The Australian journalists, photographers, camera and sound operators, and other media who have covered the nation’s involvement in wars and conflicts will be remembered at a service at the War Correspondents Memorial at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in Canberra on Monday, 22 September 2025. Media and members of the public are invited to attend

RSL Australia National President Greg Melick said today’s statement to parliament by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh MP, indicated the work already undertaken but also showed that much remained to be done to implement all 122 recommendations of the Royal Commission to enhance the wellbeing of all veterans, Defence personnel and their families.

On 27 August 2025, RSL volunteers arrived at Randwick Army Barracks in Sydney, ready to set to work packing around 400 care packages for Australian Defence Force Personnel serving overseas. Channel 7 News’ Grace Fitzgibbon and her crew arrived to film behind the scenes for a special feature on The Bright Side. Thank you for featuring our work, 7NEWS!

This September marks one year since the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide handed down its final report and the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has received assurances that the Government is making strong progress on the implementation of the recommendations.

The RSL is continuing to advocate for the implementation of all recommendations and is working closely with the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) on key issue arising from the Royal Commission’s report.

The RSL is preparing for a change in leadership as RSL National President Greg Melick steps down after six and a half years of service in the leading veteran role. Three exceptional candidates have been nominated by their State Branches. 

In accordance with the RSL Constitution, the election will take place on the day of the RSL Australia General Meeting (AGM), Thursday 16 October, with each State Branch able to vote. The new President will take office for a three-year term following the conclusion of the meeting.  

Last month, at the invitation of Kwon Oheul, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of South Korea, RSL National President Greg Melick visited Seoul to take part in the Seoul International Veterans Forum. The Forum brought together leaders of veterans’ associations from around the world to share perspectives on peace, security, and the challenges facing veterans today.

Regarding the wearing of bowling shirts featuring the words Lest We Forget and the Wagga RSL Club, importantly, RSL Australia has not issued any instruction or demand that would prevent RSL Wagga Bowls Club members from wearing the shirts as described. RSL Australia was first made aware of this matter via media reports and the RSL has not placed any restrictions on its use by the Wagga RSL Bowls Club.

The RSL says tomorrow’s Vietnam Veterans’ Day is the opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution of those who served and sacrificed during Australia's 10-year involvement in the Vietnam War. Vietnam Veterans' Day is commemorated annually on 18 August.

This Friday marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific and the official end of World War II (WW II). The RSL says the day is important for the nation, commemorating Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Allies on 15 August 1945, which officially ended WW II. RSL National President Greg Melick said this 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day) is an important time for Australia to recognise the sacrifices so many people made for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Over the past few months, RSL has become aware of increasingly concerning behaviours in the claims advocacy sector – impacting veterans, advocates and DVA delegates. We are hearing reports of "kickbacks" being offered to individual advocates for referrals, directing clients away from not-for-profit service providers in favour of commercial entities that are driven by profit.

The RSL says the veteran and Defence Force community will be extremely disappointed at the decision to cease funding the Salvation Army’s “Sallyman” program.

Within parts of the RSL and the public, a myth is growing that the Returned and Services League (RSL) must inevitably shrink.
The argument goes that veteran numbers are declining, with the Second World War generation largely gone and the Vietnam War generation entering their twilight years. Many assume that because they associate veterans with older men, the veteran population is in terminal decline, and with it, the RSLs relevance. But that view ignores reality.

The RSL has welcomed and is supporting research into brain injuries to service personnel, being undertaken by the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). As well, the RSL has also repeated its call for the Government to establish a brain injury program as recommended by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. 

The RSL Defence and National Security Committee is reviewing a paper submitted by independent consultant and former RAAF officer Peter Robinson, a specialist in military preparedness, mobilisation and risk. He argues that Australia's military capacity is now at a level where it's almost unable to sustain a commitment to any serious conflict.

Claims of sexual assaults and misconduct in the ADF were raised in a report on the 60 Minutes television program. The matters raised are deeply concerning. The welfare of the current and former servicewomen impacted is of paramount importance. The RSL reiterates its call for the full and early implementation of all recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, including recommendations 14-25 specifically addressing sexual misconduct.

Efforts are underway to contact the descendants of 65 Australian servicemen who supported the UN in Indonesia between 1947-1951, to let them know they are eligible for the UN Special Service Medal.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) are inviting veterans of the Second World War to express their interest in travelling to Canberra to attend a special Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial on Friday, August 15, 2025, to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

The Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company is building a website to provide the public with information about 2000 heritage guns across Australia to explain the heritage and importance of a gun to the community and its local history. It will include technical information, images and maps. Learn more about how you can help.

Australia is unprepared for and lacking in appreciation of the risks of war, according to a senior experienced defence expert. This is a significant danger in the current deteriorating global strategic environment. The Australian Government must take urgent action to confront current strategic risks and ensure that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has the ability to address them.

RSL Australia has launched a fundraising appeal for its Australian Forces Overseas Fund to send care packages to Australian Defence personnel serving overseas. The appeal will help fund 400 packages of treats and messages for Australian service men and women deployed on military operations overseas. Care packages will go to Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in the Middle East, South Sudan, Egypt, and other overseas theatres.