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Download PDF version of the Sub-Branch Signal

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President’s Update

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The Board of RSL WA was hosted by the Cockburn Sub-Branch for its most recent meeting. This provided an excellent opportunity for the Board to engage with members at the conclusion of the meeting for a Presidents Forum. This informal engagement continues to be an excellent opportunity for the Board to hear first-hand from members. The Board has agreed to hold its October meeting in Busselton, followed by a Presidents Forum for South West Sub-Branches and members. It will be held at the Busselton RSL Sub-Branch and commence in the afternoon with further details to follow.

The team at RSL WA have commenced planning a Committee Conference, which will take place on 24 October 2024. The timing of this conference is to coincide with the conclusion of the AGM season in Sub-Branches. The purpose of the conference is to provide an opportunity for Sub-Branch committee members, new and existing, to hear from staff at RSL WA on key processes to support Sub-Branch operations. I will be using this as an opportunity to present our strategy to the conference and also meet a request from State Congress 2024 to provide a development opportunity on changes to our By-Laws regarding dispute resolution and mediation.

The Better Together Ball was held in late July. The original date was designed to coincide with Remembrance Day. A decision was taken to now hold the event in the middle of the year to provide greater focus to the event. 2024 also provided a great opportunity to partner with the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference. Close to 900 guests attended from around the world and were treated to an amazing evening. While we finalise the numbers, it was clear that the event showcased the outstanding collaborative nature of our community in Western Australia.

I would like to thank Sub-Branches for their active engagement with their Board Patron. I have been briefed on many initiatives across the League that you wish to pursue, all of which have great benefit. The challenge we now face is how to prioritise them to allocate limited resources. I ask for your patience as we work through this.

Finally, commemoration remains a key focus of RSL WA. Many of you conducted services for Vietnam Veterans Day, and I have complete confidence that these services made the League proud. The planning of the commemoration of 25 years since landings in East Timor is well underway. The service at Kings Park commences at 2 pm on 20 September. This will be followed by the Mateship Reception hosted by the Cottesloe Sub-Branch starting at 5:30 pm. You can book tickets for the reception at https://www.rslwa.org.au/events-calendar/timor-25

I encourage you to please distribute this widely within the League and in your communities, as this presents an amazing opportunity for us to engage the broader veteran community.

All the best.

Duncan

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Duncan Anderson‍

State President, RSLWA

CEO’s Update

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In my first Sub-Branch Signal as CEO, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the tireless efforts and leadership of Vince Connelly. Vince leaves behind a tremendous legacy.

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In my first four weeks in the role, I have been impressed by the sheer span of activities undertaken by RSL WA. By way of example, we formally accepted and entered into the Grant Agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs for the South Metro Hub, we held the Better Together Ball as part of the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference, we held a careers expo at Port Kennedy Sub-Branch, we supported a range of Vietnam Veterans Day Services, provided advocacy services for veterans, including housing. And this does not include the myriad of activities that have occurred at Sub-Branches.

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I have also been struck by the extent to which other Ex-Service Organisations look to RSL WA for collaboration and partnership and the model we provide the rest of the country for working together.

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The challenge for RSL WA is to ensure that our activities are sustainable and meet our core vision of enabling veterans and their families to thrive in the community. As CEO this will be one of my core areas of focus.

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As the State President has noted, we are well into the planning of the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Australia’s commitment in East Timor on 20 September. Contemporary veterans – those who have served since 1999 – are now the largest single cohort of veterans. For many of these veterans, East Timor constitutes a significant chapter in both their professional and personal lives and is worthy of recognition. I would echo the State President’s request to distribute this information as widely as possible. RSL WA looks forward to continuing our engagement with this cohort of veterans.

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Over the coming months I look forward to visiting as many Sub-Branches as I can, and I am very much looking forward to working with you all.  

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Stephen

Stephen Barton

CEO, RSL WA

RSL Sub-Branch Toolbox now live!

Access all the resources you need to help manage your RSL Sub-Branch.

The RSL Sub-Branch Toolbox is the Sub-Branch committee’s one-stop shop for everything needed to build and run a Sub-Branch. It contains procedure documents, application forms, role descriptions and more.

To access the RSL Sub-Branch Toolbox, click here.

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Keep Your Community Connected

DVA grants of up to $1,000 are available to RSL Sub-Branches to host an event this October.

RSL Sub-branches are encouraged to host an event for their local community in support of Veterans’ Health Week (VHW).  

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Veterans’ Health Week (VHW) will be held from 13–20 October, but events can take place anytime in October. This year’s theme is Keep Connected, which highlights the importance of staying socially connected to family and friends and the positive impact that connectedness can have on mental health and improved wellbeing. 

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DVA is offering one-off funding of $1,000 to support event organisers to help plan and deliver events that help veterans make social connections in their local communities.  

