS Aviation Museum overflew the ceremony in magnificent fashion with a Grumman S2 Tracker, a Douglas DC3 and a de Havilland Caribou transport.

“It was an absolute pleasure to attend this wonderful event,” noted Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes MP on Facebook afterwards. “The cenotaph looks great!”

CULBURRA BEACH-ORIENT POINT

LAST POST CEREMONY

Members of the Culburra Beach-Orient Point RSL subBranch travelled to Canberra recently to tour the Australian War Memorial and attend the Last Post Ceremony, which is held daily in the Commemorative Courtyard.

“It was a wonderful weekend made even better by the staff at the AWM,” remarked subBranch Honorary Secretary Bob Colligan. “We totally recommend attending the Last Post Ceremony.”

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

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NOWRA / NEWTOWN

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR VETERANS’ FAMILIES

The family members of veterans have received scholarships, supported by RSL sub-Branches, via a program administered by the Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust, or AVCAT. Scholarships and bursaries are available for tertiary students who are the children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans. The Long Tan Bursaries, funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, are available for the children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans.

Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enrol in a full-time course for one or more academic years at a university or TAFE in 2024, and be the child, stepchild, foster child or grandchild of an Australian veteran.

Applications for the next round of AVCAT scholarships close on 31 October.

MACLEAN

FUN AND FAMILY FRIENDLY

Maclean RSL sub-Branch recently held a family BBQ bowls day at the Maclean Bowling Club and attracted a stellar attendance, with 48 people joining for lunch and a social game of bowls.

Veterans were invited to bring their family for some fun and the chance to meet other veterans living in the area.

FIND INSPIRATION. Read how five other subBranches are embracing social interaction and physical activity via the RSL NSW Sport and Recreation Program.

Results for the 2023 program will be announced at the State Congress in October.

KNOW THEIR STORIES. Read the experiences of two scholarship recipients on the RSL NSW website.

AUXILIARY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, INGLEBURN Members of the Ingleburn RSL Auxiliary have celebrated a major milestone. The Auxiliary is still going strong even as it reached 90 years. In response, members organised a celebratory dinner event that included cake and a stall.

KEEP UP TO DATE. Read the latest news from the RSL Auxiliary.

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NAVY

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

ARNDELL, JJ R53483 BAYLISS, MJ 2535 BELL, TA R286742 BENJAMIN, DHJ R53680 BRAND, EA R143664 BRIGGS, R S11127 BROWN, SI R42109 BUSHELL, RR R57729 BYRNE, P R116195 CHETHAM, JA R52852 COCHRAN, NG 44842 COLEMAN, RF S/9788 DAVIDSON, LI S10614 DOKTER, WB 8054397 FLYNN, WA R50820 FRANCIS, P R94205 FRASER, R ONB/4712 GRAY, IG R35983 GUNN, D O471 HALLEN, MW O42217 HAMPSON, CE 576103 HAMPSTEAD, S R63714 HARDY, B R62511 HARRIS, RG O498 HARTLEY, AH 51500 HASLER, AJ R45470 HILAN, CJ P37619 HOLMES, RJ R52581 HUGHES, DM R111584 ILLINGWORTH, DL R143081 JACKSON, AV R42934 JENKINS, E R37798 JOHANSEN, EJ R116527 JOHNSON, AR R57564 LEEPERE, KJ W8076295 LEONARD, KD 8521861 MACGREGOR, WL R112274 MARKHAM, FM R123841 MARTIN, JV 137744 MAYS, GJ R63488 MCGOVERN, FJ S3478 MCPHEE, KJ R38215 MEE, SA P41683 MONTGOMERY, RH R51322 MORAN, RF R65503 MORGANS, CS R27581 NIKOLIC, GM R96396

O’NEILL, JG 0/42082 PEPPER, W H2762 PETERSON, RH R52035 PLATT, WG 38233 RANKIN, J R37087 ROSS, NJ 47956 SEAKINS, KM W116082 SIMMONS, LW 35907 SIMPSON, DW R53843 SLUITER, HAC R62407 SPARGO, RA 64593 STOERMER, WL 33830 VANDERVORD, HL R94337 VOYSEY, NF S10679 WATTS, LR R55409 WEBSTER, JW R276982 WHITE, AD R45031 WIGGINS, KD 8521861 WINTER, JC R45652

