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Download PDF version of the Sub-Branch Signal

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President’s Update

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As we hurtle towards the end of 2024, I am continually humbled by the efforts of our members across Western Australia. In the corresponding Sub-Branch Signal in 2023 I indicated our success in commencing a Western Australian Assistance Dogs program. In partnership with Kaizen K9, we are close to pairing our first assistance dog with a veteran. In roughly 12 months, with support from our partners, RSL WA will have delivered its first assistance dog. Importantly, the capability to continue delivering this essential service to veterans in Western Australia is now established and can continue. I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce changes made to our By-Laws with respect to welfare funds. Sub-Branches, should they wish to, can use welfare funds for assistance dogs for their members or veterans in their community.

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RSL WA is finalising our response to the Royal Commission. I expect to be in a position shortly to announce initiatives we will undertake in response to its recommendations. RSL broadly has a role to play, however the predominant changes will be required of both Defence and the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, this does not diminish our duty to do our part.

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Remembrance Day 2024 was incredibly successful. I have heard numerous reports from across Western Australia of commemorative services that not only did the League proud but were dignified and appropriate – meeting the justifiably high expectations of our community. It is not lost on many of us that this day falls a distant second to ANZAC Day. RSL WA will continue to work to raise awareness of this significant event. Personally, I feel strongly that we forget our past at our own peril. The lessons learnt from the two world wars should never be forgotten.

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The board of RSL WA recently met. While several matters were discussed, significantly the progress with our strategic investments is positive. While many may argue ‘business’ is not the purview of RSL, we have an obligation to ensure the League is viable for future generations. Further, viable does not equal simply existing. Viability encompasses the delivery of services to achieve our objectives. There is a monetary cost that exists hand in glove with achieving not only what we expect, but what our veterans and their families deserve. The RSL cannot rely on grants from Government to cover our operational costs. We must be able to do this ourselves. The Board remains committed to improving our financial position alongside our other key pillars. Finally, the Board will be conducting a self-assessment on our strategy, and I look forward to providing an update on this after the December meeting.

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As Christmas decorations and carols in shopping centres increase in concentration, I would like to once again recognise the immense work undertaken across the League.

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All the best.

Duncan Anderson‍

State President, RSLWA

CEO’s Update

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Firstly, I’d like to thank those Sub-Branch Committees that were able to attend the Sub-Branch Committee Conference on 24 October. It was a fantastic opportunity to get together in the one room and to share experiences and build networks. It was a valuable reminder that our Sub-Branches are not alone and many face the same challenges and opportunities. From an operations perspective, it allowed us some time to talk through our current organisational structure and our plans for financial sustainability. I particularly appreciated people’s willingness to volunteer and help out at HQ if required. If you have the time, and the inclination, and think you can help, please let us know.

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The conference struck me as being like an informal version of the State Congress. As ever, challenging questions are asked, but there is a great deal of humour and warmth in the room, largely because whatever our age, service, rank or background, we’re among friends. We are planning to ensure the conference is an annual event. Although it remains to be seen whether the CFO will allow me to ring the bell at the bar again.

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Next year we will also plan to include a session on how we conduct commemorative services. With Remembrance Day behind us now, it is a reminder that we are the heirs and custodians of those traditions, and there is an obligation on us to run services that are fit for purpose. While we’ve received some very positive feedback on our services, there is always room for improvement.

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As we head into next year and ANZAC Day 2025, you may already be thinking about your commemoration service. RSL National and DVA provide excellent advice for planning a service:

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https://www.rslaustralia.org/anzac-host-a-service

https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/commemoration/event-planning

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As we get closer, we will also share our previous Orders of Service as a guide.

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Stephen Barton

CEO, RSL WA

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Remembrance Day 2024  

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On Monday 11 November 2024, more than 500 people gathered at the Flame of Remembrance in Kings Park & Botanic Garden for a special commemorative service to honour those who have died while serving in conflicts and peace-keeping operations. 

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Special guests included The Hon Chris Dawson AC AMP, Governor of WA and The Hon Roger Cook MLA, Premier of WA.  

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RSL WA CEO Stephen Barton said the service was an opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifice of Australian service personnel in war and conflict.  

