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Download PDF version of the Sub-Branch Signal.
President’s Update
2024 is shaping up to be a big year for RSLWA with a number of initiatives under development that will greatly improve the lives of veterans and their families here in Western Australia. With support from RAAFA WA and Mrs Gina Rinehart AO, we have purchased a block of apartments in South Perth which will be used as emergency accommodation for veterans and their families. We are also developing a pilot program in WA to train Veteran Assistance Dogs that will help improve the lives of veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. We expect both of these programs to be ready later in the year.
RLSWA’s ANZAC Appeal will be taking place in the Perth CBD on Friday, 12th April 2024. The ANZAC Appeal is one of Australia’s longest running fundraisers which has been taking place for more than 100 years. It raises much needed funds for RSLWA to continue the great work of supporting veterans and their families in Western Australia. If you would like to volunteer as a street collector, please register online with Volunteering WA.
The board is really excited to introduce a new event this ANZAC Day for veterans and their families. The free Mateship and Family Event will be held at Langley Park after the ANZAC Day Parade, as a place for veteran families and friends to congregate, meet, and relax. The event will feature live music, rides, food, and drinks and will run from 10 am to 4 pm. If you plan on coming into the CBD on ANZAC Day, we hope to see you there.
We welcome CEO Vince Connelly back from a period of leave where he successfully contested preselection for federal parliamentary service. Vince will continue in his role with RSLWA through until mid-year, enabling for a well-planned period of recruiting and hand over. This time frame will also enable sustained focus on delivering another high-quality set of ANZAC Day activities.
Duncan Anderson
State President, RSLWA
CEO’s Update
Our goal of helping veterans and their families to connect and be active is taking further shape though RSL Active. We paired with Fremantle Sailing Club to host a women’s sailing event in February, supported by the Club’s Women's Racing and Mentorship Program (RAMP). Other upcoming, free RSL Active activities – from yoga to rock climbing - are listed here.
RSLWA and The Resilience Shield have teamed up to develop an insightful video series that presents practical tools designed to help all veterans build upon their overall wellbeing. The Resilience Shield is an Australian Veteran-owned business working to improve outcomes related to leadership and resilience. I encourage you to check out the videos at the link further below.
We know how important it is for working-age veterans to be connected with meaningful employment, which we support in partnership with Working Spirit. It was so encouraging to hear the story of Brandon. A 27-year Infantry reservist, Brandon contacted us on 19 Feb requesting support to update his resume to find a mature-aged plumbing apprenticeship. His resume was completed by 21 Feb, referred to a contact and Brandon was provided an interview and offered a job with Hanssen on 26 Feb. Brandon is extremely happy and grateful for the support to gain this role within 1 week of requesting support. Veterans and their families looking for employment are encouraged to visit the Transition Employment Portal here.
Vince Connelly
CEO, RSLWA
Announcements
Call for motions at State Congress 2024
As we approach State Congress on the 6 July 2024, Sub-Branches (through your committees) are invited to send through any suggested motions. These will be reviewed by the Constitution Committee (to remove duplication and ensure relevance and accuracy) and submitted to Board for acknowledgement. Suggested motions are to be sent by Sub-Branch Secretaries to ea@rslwa.org.au by Friday 24 May 2024.
Change to the ANZAC Club restaurant’s opening hours
The ANZAC Club restaurant is no longer open on Mondays (due to low levels of trade). These new operating hours will be monitored and adjusted accordingly in the future to meet demand. The Club is now open from Tuesdays to Fridays each week and on special occasions. There are no changes to other services located at ANZAC House, which will continue to operate as normal.
Mondays: Closed
Tuesdays: 11am to 4pm
Wednesdays: 11am to 4pm
Thursdays: 11am to 4pm
Fridays: 11am to 7pm
*Lunch service: 11am to 2pm
For Restaurant bookings: (08) 9287 3777
For Private Function enquiries: (08) 9287 3700
ANZAC Appeal Street collector volunteers
RSLWA will hold its annual ANZAC Appeal on Friday, 12th April and we are looking for volunteer street collectors who can help us with fundraising in the Perth CBD. The ANZAC Appeal has been running for more than 100 years and is one of RSLWA’s most important fundraisers. We collect funds that enable us to deliver essential support services to veterans and their families living in Western Australia. This is a fun day working alongside our ADF volunteers and RSLWA staff.
If you are over 18 years old and would like to volunteer, simply register online with Volunteering WA and we will be in touch with more information.
