News & Events

RSLWA is seeking expressions of interest from fully financial service members who are highly motivated and possess previous financial and business experience that includes knowledge and skills in; governance, finance, legal and veteran’s issues. The successful applicant will commence their term from December 2022 for a period of 6 months. Extension post June 2023 likely.

RSLWA are leaders in the care of the veteran community through their pursuance of dynamic welfare and advocacy programs to the benefit of its members. These programs form the core responsibilities of our activities. All Financial Advisory Committee members are expected to have:

 Tertiary qualifications with leadership experience and a member of their professional body;

 Sound financial management expertise and experience;

 Sound technical understanding in taxation and accounting;

 A high level of accuracy and excellent attention to detail;

 Development of financial reports in accordance with compliance provisions;

 Knowledge of contracts, asset management and insurances;

 An interest in and desire to contribute to the vision, values, planning and strategies of RSLWA by providing services and support to veterans and their families;

 Ability to contribute to RSLWAs strategic direction;

 Ability to contribute to the organisations growth and viability;

 Highly developed communications skills; and,

 Sound analytical ability and experience of good practice relating to governance.

Candidates may provide brief examples of the above in their submission.

Applications should include a brief letter outlining the skills and experience that the candidate brings to the Board. Applications should be typed and no more than 400 words.

Applications should be sent to the Chairman, RSLWA Nominations Committee, C/- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 1200, Wednesday 30 November 2022. Late applications will not be accepted.

After many ashore and at sea postings during 22 and a half years in the Navy, Barrie Yesberg PCHA RAN (Rtd), is very happy to put down roots at RSLWA

The Returned and Services League of Australia WA Branch Incorporated (RSLWA) is pleased to announce that the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Vince Connelly has taken up the position at ANZAC House Veteran Central.

RSLWA State President Duncan Anderson congratulated Mr Connelly on his appointment saying Vince’s first-hand experiences as a veteran, in business and in the community position him well as a strong leader and advocate for RSLWA.

“As an ex-Australian Army officer, business consultant and former member of the House of Representatives, Vince will bring to the role extensive experience in risk and crisis management,” Mr Anderson said.

“Under the leadership of outgoing CEO John McCourt, RSLWA has developed the ground breaking Veteran Central model of service delivery for veterans and Vince brings strong credentials to the role to take that forward and help it grow and develop.

“I look forward to working with Vince to ensure RSLWA continues to deliver high quality services and support for the WA Veteran Community.”

Mr Connelly said, “I feel immensely privileged to be stepping into the role of CEO at RSLWA. For generations, RSL has supported WA veterans and their families. My wife Peta and I are both former Army officers, so we’re both passionate about serving those who’ve served our great nation.

“RSL is a deeply respected brand in WA, and we’re delivering great services – but our challenge is to remain fit for purpose. Without forgetting those who’ve gone before us, how do we speak more directly to those who’ve served more recently – or are still serving? That’s a question I’m determined to answer”.

Mr Connelly received a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian Defence Force Academy and completed officer training, graduating with a Diploma of Personnel Management from the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

Vince served as a Company Grade Officer on operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands. He also took part in several military exchange programs including with the United States Marine Corps, the Singapore Armed Forces and the Malaysian Armed Forces. After leaving the Army, Vince worked with a cross-section of top-tier public and private organisations to help them manage operational and business risks. While in the corporate sector, Vince continued serving in the Army Reserve, where he was promoted to Major. His final posting was to the SAS Regiment at Campbell Barracks, WA.

Moving into politics, Vince served as a Federal member of the House of Representatives for the Division of Stirling in Western Australia from 2019 until the seat's abolition in 2022.

Vince has a wife, Peta, and three teenage children. He has been an active member of the Scarborough Surf Life Saving Club, Legacy WA, the North Beach RSL Sub-Branch, the Lions Club of North Beach and the Veterans Transition Centre.

A pilot programme designed to assist veterans and their partners looking to establish their own business was launched by RSLWA in the Co-working Space at ANZAC House this week.

RSLWA offers its congratulations to two men recognised in the Australia Day Honours and Awards announcements for the help they have provided to veterans over many years.

The work of James McMahon AM DSC DSM is well-known throughout Western Australia particularly with him being made Western Australian of the Year (Community Award) in 2019.

This year’s Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia award has been made specifically for “significant service to veterans and their families, and to the community”.

Among his vast range of community involvements James is also a Strategic and Finance Committee Advisor to RSLWA.

The other recipient of Australia Day recognition is Mark Wainwright who was awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division for his work as a Pension and Welfare Officer for the Perth Branch of The Defence Force Welfare Association since 2000 and a committee member since 2010.

The Defence Force Welfare Association impacts all current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, and their families. Membership consists of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members, their families, and those interested in veteran welfare issues.

Several people were also recognised with Australia Day medallions at the RSLWA Awards night on 29 February 2022.