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“It is a fundamental part of our national story and helps define us as a nation. We are also reminded that similar services were held across the Commonwealth and in Allied nations, reminding us of the deep and enduring bonds of common sacrifice and shared endeavours,” he said.  

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The service commenced with a welcome of the official party, In Flanders Field recited by Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School and a Remembrance Day Address by Roger Cook.  

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RSL WA Chaplain Barrie Yesberg delivered a Prayer of Remembrance and blessing of the wreaths, followed by the Wreath Laying Ceremony.

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RSL WA State President Duncan Anderson recited The Ode, and Bugler CPL Tricia O’Connor sounded the Last Post, followed by a minute of silence at 11:00 am, a Fly Past and The Rouse.

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Churchlands Senior High School’s choir graced the air as they sang the Australian National Anthem and provided a warm atmosphere throughout the morning with pre and post-service music.  

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Former Deputy Police Commissioner of WA Police, Mr Murray Lampard AM APM, was announced as the new State Warden of the State War Memorial in Kings Park. RSL WA would like to congratulate Mr Lampard on his new role and thank retiring State Warden, Jen Riches AM, for her service and commitment over the last 12 months.  

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RSL WA extends thanks to all attendees, including special guests, veterans, current serving ADF members and family members.  

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If you have any information and images regarding your Sub-Branch Remembrance Day service, we would love to see them. Please email a summary of your service and images to marketing@rslwa.org.au.  

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Lest we forget.

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Poppy Appeal 1 November 2024

RSL WA’s 2024 Poppy Appeal began on Friday 1 November, throughout WA.

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Our dedicated members, Sub-Branches, volunteers, RSL WA staff and Defence Force personnel, along with local businesses and community groups, were 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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The Perth CBD’s streets were bustling with volunteers accepting donations and offering poppies and merchandise, and the Poppy Ladies did a wonderful job at yet another beautiful poppy display in London Court.  

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It was a fantastic and rewarding day raising funds to support our veterans. 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.

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Funds are still being calculated, and we look forward to reporting the final figures raised in next month’s Sub-Branch Signal.

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Christmas Appeal

As the festive season approaches, RSL WA is launching our Christmas Appeal to support the welfare of veterans who may be facing tough times. Each donation to our campaign lights up a digital Christmas tree, symbolising hope and solidarity within our community.

With every light added, we move closer to our goal of a fully lit tree by Christmas Day – a beacon of comfort and a reminder that no veteran stands alone. The funds raised will provide vital support services, including food vouchers emergency accommodation and crisis assistance for veterans in need.

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If you're able to contribute, your support could make a real difference. Please visit our Christmas Appeal Website to donate and help spread the word to others who may wish to support this cause.

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Sub-Branch Committee Conference 2024

On Thursday 24 October, 104 Sub-Branch committee members gathered at ANZAC House to attend RSL WA’s inaugural Sub-Branch Committee Conference.  

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The purpose of the conference was to share information about the services RSL WA delivers – membership, financial requirements, marketing and brand; discuss roles and responsibilities of Sub-Branch committee members; and refresh information on dispute resolution and RSL WA By-Laws.  

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This event will become an annual conference for committee members to get together outside of State Congress and receive updates on what’s happening within RSL WA.

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We were unable to record this year’s conference, but we plan to record them in the future to share with those who are unable to attend in person.

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Two-Up Permits

RSL WA State Branch will be submitting a Two-Up permit application to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor for ANZAC Day 2025. If your Sub-Branch would like to hold Two-Up next year, please follow the link below and complete the form so an application can be submitted on your behalf.

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Two-Up Permit Request

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Once permits are finalised, they will be sent directly to your Sub-Branch.

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ANZAC of the Year Awards

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The RSL ANZAC of the Year Awards are made annually to recognise the efforts and achievements of up to seven Australians who have given service to their fellow Australians and to the community in a positive, selfless and compassionate manner.

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Timeline:

1. Nominations to be received by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) no later than 20 January 2025.

2. The H&A Committee to meet during the last week in January to review/recommend

nominations to the Board.