ARMY ALLEN, BL 2/749585 ANGELOPOULOS, S 2787024 ANNUNZIATO, A JX608345 ATKINSON, CF 13669 BARKLEY, JA VX97012 BARRY, DG 313457 BECKETT, DAT 3055168 BELBIN, RM 2/10012 BELL, AT 3410775 BIRD, LJ NX161060 BLAXLAND, PG 2/758213 BOOTES, BE 28972 BOWEN, WL NX193368 BRIANT, HR NX178315 BROADHEAD, CJ 2790762 BROOKES, RL 2/728155 BROWN, RS NX143644 BURNS, RR 21161 BURTON, RL 25112 BUXTON, AG NX28490 CAMPBELL, JW NX9915 CANNON, JS 5716793 CARNEY, A 219575 CARROLL, EL NX140956 CLARK, JS NX173309 CLARKE, GJ 438192 COLEMAN, DE 2792534

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COOPER, CA 2794939 COTTER, PF 221791 COWDREY, DT 218052 CRANE, CT NX127224 CROCKETT, AJ 2/705816 DANCE, LE PX218 DIXON, DP NX178982 DOULL, DW 840003 DUFTY, PSW 37077 ENSBEY, TM NX504041 EVANS, AG 212984 EVANS, PJ 2782428 EYLES, RE 2782457 EZZY, MJ 25523 FULLER, LG 2791750 GALLEAR, NM F2316 GARNER, LA 3/714283 GEORGE, AD 2805651 GILBERT, RJ NX146703 GRECH, AJ 4495 GREEN, IW 2792874 GROVES, PW 2789495 HAGERTY, RE 335096 HANA, JS 2714122 HANLON, RJ 3794375 HARPER, RJ 63109 HARROLD, LF 2789735 HICKS, RL 2784544 HILLS, WS 238947 HILTON, GW 2226075 HINTON, PA NX200819 HOGAN, PD 2412571 HONNER, WE NX207061 HOOKE, AG 2786487 HUTSON, RW 3793658 INGHAM, A MX620513 INGRAM, JC NX179862 IRVINE, GK 2781809 JACKSON, B 3793614 JERMYN, GR 222549 KEATING, B 2784005 KELLY, WF 24843 KELLY, TA 2798715 KEMP, GH 2784368 KENNEDY, PM 2782603 KILBY, GJ 2797008

KILDAY, J 2796319 KIMBREY, FH N452600 KING, RL Q119744 LAWSON, PB 2782725 LEGGETT, CE 215340 LINCOLN, JR 2/778951 LIPPIS, SW 8516364 LOMINGA, R QX60066 MACDONALD, RR 2/401488 MACDONALD, AW NX150414 MACKENZIE, JP 1/410587 MACWILLIAM, PA 56096 MALCOLM, JK 24737 MANCE, LL V175679 MARTIRE, P NX174500 MCDONALD, T 2787164 MCDOUGALL, JB 2786273 MCNUFF, LJ VX503025 MCPHERSON, DK NX206408 MELOV, J NX175722 MONAGHAN, OJ N251161 MONAGHAN, RS 215821 MOONEY, JVP VX6855 MORRIS, EW 214033 MOULANG, NJ NX121451 MURPHY, AT 1410821 NANCE, MC NX501382 NAUGHTON, RV 27590 NOLAN, RJ QX500508 O’DWYER, PR NX130741 O’NEILL, RJ 335113 OXFORD, TD 2783782 PARISH, RL 17725 PARTRIDGE, RJ 8235430 PETERSEN, RB NX506138 PETFIELD, EK NF454148 PINNEY, B 29193 PISANI, CF NX192904 PIZZOL, A N425193 PRATT, AJ 325438 PYE, DCV 13187 PYE, JD 23469 RAINSFORD, RG NX162794 REGAN, RM NF440763 RINGROSE, RP NX90813 ROACH, RT NZ434682