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The aim is to bring the community together, so if you’ve got a great idea, visit the DVA webpage and download the funding guidelines and application form. You can also download the VHW kit bag. The kit bag includes a brochure, information and event ideas, a poster to promote your event, social media graphics, logos and presentations to share at your event. 

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Applications are now open and close 30 August 2024.  

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Poppy Appeal 2024

The Poppy Appeal is one of RSL WA’s largest annual fundraising events, both locally and across the State, with the funds raised going directly to providing support to veterans and their families who may be facing an array of challenges resulting from their service for our country.

RSL WA preparations for the 2024 Poppy Appeal are well underway. All Sub-Branches will soon receive email communications with important dates and details, plus requests for expressions of interest for securing permits to collect at PTA train stations, links to RSL WA’s Sub-Branch online merchandise store, and general information regarding arrangements for the Poppy Appeal.

Mark the Poppy Appeal date on your calendar now: Friday 1 November 2024, throughout WA.

Our dedicated members, Sub-Branches, volunteers, RSL WA staff and Defence Force personnel, along with local businesses and community groups, will be out in the community and at many of Perth’s train stations to raise funds to support our veterans in need.

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RSL WA Poppy Ladies

The Poppy Ladies were created in 2014 for the Centenary of ANZAC. Many of the original Poppy Ladies are still on the team, work from home or simply keep in contact.

This year, the Poppy Ladies require help to get approximately 50,000 Poppies on stems, refurbish displays and create more as their involvements in and around the CBD and RSL have grown.

The Poppies have suffered in the past 2–3 years due to additional outdoor use – the rains and very hot days have had a huge effect – so thousands have faded significantly, stems have broken, flowers have simply “flopped” … and we can’t have floppy poppies!

In particular, the Poppy Ladies need:

·        Knitters and Crocheters – for making Poppy Heads and sometimes beanies, scarves and crafts.

·        Sewers – hand and machine – sewing Poppy heads and/or buttons onto the stems, finishing the hems of the stem covers and joining in other crafts as well.

·        Planting and Pull-out team additions – logistics of ordering, moving to the planting areas and then the removal and preparation for collection by the Courier.

·        Logistical help.

·        IT and Facebook… help with monitoring and assisting with technical queries.

There are a range of events coming up where help is needed. If you are able to assist with any of the above, the Poppy Ladies would love to hear from you.  

Contact

Judi Welch, Coordinator – RSL WA Poppy Ladies

0412 984 739 | poppy_dayz@hotmail.com

Facebook: RSL WA Poppy Ladies Project

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Gifts in Wills

We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Gathered Here, Australia’s most trusted free online will platform.

If you’d like to include a gift to RSL WA in your Will, you can now do so completely free, and it only takes a matter of minutes. A gift in your Will allows you to make a meaningful contribution for future generations of WA veterans. Even if you haven't been able to donate during your lifetime, a gift in your Will provides a way to support a cause close to your heart.

Big or small, your gift will help us continue to support veterans with a range of services well into the future.

For more information you can visit our new Gifts In Wills page on our website or visit Gathered Here.

To speak to the Gifts in Wills Coordinator, please call 08 9287 3799 or email bequests@rslwa.org.au

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Northam Compensation Claims Consults

Location: Northam RSL Sub-Branch

Date: Tuesday, 3 September, 1 October, 5 November and 3 December

Time: 9:30 am

Consults with a Compensation Claims Advocate will be conducted at the Northam RSL hall on the first Tuesday of the month, with the first appointment commencing from 9:30 am.

In the event that we don’t have a minimum of two appointments, we will not be attending, but we can still provide the advocacy service without doing face-to-face interviews.

To book an appointment, please email Advocacy@rslwa.org.au

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RSL Active

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Your gateway to connecting with fellow veteran families across Western Australia, offering an array of exciting events and activities tailored just for you. RSL WA is on a mission to simplify your journey back to civilian life by creating opportunities for you and your family to bond with like-minded people.

Photography Meet-Up

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Location: Perth City

Date: Sunday, 25 August 2024

Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

For all photography enthusiasts, join us on Sunday 25 August from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm for a walk around Perth City as we photograph interesting objects and various graffiti art.

This event is open to all photographers and suitable for DSLRs and smartphones. No skills are necessary as you will be assisted in taking great images.

We’ll meet at 10:30 am at the corner of Wolf Lane and Murray Street (opposite Raine Square).

Please wear suitable footwear and note this event is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled if it rains. 

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Strava Club

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Location: Strava Online

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Would you like to get active with other veterans from around the country? RSL Active Strava Club is a nationwide initiative with more than 200 members who run, walk and cycle their way to fitness with like-minded peers. Strava is a virtual platform for all our RSL community to join in and connect, no matter where you are located.

If you enjoy getting out and getting active, sign up to an RSL Active Strava Club and enjoy the motivation and camaraderie of sharing your fitness journey.