3. Nominations are tabled at the February Board Meeting for approval. If successful

nominations will be forwarded for National approval.

4. Criteria and templates for nominations can be found on the Toolbox at ANZAC AWARDS.

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Sub-Branch Grant Application Matrix

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As the only government-owned lottery in Australia, Lotterywest generously supports Western Australian community organisations and provides RSL WA with significant grant contributions to support ANZAC Day services around the State. Preparations are already underway for ANZAC Day 2025 and in addition to this funding support, Lotterywest have a limited number of Sub-Branch grants available for consideration. It is RSL WA’s responsibility to review each request and support the strongest applications that satisfy both RSL WA and the Lotterywest grant criteria. Given there are over 100 Sub-Branches across the State, we are only able to support a limited number of applications that will have the most benefit to veterans and the community to stand the best chance of being approved by Lotterywest.

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Lotterywest have explained some of their key assessment criteria and are very focused on how the grant applications will support the wider community, not just veterans. A strong business case might include studies on the wider community benefit or a feasibility analysis. Lotterywest are also unlikely to support an application that relies on them as the sole source of funding, so we encourage Sub-Branches to look to secure funding from other bodies to ensure the financial liability is spread across a few organisations.

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RSL WA would love to support all applications that have a positive impact on the lives of our members, however there is limited funding available and therefore we are not in a position to support all applications. The Lotterywest Community Investment Framework is available on their website and Sub-Branches can also find the RSL WA decision matrix template on the Sub-Branch Toolbox to assist Sub-Branches in preparing a strong application and a greater opportunity to secure grant support.

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Board Patrons

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The role of a Board Patron is to be a trusted confidant for the Sub-Branch to seek advice and guidance and escalate queries or concerns they feel that are not being adequately addressed or responded to at an operational level. Board Patrons will check-in with the Sub-Branch on a regular basis (as agreed in conjunction with the Sub-Branch) and check-ins can be via phone, email, virtual meeting or in person.

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Patrons are not a first point of contact for operational issues. Queries relating to operational matters should be redirected to the appropriate team at State Branch.

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Whilst Board members will be a patron for a Sub-Branch, this does not preclude other board members from undertaking visits to those Sub-Branches.

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A list of Sub-Branch Board Patrons is available here: Sub-Branch Board Patrons.  

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Veterans Concession SmartRider

Transperth has decided to provide all DVA Gold Card holders with a veterans free concession entitlement providing 100% free travel and free parking. This means that eligible veterans only need to provide their DVA Gold Card as part of their application to receive a Veterans SmartRider, which will simplify the application process for many.

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For more information, please visit the Transperth website here.

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Research assistant/volunteers needed

RSL WA, on behalf of a retired serviceman, seeks the support of a research assistant/volunteer to help complete his research on the topic “Italian Prisoners of War in Western Australia”.  

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The research includes details of why the Prisoners of War came to Western Australia, what they did when they were here and details of those that returned and settled after the war. The research includes a list of the Prisoners of War who came to WA and, of particular importance, those who returned.

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The support role would suit a research assistant/s or volunteers familiar with this work. Duties include going through archives and shipping recordings approximately a few days a week. Further, there may be a need later for the support of a writer to assist with the completion of a book.

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For more information or to express interest, please email listening.post@rslwa.org.au.  

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Australian Gulf War Illness Association request email contact of Kuwait Veterans

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The Australian Gulf War Illness Association is urgently seeking reply emails to austgulfwaria@gmail.com for all crew to help populate their Gulf War (Kuwait Veterans) database with respective contact information, such as email address, surname, initial, unit served in/with and postcode.

This collection of names and associated details is imperative in the continued research and testing. Veterans’ numbers and registration are needed to validate further funding. All personal details will be held in strict confidence.

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Groundbreaking research and testing of Gulf War veterans has occurred, and the Australian Gulf War Illness Association wish to contact all veterans from Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, which covers 1800 Australian personnel involved during 1990/91 from all 3 services Navy, Army and Airforce, including any of our allies US/UK who are now Australia Based.

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Below are news articles that provide more information about why it is important for veterans to contact the Australian Gulf War Illness Association.