ROACH, JN NX176376 ROGERS, J NX180897 ROSE, JM NF479042 RUHE, SA VX146451 SALOWAY, KJ 215525 SCHOFIELD, CR NX128083 SCOTT, PF 2792767 SEYFFER, LJ N5345 SHAY, CT 213974 SIBRAA, KJ 2263302 SLATTERY, TF 223163 SMART, MJ 2796166 SMITH, NI VF515072 SMITH, TJ 276640 SMITH, RA NX143440 SOUTAR, RI 2243334 SPILLANE, DE 270198 STONE, MJ 2794357 SULTER, KR NX140875 SUMMERSIDE, A NX126261 TAYLOR, J 3788836 TAYLOR, CB NX100404 TAYLOR, EA 13091 THOMPSON, LD NX205749 THOMPSON, W NA TITMUSS, TV 2783005 TUCKEY, JE NF455490 TURNER, JJR NX127646 WADE, JD N389679 WAGNER, K 216585 WARD, DC N460706 WATSON, KW NX165003 WEISE, GE 2787091 WHITE, RL 219679 WHITESIDE, HT 215409 WICKHAM, MJ NF451900 WILKINSON, KH NX51184 WOODS, KW NX39475 YOUNG, WD 2265234

RAAF BRYANT, GJ A17439 BATES, MD A24468 BIGGART, MI 108336

BURNS, BP A111509 BUXTON, AG 43476 CALLENDER, D 134400 COLLIER, TJ A22223 CORNISH, DR A217583 DICK, DJ A24910 FANKER, DA 2795034 FOSTER, WV 426972 GLASSON, G 044207 GODDEN, GR 422043 GORDON, WTR 120475 GOSBEE, FG 217039 GRAVOLIN, NJ 164442 GREEN, MI 174039 JENNINGS, JF A224766 JOHNSTON, RA 145058 KENNARD, DC 446054 KNIGHT, JB 159752 LACEY, J 108505 LAVERY, PM 174002 MARTIN, JV 137744 MCKINNON, GL 64185 MCMANUS, JB 417965 MCTAGGART, LA O1802 MELLISH, VL 71045 MORGAN, PF A217639 MURPHY, TJ A230898 NORTH, JV 24926 OSTARA, AD A217779 PAYTON, MR A125886 PORTLOCK, A A45037 PRITCHATT, KC A218624 RANDAL, FP A21064 RAYNER, EK 134556 RICHARDSON, G 53855 ROBERTS, IC 443199 ROBINSON, LA 439379 SANDERSON, KA A19144 SIMPSON, RN 61716 SKILTON, J 166281 SULLIVAN, JF 9166 TAYLOR, K 444813 TIPLER, TD 8516390 TREADWELL, JA 37600 WARD, AR A221617

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

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34 Snapshot

VIETNAM VETERANS’ DAY 18 AUGUST 2023

At a commemorative service in Sydney, RSL NSW President Ray James OAM apologised to veterans who were refused membership by some RSL sub-Branches upon their return home. “The Returned and Services League in NSW strives to be a place of protection and safety, of camaraderie and union, where every veteran is welcome and no one is left behind,” he said. “We all have a part to play in achieving that.”

rslnsw.org.au

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35

RSL NSW Election 2023 Voting guide and candidate information

Have your say in the direction of RSL NSW by voting for the new President and Board Directors.

Eligible members have one vote for their preferred candidate for President, and one vote for each Board Director vacancy.

Turn over to learn more about each candidate.

T H E

P R I C E

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

rslnsw.org.au

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ABOUT THE ELECTION

Voting opens on 12 September 2023 and the results will be announced at the RSL NSW State Congress and AGM in October.

Link Market Services has been appointed as the independent Returning Officer to officiate and conduct the 2023 Election.

Candidate information on the following pages appears in the same order as on the ballot paper.

VOTING TIMELINE

Voting opens: Tuesday 12 September 2023

Voting closes: Monday 9 October 2023

Results announced: Tuesday 24 October 2023

HOW TO VOTE

The easiest and fastest way to vote is online via the secure voting portal.

Eligible members may instead vote using a ballot paper requested from the Returning Officer.

Full details about how to vote are available online.

Scan the QR code to learn more or cast your vote, or contact the Returning Officer on 1800 260 668

September Reveille – Board Election insert .indd 36

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37

NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR PAUL RAYMOND JAMES

CHARLES HAROLD NEW

BA, LLB, GDLP, DipPolPrac

OAM, MBBS, FRACS, FA Orth A, AFRACMA A/FACAsM, JP

DOUGLAS WAYNE CLARKE

Mobile: 0403 369 257

Phone: 02 4731 4855

Mobile: 0419 185 890

Phone: 1300 185 196

Email: nepeanorthopaedicclinic@gmail.com

Email: douglaswclarke1949@gmail.com

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CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

Director, Operation Legal Australia Pty Ltd Director, The Pineapple Express Veteran Community Ltd

Nil

Nil

Email: paulj@olegalaustralia.com.au

am a Principal of a veteran owned Law Firm.

