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DONTATE OR VOLUNTEER TODAY

We are always grateful for financial donations or offers of volunteering support.

There are an estimated 25,000 Veterans in Western Australia – many of them younger Veterans who face emerging challenges. 

Please help RSLWA raise essential funds to support our Veterans and their families.

RSLWA is a registered charity and we rely on our community for donations and support in our fundraising appeals. DONATE TODAY!

VOLUNTEER TODAY! Send us your details and we will be in touch.

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Free Small Business Support Programme for Veterans

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.

 The free programme, which has links to industries and is supported by the Small Business Development Corporation, is tailored to veterans and their partners. 
 
The first session on Monday, 25 July took participants through the ‘must have’ and ‘might needs’ required when setting up a new business. 
 
RSLWA new CEO Vince Connelly dropped in on the session to get an understanding of what the participants sought to gain from the programme.
 
“Veterans bring amazing skills and attitudes back to society, and to the workforce.” Vince said. 
 
“These sessions are tailored to help harness veterans’ energy by providing guidance and support to their new business endeavours. It’s also helping us showcase the amazing new co-working spaces and resources in Anzac House”.
 
To register your interest or find out more about the programme email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 9287 3799.
 
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RSL Employment Program helps Veteran Set Sail in Dream Job

For ex-Navy veteran Mark, landing his dream job was an achievement he was not confident he’d ever see after being administratively discharged in 2017.

Mark decided to reach out to RSLWA Employment Officer, Sherry Baxter, where he received help to develop his resume and some career development opportunities which lead to some referrals to various short-term positions.

The last was a short-term contract role at the State Health Incident Control Centre (SHICC), which greatly boosted his confidence before Sherry helped Mark land his dream job in September last year in a search and rescue role at Cobham Aviation.

Sherry was so excited to receive Mark’s message about his successful interview.

“I just wanted to let you know that I have been offered the Search and Rescue role with Cobham Aviation,” Mark wrote.

“It was a long drawn out process due to my police check, but for the first time ever a company asked questions about it, asked for my story and to put it all in context for them to make a more informed decision.

“It seems the RSL, and you in particular, are my little guardian angel. Without you I wouldn’t have got this role with the Health Department and now this one with Cobham.

“Thank you so much for all your help and persisting with me, even though I am sure I ignored a bunch of emails from you back in the beginning.”

Sherry said Mark had struggled with the potential negative implications his discharge may have had on finding suitable employment.

“It is just so wonderful to get news like Mark’s. It is so rewarding to help people like Mark overcome barriers and transition from defence back into the workforce,” she said.

Veterans seeking employment can read about the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program at the RSLWA website, or contact the RSLWA Employment Officer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone 9287 3724.

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New RSLWA CEO appointed

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.

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Media Release

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