The RSL is the custodian of Australia’s national memory and the ANZAC tradition. We have an enduring responsibility to honour those who have served and sacrificed. For more than a century, this custodianship has been central to the League’s purpose.

In communities across the country, the RSL works to ensure the stories of service are not lost to time. Thank you to all the sub-branches undertaking important commemorative projects in 2026.

Australia Day Achievement Medallions are awarded in recognition of exceptional performance in special projects or core duties, by Government departments and agencies, not-for-profit organisations and corporate entities. RSL Australia is proud to announce the RSL recipients of the Australia Day Achievement Medallions, celebrating the remarkable individuals whose dedication fuels our community.

The RSL has condemned the vandalism of the Eltham cenotaph in Victoria. The RSL has called for concerted Commonwealth and State Government action to protect Australia's war memorials and for an increase in penalties for those caught defacing and desecrating them. "War memorials are not political props. They are symbols of unity and exist to remember service, loss and duty. They deserve protection and respect at all times," Peter Tinley said.

The RSL categorically rejects the assertion by United States’ President Donald Trump that allied forces "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines" in Afghanistan.

RSL Australia National President, Peter Tinley, said the President’s claim was factually wrong, historically ignorant, and deeply offensive to the 47 Australian service personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice, the 261 wounded, and the nearly 40,000 Australians who served in our nation's longest war.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF) is celebrating its 60th anniversary next week (26 January 2026).

Through AFOF, the RSL raises funds to cover the cost of sending twice-yearly care packages to Australian Defence Force personnel serving overseas, acknowledging their commitment and the sacrifice they make on Australia’s behalf.

RSL Australia is recruiting members to join in a commemorative hike across the Main Range in Kosciuszko National Park to raise funds to support Defence Force personnel serving overseas.

The 22-kilometre hike will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF) set up to support and honour deployed Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel.

The RSL has commended the appointment of international independent expert Nick Booth MVO to progress the establishment of a peak Australian veteran service organisation (VSO) body. We will engage closely with Mr Booth and our partner ESOs with the aim of delivering a strong, united body that can achieve significant outcomes for veterans and their families.

Witness for yourself, the theatre production of the compelling true story from WWII, honouring the bravery, strength, love and hope of Australian Army Nurses in the face of adversity. Touring Australia in 2026.

The RSL has been part of Australia’s social fabric for more than a century. It was built by veterans for veterans, an organisation forged from hardship, sacrifice and the powerful instinct of Australians to look after one another. But institutions do not survive on legacy alone. They survive because they adapt. The RSL’s mission is as vital today as it was in 1916. Australians expect us to evolve—to become a contemporary, competent organisation that delivers real value to veterans and contributes meaningfully to national life.

In 2025, RSL Australia’s National Office continued to champion the interests of veterans, serving members, and their families through impactful national advocacy, meaningful initiatives, and national commentary on issues affecting the defence community.  

The RSL Australia has called for courageous leadership and supports the establishment of a Royal Commission to independently review the failures that resulted in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM said Australia needed to know how the failures occurred and what needed to change to ensure such events never happened again.

The Returned & Services League of Australia utterly condemns the cowardly terrorist attack on Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach and extends its profound condolences to those killed and injured, their families, and the entire Jewish community.

There will be a reunion held in Wodonga (Victoria) from the 14th until the 19th of October 2026  (5 days)

This reunion is for people who served with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Australian Logistic Support Group (Vietnam), and friends.

On 2 December, in an update, the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Hon Matt Keogh MP announced that recommendations of the Royal Commission which relate to sexual violence and safety are being implemented by Defence as a priority

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Hon Matt Keogh MP on the accreditation of veteran compensation claims’ advocates and reiterated its strong support for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) crackdown on the unethical practices of some fee-charging advocates.

The RSL says it is disappointed at comments from the Prime Minister, pressuring Tasmania’s Legislative Council to pass legislation facilitating the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium. The current proposed design for a roofed stadium would adversely impact on the sanctity and heritage of the Hobart Cenotaph.

Australia’s largest veteran organisation has strongly supported the stand of its State Branch on Hobart’s proposed Macquarie Point Stadium, saying the project must respect the sacrifice of Tasmania’s veterans and war dead. The RSL says the current proposed design for a roofed stadium would adversely impact on the sanctity and heritage of the Hobart Cenotaph.

Greg Ross of The Last Post Podcast interviewed Peter Tinley about his new role as RSL President and his vision for the League. The following is an excerpt from the interview and includes a link to listen to the podcast.

Writing a Will is an important step for individuals through many stages of life, so if this is right for you, take advantage of the opportunity to write your Will for free with our partner Safewill.

From 24 November until the 1st of December 2025, Safewill is offering all RSL Australia supporters the opportunity to write a bespoke Will for free.

The RSL has received the final report of its specially commissioned Scoping Study on the impacts on veterans and their families as a result of service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) since 2002, particularly in conflicts in the Middle East. The Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Scoping Study, launched exactly one year ago, was funded by the RSL to identify and better understand the needs and concerns of contemporary veterans and their families and to ensure that they are provided with the support and services they require and deserve.