I am currently undertaking a Masters of Law and have completed a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts (History, Government & International Relations), Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Diploma of Policing Practice, Certificate IV in Investigations (Government), Legal Practice Management Course. I was previously a Sergeant in the NSW Police Force and Corporal in the Australian Army with operational service on OP RESOLUTE (Border Protection) and OP ASTUTE (Timor Leste). I am a fourth generation RSL member and have been involved with sub-Branches and the RSL for many years as a volunteer.

As a solicitor I am representing a large number of veterans at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and I understand that the RSL plays an important role in supporting veterans and their families. I would be honoured to represent the members of the League and advocate on their behalf for greater transparency and accountability. The RSL is a large member based organisation and has an important role to play now and into the future. The Board elected in 2023 will need to understand the Royal Commission Recommendations and be prepared to make brave and difficult decisions to ensure the RSL can provide more support to veterans and their families.

t is my pleasure to nominate for the Director’s position in NSW RSL. With over three decades of Military service, including service in education in the United Kingdom and in the United States as well as multiple deployments operationally, I have had the privilege of holding senior leadership positions including Surgeon General ADF Reserve, and contributing to the education and development of the deployable health capability.

In my professional capacity as an Orthopaedic Surgeon, I have supported the Veterans’ Health Community with medical review of veterans prior to DVA applications and have provided consultative opinions to the VRB and DVA. Further to this, I am a patron of the RAAMC Association, Australian Vietnam Veterans’, and Peacekeepers Association. I have held board positions in my professional association at a National and State level, having served for over a decade as a General Director and Treasurer in the Australian Orthopaedic Association Board.

I have had six years’ experience in medical ethics at the University of Sydney and am currently an advisor on NSW Health Committees for health governance.

It is my ambition to participate in the governance of NSW RSL, and also provide advice for the health challenges for veterans, both during their service ‘and in retirement through direct consultation and networking, to assist with the challenges facing veterans and their families.

rmy Service from 11th March 1969 to 14th August 1974. Posted to 142 Signal Squadron, Lidcombe, 8th Signal Regiment.

Rank Lance Corporal. Awarded National Service and Australian Defence Medals.

Service member RSL NSW for (20) years.

Initially joined Fairfield before transferring to Smithfield. Since joining I have been active in supporting Veterans. Appointed - Committee member Fairfield (2) years, Smithfield (5) years. Secretary Smithfield for (8) years.

Current Vice President and Trustee, Smithfield. Have been sub-branch Delegate State Council, Delegate Far Western Metropolitan District Council, conducted RSL Funeral Tributes and Anzac Services at primary and high schools, MC at Anzac and other memorial services and camaraderie activities.

Addressed Directors from the former State Council and RSL NSW Board. Had the honour of laying a wreath at a Last Post Service, held at the Pool of Remembrance, Canberra in memory of Leo McCarthy, Smithfield, WW1 and WW2. Mentioned in a speech on Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention in the House of Representatives. Obtained a grant for funding work in the Leo McCarthy Memorial Park, Smithfield. Having a wide range of experience in RSL activities, I consider the knowledge gained over (20) years, equips me to be a Director, RSL NSW Board and I seek your support.

rslnsw.org.au

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38

NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR

SARAH WATSON

DAVID MCCANN

MICK BAINBRIDGE

OAM, OAM(Mil), JP, GAICD

LLB, BComm, GDLP, GAICD

Mobile: 0459 934 793

Mobile: 0427 273 044

Mobile: 0421 552 154

Email: sarwatson78@icloud.com

Email: dmccann@rslnsw.org.au

Phone: 1300 185 196 Email: mickb@olegalaustralia.com.au

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CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

Nil

Director, RSL NSW

Director, Operation Legal Australia Pty Ltd

am a veteran of the Australian Army serving primarily as an Intelligence Officer from 1997-2015, including a 7-month deployment in Iraq. I am a dedicated member of the Yass sub-Branch and the inaugural Chair and member of the RSL NSW Young Veterans’ Committee. For eight years I have been advocating for veterans and their families and raising awareness of their needs and the challenges they face, particularly as a result of their operational experiences and transitioning from the ADF. I am regularly engaged in public speaking events with the ADF, Government agencies, and schools.