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1.      Griffith University researchers believe cellular door dysfunction is the cause of long-misunderstood Gulf War Illness - ABC News

2.      Landmark discovery solves baffling mystery around Gulf War Illness in veterans - Griffith News

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The more crew contact details the Australian Gulf War Illness Association have the better they can communicate all relevant and updated information. There is also the ability for crews to reconnect and re-establish mateship formed from the deployments.

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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.

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.

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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

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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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Blue hour/sunset photography meetup

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Location: Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour

Date: Saturday 23 November 2024

Time: 6:00 pm

For all photography enthusiasts, join us for blue hour and sunset photography at the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour (meeting at the Bon Scott Statue).  

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This event is open to all photographers and suitable for all camera types, including smartphones. This is a great chance to learn sunset, blue hour and long exposure photography at an iconic location!

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To book your place, please email Karl at karlandwendy@bigpond.com before 6:00 pm on Friday 22 November.

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

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EVENTS

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North Beach RSL Sub-Branch Open Day & Sausage Sizzle

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Location: Charles Riley Memorial Reserve (Cnr North Beach Road and Kitchener Street, North Beach)  

Date: Sunday 24 November 2024

Time: 11 am  

North Beach RSL Sub-Branch invites serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force Personnel and their families to a special Open Day and Sausage Sizzle on 24 November 2024.

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This family-friendly event at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve will showcase support services for veterans, peacekeepers, and emergency service workers transitioning to civilian life.  

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Meet RSL members, explore the benefits of membership, and enjoy a day of camaraderie.  

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To RSVP please email northbeach.president@sb.rslwa.org.au.  

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Nashos WA Group mid-year reunion

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Location: Gosnells Hotel (dining area)

Date: Saturday 7 December 2024

Time: Midday

On Saturday 7 December 2024 the National servicemen in the Nashos WA Group will be having their mid-year reunion, which will be their 17th anniversary as a group.

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The group formed as only five members in 2008 and now they have a growing membership, with some members in all the states around Australia.

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Any former nashos and their partners are welcome to mix in and join the group, and it’s free to attend.

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For more information, please phone 9497 9879 or email nashoswa71@gmail.com.

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Albany RSL Sub-Branch Commemorative Service

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Location: Albany RSL Sub-Branch

Date: Saturday 15 February 2025

Time: Late afternoon (time to be confirmed)

 
On 15 February 2025 the Albany RSL Sub-Branch is to hold a service to commemorate and recognise Australian Defence Force service in the last 50 years. This includes service of any kind in the many areas of conflict such as Somalia, Rwanda, Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan and peace operations such as Bougainville, The Middle East and the Solomons. In addition, also to formally recognise the countless members who served in full time and part time roles within Australia or overseas. Examples such as the constant Naval activities with Operation Sovereign border and patrols in the near North of the country, the RAAF in Malaysia and other areas of interest and the Army forces at the Airbase Butterworth since 1973 (numbering 20,000+) on three-month rotations to provide security to RAAF interests in Malysia.

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The service concept is the brainchild of the president of the Albany RSL Sub-Branch Rex Hendriks and is strongly supported as a way of recognising ADF service of all kinds and also to form bonds with these “recent” serving members.

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The service is to be held on Saturday 15 February 2025, following a very successful inaugural service in February 2024. The location in Albany and final details are still being finalised. The intent is that the service will be held late afternoon or early evening to enable those travelling to do so on the Saturday morning to be in location in time for the service. The service is to be followed by a function at the Sub-Branch in Stirling Terrace.

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We look forward to seeing you and yours at the service and function. For more information, please contact Michael Tugwell via email at metco03@outlook.com.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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ANZAC Club

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ANZAC Club’s new spring/summer menu is now available, showcasing fresh seasonal flavours!  

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Don’t forget to explore the weekly chef specials for unique dishes. Plus, it’s never too early to plan your Christmas or end-of-year gatherings – book your get-together today at ANZAC Club!  

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View the menu here: The ANZAC Club - Restaurant

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ANZAC Club Christmas Closure

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CLOSING: 2:00 pm Wednesday 18 December 2024

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REOPENING: Monday 20 January 2025

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