Giveaway! The Resilience Mentor Couse
The Resilience Shield is giving away two places to their Resilience Mentor Course in Fremantle on the 19 – 20 April 2024 valued at $2,500! This two-day mentor course will equip you with practical tools to develop Resilience Action Plans inside your organisation and deliver support as a Resilience Mentor.
If you’re interested in attending the course and helping those around you build their Resilience Shields, send your expression of interest to ea@rslwa.org.au by 5pm Friday, 29 March 2024.
RSL Active
Sailing On
Sailing On held its first open day for the year on the 24th of February at the South of Perth Yacht Club. Sailing On provides veterans with opportunities to participate in sailing and restore old yachts. If you would like to find out more information or how you can be involved, please contact Guy Mewburn on 0447 447 788.
All-Veterans Wellness Toolbox
RSLWA and The Resilience Shield have launched a series of 12 videos to help you assess and build resilience and show you things you can do to go ‘always a little further’. The videos were produced by Dr Dan Pronk, Ben Pronk DSC and RSLWA board member Tim Curtis, three Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) veterans.
We encourage everyone to check out the videos here.
Current Activities:
· Rock climbing at Adrenaline Vault
· Photography and coffee with Karl Fehlauer from Westralian Images
· Horse Assisted Learning with Equinnect
· Mindfulness sessions (Online) with Invisible Injuries
· Yoga at the Veterans Drop-In Centre
· Yoga (Online) with Invisible Injuries
· Lawn bowls with the RSLWA Bowls Section
You can sign up for any of the RSL Active events online.
ANZAC Day 2024
Keep up with ANZAC Day updates online at rslwa.org.au/events/anzac-day
For ANZAC Day enquiries, contact events@rslwa.org.au
All-Abilities Sunset Service
Location: Flame of Remembrance, Kings Park, Perth WA
Date: Wednesday, 24 April 2024
Time: 4:45 pm - 5:40 pm
On the eve of ANZAC Day 2024, RSLWA will be holding an inclusive Sunset Service to remember and reflect on the brave men and women who have made so many sacrifices. This ceremony, with additional accessibility measures including audio description, wheelchair access, Auslan, low sensory facilities, ACROD parking, and DADAA assistance is open to all who wish to share the sunset and commemorate ANZAC Day.
Dawn Service
Location: State War Memorial, Kings Park, Perth WA
Date: Thursday, 25 April 2024
Time: 5:30 am - 7:00 am
On ANZAC Day 2024, thousands of Western Australians will gather at sunrise to remember those who lost their lives in conflict. In the half-light people of all ages and backgrounds will listen to inspiring words, sing, and pause in silence to reflect and remember the sacrifices made by our brave men and women. The Dawn service is open to all who wish to join together in the beauty of Kings Park, share the sunrise, and commemorate ANZAC Day.
Gunfire Breakfast
Location: Government House Gardens, St Georges Tce Perth
Date: Thursday, 25 April 2024
Time: 7:00 am – 9:00 am
On ANZAC Day 2024, the Government House Gardens will host a barbeque breakfast. Connect with the WA veteran community at the annual ANZAC Day Gunfire Breakfast before heading to St Georges Terrace for the March. The Gunfire Breakfast tradition dates back to the 1890’s, where ‘gunfire’ referred to an early morning mix of rum and black tea, to provide a dash of courage before a day on the battlefield. The concoction started with English Army Soldiers and was quickly adopted by the Australian and New Zealand soldiers. RSLWA in collaboration with the Rotary Club will provide breakfast for a gold coin donation.
The March
Location: St Georges Tce, Perth WA
Date: Thursday, 25 April 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
With more than 62,000 veterans in Western Australia, the ANZAC Day March in the City of Perth is a chance to recognise our service people as they march alongside their mates in a show of camaraderie and commemoration. ANZAC Day marches are held around the country, from the smallest towns to our largest. Join us as we acknowledge the families of servicemen and women who have served and died in all conflicts and peacekeeping operations. The public is encouraged to come and watch the March and pay their respects to the service people marching and those they represent.
Family & Mateship Event
Location: Langley Park
Date: Thursday 25 April 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Journey on to Langley Park to relax with family and friends after the ANZAC Day March. This is a free entry event open to veterans and the wider public. Enjoy live music, food vans, drinks, and activities for children. This family-friendly event presents interactive military vehicles and commemorative activities for all ages.