As a veteran, spouse of a veteran, and a parent I am a strong spokesperson for military families. Since I was medically retired from the Army in 2015 and during a period of personal growth, I have used sports as a vehicle for new challenges and experiences. I have competed internationally including the Invictus Games and world championship events for Ironman, triathlon, and cycling. I deliver trauma-informed yoga and fitness classes to veterans and coordinate sports and recreation activities to enhance the wellbeing of veterans in my local community. My experience as a member and a leader within the League has led to my decision to nominate for the Board. I am committed to working with my fellow members and representing their views if elected.

am a RAAF Veteran, having served from 1979 to 1994 as a Loadmaster. After leaving the RAAF, I joined the NSW Police. In 2003 I was seconded to the AFP for a tour of East Timor. In 2008 I was elected as a Councillor on the Coolamon Shire Council in rural NSW and in January 2022, was elected as the Mayor and continue to serve my community in that role. I am a Life Member of the RSL, I have held executive positions at Sub Branch and District level and in 2020, I was elected to the Board of RSLNSW. I have completed the AICD Company Directors course and hold a Diploma of Public Administration. I Chair the Veterans Services & Policy Committee and represent RSLNSW on the National Veterans Advisory Committee.

Through these committees, RSL NSW is achieving real change for Veterans in NSW. Examples include advocating for an increase in Veterans’ Home Care funding, resulting an additional $70.6 million over four years to increase Veterans’ Home Care fees for domestic assistance and personal care services and advocating for accessible ADTP Advocate mentors to improve training and availability of advocates Win NSW. I am standing for the position of RSL NSW President/Director to continue working for Veterans and to ensure the RSL through our sub branches remains the leading ESO in NSW.

am a Director & Solicitor of a veteran owned and operated law firm. I am a Returned Serviceman with 5 deployments (4 to Afghanistan and 1 to East Timor). The majority of my time in the Army was served as a Commando in Special Forces. I have completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce, a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course. I served on the RSL NSW Board previously and was Vice President Southern Country. I was part of a Board that implemented governance and accountability reforms as part of the Bergin Inquiry.

I have been an advocate for issues impacting veterans and families at various levels of government. Over the term of this new Board we will see implementation of Veteran Legislation Reforms and the conclusion of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. I believe I have the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to ensure that your Board can advocate on behalf of members and veterans to achieve positive outcomes for veterans. I am committed to being a voice for members at the Board level and want to ensure that we can all ensure our League is doing what it can to assist veterans and their families.

Director, Corrimal RSL Memorial Club Limited

teran

rslnsw.org.au

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39 ALVARO CHARRY

JACINTA BESSIE HARMER

HOWARD CHARLES BELL

MMDS (ANU)

LLB, GDLP, LLM, M App Law (Family Law) M App Law (FDRP)

BA, LLB, GDLP, DipPolPrac

Email: alvaro.charry@gmail.com

Mobile: 0402 680 172

Mobile: 0408 251 849

Email: jacintaharmer@live.com.au

Email: howardcbell@aol.com

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CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

Nil

Director, The Pineapple Express Veteran Community Ltd

Non-Executive Director, Coast Shelter

served in the Army for 27 years, starting as a soldier and reaching the rank of Corporal before graduating from the Royal Military College in 2005. I have had numerous combat deployments with experience in commanding combat troops and working within Multinational Headquarters. I also have experience in the Public sector having been seconded to DFAT during the COVID-19 pandemic for six months to assist with planning the Federal Government’s response in support of our Pacific partners. I have had the honour of working as Aide-de-Camp to Quentin Bryce and Peter Cosgrove in their capacity as Governor-General.

I was medically discharged in April 2023, an experience that greatly challenged me and my family. Since leaving the ADF, I have focused on studying. I am enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Canberra. My wife and I have also launched an HR Consulting Firm. I was elected as Secretary of the Yass Sub Branch in February 2023, in this capacity I have been able to support Veterans of the Yass Valley through numerous initiatives. I am a passionate advocate and have nominated myself for election as a Director of the RSL NSW Board as I believe we need more representation from regional NSW and I know I will have a positive impact.

am a Solicitor of a veteran owned and operated Law Firm. I have completed a Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University (majoring in Criminology), Master of Laws at the Australian National University, Master of Family Law at the College of Law and a Master of Family Dispute Resolution Practice at the College of Law. I have previously served in the Royal Australian Navy.

