RSL Australia
Advocating for benefits, treatment and the welfare of current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force, and leading the nation in commemoration since 1916.
RSL Australia was established in 1916 for the principal purpose of promoting the interests and welfare of current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their dependents.
An ethos of compassion and service is the motivating influence of the League. Our core mission has never changed and has evolved to meet the needs of each generation of servicemen and servicewomen. Our purpose is guided by our Objects as prescribed within the RSL Australia Constitution.
RSL Australia operates under a constituted federated governance model with membership that consists of the National President and the State Branches, of which there are seven State/Territory Branches.
Under this structure, the State Branches:
oversee their Districts and Sub-Branches; and
together with their Districts and Sub-Branches deliver a diverse range of services which are tailored to reflect the priorities and needs of veterans in each State.
The RSL’s National Office shapes the national agenda on veterans’ affairs, advocacy and policy on behalf of the State Branches and promotes the national interest of the organisation. It supports and coordinates national programs and initiatives, manages national communications and owns and manages the RSL brand. It supports the RSL Australia Board of Directors, National Officers and Executive and coordinates National Committees and Working Groups.
RSL Australia is overseen by the RSL Australia Board of Directors, which is comprised of representatives of each state branch and supported by independent board members.
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL Australia) is an Australian Public Company Limited by Guarantee and is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).
RSL Australia
Established: 1916
Members: 149,000+
Branches: 7 State and Territory Branches. 1095 Sub-Branches
Patron: His Majesty King Charles III
National President: Greg Melick, AO RFD FANZCN SC (Retd)
OUR VISION
Together, with our members, our vision is to help Australia’s Veterans and Defence families enjoy better opportunities in all aspects of their lives.
Our Values
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Care
RSL cares for the welfare and interests of veterans. We provide a support network and community for veterans and their families. You can find RSL sub-branches in most Australian communities. They play an integral role in connecting veterans to services, developing social networks, enhancing support services and providing practical support.
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Advocacy
It is the role of RSL Australia to advocate on important issues to serving and former serving ADF members and their families. We defend veterans’ rights and benefits and fight to ensure the government puts the needs of those who have served their country first.
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Commemoration
The RSL has led the nation in commemorative services since 1916. We work within communities to share the stories and history of those who have served. We commemorate, pay respect and keep the ANZAC spirit alive.
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Camaraderie
RSL branches provide regular opportunities for the veteran community to connect and rekindle their bonds of service and mateship.
A Brief History of the League
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL Australia) was formed in 1916 in response to the lack of a unified approach to the organisation of repatriation facilities and medical services for those returning from the Great War (World War I).
On the 6th of June 1916, a meeting held in Melbourne became the genesis of the Returned & Services League of Australia as we know it today. The meeting was attended by delegates from Victoria, South Australia, NSW and Queensland who agreed to name the organisation The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA). Although Tasmanian Delegates could not attend as they were unable to afford the expense of travelling to Melbourne, Tasmania did join Victoria, South Australia and Queensland as the Founding members of the League. New South Wales and Western Australia joined the League in 1917, and the ACT in 1927.
Prior to the League’s establishment, Returned Service Associations had formed in various states and were lobbying for privileges for returned men in their respective States. The lack of repatriation facilities had distressed returned soldiers who were in need of aid so the Associations formed to help returned servicemen obtain benefits.
The founding members of the League set out to lobby for better benefits, treatment and the welfare of veterans and serving members of the Defence Force and to preserve the health, wellbeing and security of Australia and the Australian way of life.
Since its formation, RSL Australia has evolved into the nation’s largest Ex-Service Organisation. An ethos of mateship, compassion and service remains the motivating influence of the League. Our core mission has never changed and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of each generation of servicemen and women.