Welfare and Hospital Visitation
Sub-Branch Administration (The Sub-Branch Hall and Office at 70 Wollombi Road Cessnock is open most Thursdays between 0900 and 1300 commencing 19th January 2023)
Commemorative Services
Member Social Functions
LATEST NEWS
MEMBERS
An important message from the RSL NSW and RSL QLD State Presidents
Dear Members
On Monday 5 September, we met and discussed strategic cooperation opportunities for both States to work more collaboratively. Sharing the same brand, similar aspirations, and a core charitable purpose of supporting all veterans and their families - not just our members - it was agreed that a series of activities will be immediately pursued to support the veteran community across both States, as well as committing to exploring other strategic initiatives over the medium-term (the next 2-3 years).
The agreement addresses the following key areas:
Funding support: In order to assist RSL NSW to deliver strategic initiatives to better support veterans, RSL Queensland will provide RSL NSW with funding to the value of $2.6 million.
Aligning Services: RSL NSW, through its service provider RSL LifeCare Ltd, will explore the opportunity to collaborate with RSL QLD to deliver the RSL Employment Program and the opportunity to access established grant programs such as the Veteran Enterprise Start Up Grants.
Sustainable local fundraising: RSL Queensland will explore opportunities for sub-Branches in both States to join an affiliate program designed to boost their fundraising efforts. The affiliate program will be offered by invitation first to RSL Queensland’s more than 230 sub-Branches, before being expanded to RSL New South Wales’ more than 320 sub-Branches. It is envisaged that the program will enable sub-Branches to invest in the ongoing delivery of unique and localised support to their veteran community while ensuring the sustainability and longevity of the RSL.
Consistent care: RSL Queensland and RSL NSW will prioritise the alignment of service delivery operating models so that veterans will experience a consistent standard of care and support from State to State. This will include the interoperability of Veteran Wellbeing Centres (now referred to as Veteran and Family Hubs) and all forms of digital delivery of services and support to veterans and their families.
The ABS Census Data released earlier this year revealed that more than half of Australia’s veteran population resides in Queensland and New South Wales. Through deeper collaboration and a shared approach, RSL Queensland and RSL NSW can shape positive outcomes and enhance the support and services we offer veterans and their families, no matter where they live. This, in turn, will enable RSL Australia to stand stronger as a united advocacy voice to the Government on key veteran matters and to collaborate with other RSL State Branches.
We agree that a united RSL is a strong and relevant RSL. We see an RSL that continues to advocate for veterans, enables mateship and camaraderie and leads commemorations for all veterans in their communities. Achieving real change for veterans demands this deeper level of collaboration and partnership across the RSL network and the veteran charity sector.
RSL NSW President Ray James, OAM RSL Queensland State President Stephen Day DSC, AM
RSL/Bunnings BBQ Fundraisers
Bunnings have re-commenced Community BBQs' and our next fundraising BBQ's at Bunnings Cessnock will be on Sunday 19th March 23 8am to 4pm. Volunteers to assist most welcome.
COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS
There are no current COVID restrictions in place
Next Sub-Branch meeting 10am Tuesday 4th April 2023. General Meeting followed by morning tea.
MEMBERS DINNERS
Our members Dinners for this year are scheduled as follows:
Friday 24th March 23 12MD for 12.30pm at the Hall
Wednesday 19th Jul 23 6..30pm for 7.0pm TBA
5thDec 23 TBA
Quarterly Sub-Branch Newsletter
The latest newsletter is now available for download.
TO ACCESS THE LATEST RSL NSW BOARD COMMUNIQUE CLICK ON THE ACTION BUTTON,
RSL Australia submission to Consultation on Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Dear Members
I am pleased to advise that following the request for feedback from sub-Branches through District Councils, RSL NSW has contributed to the RSL Australia submission on the Themes for Consultation to inform the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide which was lodged on 21 May. You can read the submission here.
RSL State Branches across the country (except Queensland) provided member feedback which contributed to the RSL Australia submission.
The feedback received was consistent across the Branches, and predominantly in these areas:
The submission also communicated RSL members’ views on the scope of the Royal Commission, the need for clarity between the function of the Royal Commissioner/s and the role of the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention and the importance of reviewing the previous work in this area.
We will continue to listen to and advocate for all veterans throughout the Royal Commission. The RSL NSW Strategic Plan, which was formulated following consultation with members, has set us up well to be the leading agents of change to improve the lives of veterans.
Yours faithfully
Ray James
RSL NSW President
Your membership is important to the Club as it is only through our members that the important work of supporting our veterans and their families can continue.
ANZ Bank
Account Name: Returned Service League of Australia, Cessnock Sub-Branch,
BSB: 012 570
Account No: 4507 10915
Ref: Your name or Badge No.
Our Executive Members are committed to assisting returned and service men and women in our local community. Come and join us.
PATRON: Chief Inspector Michael Gorman NSW Police
PRESIDENT : Max Lewis
VICE-PRESIDENT: Lindsay Davis
VICE-PRESIDENT: Chris Lewis
TREASURER: Lindsay Davis
SECRETARY: David Owens
Cessnock RSL Sub-Branch was first Chartered on the 8th August 1928. At that time its membership consisted of veterans returning from active service in the Boer and First World Wars. The Club received an updated charter on the 30th June 1987 by which time its membership had been expanded to include all those men and women who had served in the Defence Forces of Australia and her Allies.
LEST WE FORGET
Respecting supporting and remembering our veterans and their families
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