In my role as a Solicitor, I represent a large number of veterans and their families at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, as well as assist veterans with navigating DVA and Criminal Law. I have been avid in volunteering with ESOs and assisting the veteran community is something I am extremely passionate about and believe that it is a vocation. I have an understanding of the role in which the RSL plays in continuing to support veterans and their families, as well as the drive to ensure that support continues.

s a director I will be a strong and clear voice for veterans, members, subBranches and District Councils. I will strive to optimise consultation, collaboration, and support across RSL NSW. I will also champion the current work in progress for securing the very best of care, support and nurture for veterans and their families.

My priorities as a Board member will include encouraging the application of resources towards campaigning for new and better public policies in favour of protecting veterans from homelessness. The current research data showing that members of the veteran community are almost three times more at risk of homelessness than members of the general community is a clear call to action in favour of new legal protections.

I will bring to the Board a wealth of contemporary knowledge and experience in a range of fields including law, regulation, governance and assurance and social justice campaigning. I am currently in my 35th year in the Army Reserve and have held positions including company commander, instructor and governance audit team leader. In my civilian career I am a government legal specialist. I have taught extensively at TAFE NSW and at universities.

I am currently Vice President, Ourimbah Lisarow Sub-Branch and a sitting member of the Board of Directors of Coast Shelter. I sit on the Policy Advisory Council of Homelessness NSW and have previously been on other Boards including Shelter NSW. I will at all times strive to be your voice on the Board.

rslnsw.org.au

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40

NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR

MARTIN DUTTON

PHILIP GERBER

PETER JOHN WATSON

MBA, BSc

LL.M. (UTS), M.Crim. (Syd)

Commander RAN (Retd) JP

Mobile: 0419 224 740

Mobile: 0408 218 940

Mobile: 0428 523 800

Email: martin.dutton@majortraining.com.au

Email: philipgerberrsl@exemail.com.au

Email: watmedia6@bigpond.com

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am a member of RSL NSW, a veteran and I believe that RSL NSW should be focused on assisting veterans to the best possible degree.

I served in the Army for sixteen years and spent six months as a UN Peacekeeper in Iran.

Since leaving the service I have been the Managing Director of a training company that provides management training services to Defence and other government agencies. We provide DVA’s internal training, as well as act as the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the Advocate Training Development Program. We also assess transitioning Defence members to determine what civilian qualifications they are competent in, for the Defence RTO to then issue a nationally recognised qualification. We employ a number of veterans and are seeking more.

My company actively supports Soldier On and Legacy, as well as other charities.

I am married with two boys who both worked / work in Defence. I am a keen Sydney Swans fan and was active with the Manly Bombers Junior AFL Club for over ten years. I was the President and Vice – President of the local primary school P&C for four years and on the School Council for almost 10 years.

I believe in service to the community and, as I ease back at work, think it is time to give back to the veteran community. I believe my commercial experience, as well as years of training people about managing public funds would be very useful as a Director of RSL NSW.

etired Barrister (10 yrs) and Solicitor (24 yrs). Inaugural Director of Professional Standards. Set up child protection policies, structures and procedures for a national-wide Church with 40,000+ unpaid volunteers in suburbs and towns across the country.

Served on committees, boards and councils for three schools, six not-for-profit groups and numerous church governance bodies in NSW and NT. This broad experience in voluntary organisations with widespread geographical membership gives me the perspective and ability to hear from diverse, grass-roots people, understand their concerns, analyze and distill issues and to apply this to the on-going direction of RSL NSW. Served twenty years as an Army Reserve Infantry, soldier and officer (Captain) and then ten years on the RAAF Specialist Reserve Legal Panel (Squadron Leader).

retired from the RAN in 2013 after 40 years of active service, including deployment to Vietnam. I have also worked at the CEO and senior executive level in the Insurance, Rehabilitation, Banking, and IT Consulting industries over a period of ten years.

I joined RSL NSW in 1983 and have held positions as Honorary Secretary, Vice President, President and Trustee of various sub-Branches. I am now attached to the Harbord sub-Branch.

I am a member of the RSL NSW Disciplinary Tribunal Review Panel, the Strategic Plan Implementation Steering Committee, Chairman of the District Rationalisation Working Group, and Alternate Delegate to the Northern Beaches District Council.

I am the Chairman of Bradley’s Head Naval Memorial Committee, Secretary of the Australia Remembers Northern Beaches and North Shore Committee, President of the HMAS Hobart Association and Secretary of the Naval Officers Club of Australia.