Sailing On

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Location: South of Perth Yacht Club, 1 Coffee Point Road, Applecross

Date: Monday and Wednesday every week

Time: 9:00 am

RSL Active has teamed up with Sailing On to provide opportunities for RSL WA members, their families, veterans and ADF members to learn new skills and be part of a team through the repair and sailing of yachts.

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Find out more and sign up for any of the above activities.

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EVENTS

Veteran Photography Exhibit

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Creative Edge Art Collective and Arts Edge Gallery are hosting the Point & Shoot: Australian Veteran Photography Exhibition in Perth this month!

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Showcasing a powerful collection of career imagery and accompanying stories from Australian veterans, this exhibition brings a voice to the unique experiences of serving personnel.

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Covering military service from post Second World War onwards, the exhibition commemorates a range of modern conflicts, peace operations and service and provides a rare glimpse into the life and experiences of fellow Australians who have served their country.

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The launch is on Friday 30 August, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The event is free to attend, but tickets are required.

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To secure tickets to the launch, visit Creative Edge Art Collective

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Timor-Leste 25th Anniversary Commemorative Service

Location: State War Memorial, Kings Park

Date: Friday, 20 September 2024

Time: 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm

Join us at the State War Memorial (Kings Park) to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste.

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After East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia in August 1999, pro-Indonesian militia responded with violence against civilians and personnel of the United Nations mission to oversee the ballot (UNAMET). In September, Australia led an international peacekeeping force (INTERFET) to stop the bloodshed and oversee the transition to self-rule. In 2000, a United Nations transitional administration took over (UNTAET) the first of five further missions of support in which Australian participated. The last Australian peacekeepers left East Timor in 2013.

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If you are unable to make the WA service at Kings Park, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) will be broadcasting a commemorative service at The Australian Peacekeeping Memorial in Canberra on 20 September 2024.

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Timor-Leste 25th Anniversary Mateship Reception

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Location: Cottesloe Civic Centre, 109 Broome Street Cottesloe WA 6011

Date: Friday, 20 September 2024

Time: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Tickets: $65 per person + booking fees

Includes: Drink on arrival, canapes, food stations, live music, cash bar.

Dress: Smart Casual, miniature medals

Presented by Cottesloe RSL Sub-Branch. Rendezvous at the Cottesloe Civic Centre to connect with fellow Timor veterans in WA. Commemorate 25 years since the deployment of Australian service personnel in East Timor.

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To book tickets, click here.

For event enquiries, please contact events@rslwa.org.au  

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Sub-Branch Committee Conference 2024

The RSL WA Committee Conference will be held on Thursday, 24 October 2024 at ANZAC House and serves as a forum for Sub-Branch committee members and RSL WA team leaders to collaborate, share insights and shape the future of our RSL Sub-Branches.

Offering keynote addresses, RSL WA department initiatives and networking opportunities, this conference is designed to help new and existing committee members actively participate and collaborate on strategies to support our veteran community.

We want to extend a warm welcome to all our current and new committee members to participate in this event and look forward to welcoming you all to ANZAC House on Thursday, 24 October.

For more information please email membership@rslwa.org.au

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ANZAC Club Functions

Whether you're looking to host a meeting, luncheon, dinner, sundowner, cocktail party, conference or anything in between, ANZAC Club offers three floors of flexible modern event spaces with state-of-the-art facilities and a unique atmosphere that’s perfect for your event!

Located on the 5th, 6th and 7th floors of ANZAC House, ANZAC Club offers stunning views of Government House gardens, the CBD and the Swan River. Our private function spaces feature floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious private balconies, creating a picturesque backdrop for any occasion.

For smaller gatherings, our two intimate meeting rooms on Level 1, just off the Club Restaurant, provide the perfect setting for productive meetings or luncheons.

Discover tailored experiences with our versatile function packages designed to suit every occasion. From celebratory cocktails to plated dinners, our culinary team ensures every dish is a masterpiece. Our dedicated team will make sure your event is unforgettable.

Contact us today at events@anzacclub.org.au to discover how ANZAC Club can make your next occasion exceptional.

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ANZAC Club

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Our very own ANZAC Club at ANZAC House has unveiled a lineup of incredible and exciting events that you won't want to miss! Check them out below and don’t forget to book as these events are booking fast:

Location: ANZAC Club, Level 1, 28 St Georges Tce Perth WA 6000

Date: Friday, 13 September 2024

Time: 6.00 pm

Cost: $130 pp

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Includes 4-course meal with paired Houghton wines.

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Location: ANZAC Club

Date: Tuesday, 5 November 2024

Time: 10.30 am

Cost: $110pp

Includes 3 course meal and 3-hour beverage package. Plus, there will be sweeps, a raffle, live entertainment and prizes for the best dressed!

To book, visit the ANZAC Club Website.

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