The price of liberty is eternal vigilance

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 27th January 2022)

Commemorative Services

Member Social Functions

LATEST NEWS

MEMBERS 

For the information of members and invited guests, the Sub-Branch will be holding a combined meeting and Christmas Lunch at the Sub-Branch hall on Tuesday the 6th December commencing at 10am. This will take the form of our traditional Christmas social function. As this will be catered internally we need indicative numbers attending NLT 1 Dec 22 to daveowens1944@gmail.com

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 26th November    8am to 4pm.  Volunteers to assist most welcome. There will be a further BBQ at Bunnings on the 17th December.

COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS

A COVID-19 Safety plan is now in place at the RSL Hall. Seating has been arranged to meet the current social distancing requirements  and sanitising equipment is in place at the entrance and throughout the hall. To meet the record  keeping requirements, the sign-in sheet has been modified to comply with the Covid 19 compliance instructions. The co-operation of members in complying with these measures is appreciated.

Next Sub-Branch meeting 10am Tuesday  6th December 2022.  

MEMBERS DINNERS

Our members Dinners for this year are scheduled as follows:

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:

• Barriers to implementing previous inquiries re this      topic, and for the Royal Commission going forward
• External factors (outside of ADF service) including      suicidality
• Review of existing national data on all suicides, and      evidence-based information for further reviews
• Mental health research and processes for veterans
• Support for serving personnel/veterans within the      Service, and from NGOs and ESOs
• Post Defence service employment opportunities
• Transition processes
• DVA Claims processes
• Social media influence and disinformation

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