I am committed to supporting my fellow members and the wider veteran community. I have actively contributed to the continuing success of the implementation of the RSL NSW Strategic Plan and actively champion its goals.

As a member of the League for 40 years, I have a sound understanding of how subBranches function and the issues our volunteers face. I have significant experience in and knowledge of governance requirements and strategic business change initiatives.

If elected, I will bring a wealth of Defence, veteran, and commercial financial experience to the Board, together with a deep passion for, and a commitment to, improving outcomes for veterans and their families.

CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

Director, MTS Superannuation Fund

Nil

Nil

rslnsw.org.au

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41 LOUISE ANNE SULLIVAN

PHILLIP CHIN

JASON PETER HAZELL

FAICD, FGIA FCG (CS, CGP) GradDipARMCG, GDipMilLaw, GradDipACG, LL.M (Applied Law) majoring in In-house Practice, LL.M (Legal Practice), LL.B (Hons)

CPA, GAICD, BCom, MRM

BSc, MFin, GAICD

Mobile: 0414 494 025

Mobile: 0405 108 668

Mobile: 0423 783 749

Email: louiseannesullivan@gmail.com

Email: pchin@rslnsw.org.au

Email: jhazell@rslnsw.org.au

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CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

Executive Director, The Cleary Bros Group Elected Director, New South Wales Netball Association, Director, RSL NSW

Director, RSL NSW

Director, RSL NSW

rofessionally I have had over 22 years of experience as a business adviser, leader, Board Chair and Director with broad management skills leading diverse teams in professional (legal), heavy industry, sporting and military environments. As a qualified lawyer, risk and governance professional, I currently work as Chief Operating Officer of a leading independent construction materials business (P&L > $100m). I am a Board Director and Company Secretary of that Group.

After graduating as a General Service Officer from the Royal Military College, Duntroon (2006, Reserve) I actively served for over 13 years as an Army Reservist in the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police and Australian Army Legal Corps, obtaining the rank of Captain.

I am currently an elected Councillor of Sutherland Shire Council.

Since 2015 I have been a Director and from 2018-23 the President (and Chairperson) of Netball NSW, one of Australia’s largest state sporting bodies.

Our veterans deserve a strong and sustainable RSL to represent them.

If supported for re-election to the RSL NSW Board, I offer my diverse skills, independent mindset and commitment. Particularly my deep experience in membership-based organisations has instilled in me the importance not only of strong governance and strategy-led decision-making, but of a continual connection with our members to ensure all voices are represented (a genuine passion of mine).

Fellow, Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD); Fellow, Governance Institute of Australia (FGIA); Fellow, Chartered Governance Institute (FCG); Member, Chief Executive Women (CEW); Unrestricted practising certificate, the Law Society of

am seeking your support for election for my third term on the board to continue the transformation needed in the League for us to continue delivering our charitable purpose. In particular as the voice of veterans to hold government, DVA and Defence accountable for providing the right level of support for veterans and fixing the system driving the high rates of veteran suicide.

I joined the former State Council as the State Treasurer while the Bergin Inquiry was underway. During my first term, we addressed all the non-compliance issues at State Branch identified, including the presentation and audit of 2 outstanding financial statement, rebuilding the financial systems so there is effective reporting and controls, enhancing transparency and accountability to members and delivering a new constitution. We ensured that sub-branches were supported while fundraising was banned with the generosity sub-branches across the state and continued to provide veteran services through the previous version of RSL Lifecare veteran services.

During my second term, we led the organisation through COVID-19, and started to implement the strategic plan.

If re-elected, I will continue to work towards improving our performance on our charitable purpose, enhancing governance, transparency and accountability of ANZAC house to members, and fostering genuine consultation, collaboration and support for sub-branches.

As a director for planning and reporting at the ATO and Army Reserve finance officer, my skills, knowledge and experience in risk management, accounting, compliance, policy, change and stakeholder engagement will continue to add value to the board.

y name is Jason Hazell and I seek re-nomination as a service director of RSL NSW Board. I am a currently a member of the RSL NSW Board, through a casual vacancy in September 2021. I am also a board member of RSL Custodian and a member of the RSL Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. I served as a soldier in Delta Coy and Recon 6RAR, Enoggera Barracks 1995-1996 and 2/17 RNSWR 1997-1998 as a part of the Ready Reserve scheme. I have since had a 25-year career in the financial services industry in senior investment leadership roles and as an investment portfolio manager of some of Australia’s largest Superannuation funds.

I am uniquely qualified as an ex-Service board director with over a decade of board level experience in corporate governance, strategy and investment management. My brief military experience has been a defining feature of my life and my successful financial services career, and I am very proud of my service. Now my business and leadership experience has uniquely positioned me to be a valuable member of the RSL NSW Board. I ask your support to continue my service with the RSL NSW board to help achieve its charitable purpose and support veterans and their families.

New South Wales.

rslnsw.org.au

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42

NOMINEES FOR PRESIDENT

DENNIS COWDROY

MICK BAINBRIDGE

DAVID MCCANN

AO, KC, RAN (Ret)

LLB, BComm, GDLP, GAICD

OAM, OAM(Mil), JP, GAICD

Mobile: 0408 294 546

Mobile: 0421 552 154

Mobile: 0427 273 044

Phone: 02 8029 6380

Phone: 1300 185 196

Email: dmccann@rslnsw.org.au

Email: dcowdroy@12thfloor.com.au

Email: mickb@olegalaustralia.com.au

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CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS

Nil

Director, Operation Legal Australia Pty Ltd Director, Corrimal RSL Memorial Club Limited

Director, RSL NSW

aving become a junior barrister, I offered my services, pro bono, to the RSL State Branch during 1972. I assisted the RSL in a wide range of legal matters such as advices, appearances in court, issues concerning Anzac House, trusteeship questions. ln 1995 I was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the RSL, the Community, and the Law. ln 2004, l joined the Royal Australian Navy Reserve and retired in 2OI7 with rank of Captain. I was a Judge Advocate and Defence Force Magistrate and a member of the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal. ln 2016 I initiated RSL Legal Aid to provide services, free of charge, for all Service personnel.

In 2019 I was awarded the Order of Australia for services to the law and to the judiciary inn the civilian and military spheres.

I have also served as Chair of the Australian Electoral Commission and as the inaugural lntegrity Commissioner of the Australian Capital Territory.

My experience has included service and repatriation matters which will assist with issues that will confront members of the RSL administration of the RSL. The RSL serves as the only non-political agency to guide and direct our Governments in the making of sound decisions for Defence, and for all Defence Force personnel.

The policies of the RSL can be a most significant factor in Government decision making.

he RSL is an amazing member-based organisation that has gone from strength to strength over time due to the incredible input from its volunteer membership.

As a former Special Operations Solider with active service in Afghanistan and East Timor, I found myself transitioning from Defence and facing the same issues that all returned service men and women have faced throughout the past 100 years.

At the time, I turned to the RSL, who supported my family and I through this process. I was fortunate to find that the membership was full of amazing mentors that continue to guide me and help me better understand the difficulties all veterans and their families face.

My previous experience as the youngest Vice President of RSL NSW, including my legal, business qualifications and experience as a business owner have provided me with the skills, knowledge and understanding to serve as your President.

I have the ability to speak to all members and stakeholders within the league, the community and all levels of Government, ensuring the best outcomes for our membership.

The League still has many challenges ahead that I am sure we can navigate together by advocating our position and ensuring that no veteran is left without support.

As a generational member of the NSW RSL, I would be honoured to be elected to serve as your President and to lead this great organisation through the challenges ahead.

y collaborative approach to the leadership roles I have undertaken in my sub-Branch, District Council, and the RSL NSW Board, have equipped me with a solid understanding of the structure of the League and the operation of sub-Branches, particularly in regional NSW. I have nominated for the position of President as I am committed to representing my fellow members at a state and national level.

The knowledge that I have gained as the Chair of the RSL NSW Veteran Services & Policy Committee and the RSL NSW representative on the National Veterans Advisory Committee will assist me to continue to champion the rights and needs of veterans, advocate for improved support systems, and ensure the preservation of the legacy of those who have served.

I will strive to collaborate with the League nationally to ensure that the RSL remains the lead ex-service organisation addressing the outcomes of the Royal Commission into Defence & Veteran Suicide and to build a peak body to lead advocacy for veterans and their families.

My 18-year career in the RAAF and my role as Mayor in my local community have contributed to the leadership qualities, integrity, and personal values I will embrace to be a strong voice for RSL NSW and foster a sense of unity and purpose amongst my fellow members.

rslnsw.org.au

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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

42-44 ReveilleV105_SEP23_Snapshot.indd 35

1/9/2023 2:14 pm

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