Remembrance Day is day to reflect and honour those who served and sacrificed in all wars and conflicts. Whether you attend a service, wear a poppy or simply pause for a minute of reflection, there are many ways you can commemorate this Remembrance Day. Whatever you choose, it is important we all ‘Remember to Remember’.

The much-anticipated veterans’ catalogue of services web application, now branded as the ‘Veterans’ Catalogue’, went live today (Tuesday, November 1, 2022). The app has been developed with a vision of empowering veterans and their families to more easily find and access services and support when needed.

This coming Remembrance Day on the 11th of November 2022, a special #RememBEARance campaign has been launched by Defence Families and Legacy which has received RSL Australia’s support.

To acknowledge the strength and service of our Defence families, the campaign encourages families attending commemorative services to lay a small bear alongside their wreaths to acknowledge the families of veterans and current serving Australian Defence Force members.

RSL is pleased to see key policy matters addressed including reforms recommended by the current Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and moving forward on the establishment of a network of additional Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs.

Invitation to RSL Members: You are invited to attend the 31st Annual Commemoration National Merchant Navy War Memorial, Kings Park Canberra on Sunday 23 October commencing at 1100 hours followed by morning tea on site.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) says the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and existing war memorials and Cenotaphs around the country should remain exclusively to honour Australian Defence Force personnel and peacekeepers who have served in wartime theatres of conflict.

While the RSL supports the establishment of memorials to mark those killed in frontier conflicts, these should be separate from the Australian War Memorial and the Cenotaphs located around Australia.

The RSL is proud to be supporting the nightly Last Post Ceremony, to ensure it can be livestreamed across the nation, and the inspiring stories of so many fallen veterans told widely.

Senior Counsel and retired Army Reserves leader Greg Melick has been re-elected as National President of the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL).

Greg Melick was first elected President of the national ex-service organisation in May 2019 and his re-election was confirmed at the Annual General Meeting in Canberra today.

Greg Melick said he was honoured to be returned as President of RSL Australia and committed to continuing the efforts to secure better outcomes for veterans and their families.

In September The Last Post magazine featured a multi-page editorial on RSL Australia covering topical articles and interviews with its leaders. Download a copy to read a Q&A with Greg Melick (RLS National President) discussing the role of RSL today, the challenges ahead and a vision for the future plus more…

Olive Jardine (nee McNeil,) who served in World War II with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), is one of only 47 female veterans over the age of 101. This is Mrs Jardine’s story and some of her memories of her time in service.

The RSL commended the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh on his apology in Federal Parliament to serving and former military personnel who he said had been let down by his Department and the Department of Defence over numerous decades. In its own submission in response to the Royal Commission’s Interim Report, the RSL has strongly endorsed all 13 recommendations, saying they are sensible, significant, and vital.

The RSL has condemned yesterday’s burning of the Australian National Flag by anti-monarchy protesters in Melbourne. National President Greg Melick said the protestors’ burning of the Australian National Flag and campaigning against the monarchy on the National Day of Mourning, demonstrated a gross level of disrespect that would be denounced by all reasonable Australians.

In 1947, the Returned Sailors’, Soldiers’, and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia sent the then Princess Elizabeth a special wedding gift as a token of the League’s loyalty and best wishes for her marriage.

The President of the RSL, Greg Melick, will represent the organisation and Australia’s veterans at the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As one of Her Majesty the Queen’s long-standing Patronages, the RSL was invited to be represented at the funeral.

Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League: It was with great sadness that we received the news today of the death of our Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I have written on behalf of our Trustees, Council Members, Member Organisations and Headquarters staff to express our deepest sympathy to His Majesty King Charles III and members of The Royal Family.

The Returned & Services League of Australia’s (RSL) has expressed its deep sorrow and condolences on the passing of its Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has been an outstanding servant and leader of the Commonwealth for the duration of her reign and the RSL was honoured to have her as our Patron,” Greg Melick said. 

RCEL exists to help Commonwealth veterans who fought for our freedom. RSL is a Founder Member. Read our report on page 38.

RSL is proud to be supporting a remarkable and historically significant expedition in which the 16th RWAR of Perth and the 39th OSB of Randwick will retrace the steps of their comrades as part of commemorations for the 80th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign. 

RSL Australia and RSL NSW are sponsoring the Papua New Guinea porters supporting this trip and acknowledge the significant role they played in the campaign, carrying supplies and evacuating injured soldiers through the challenging terrain.

We have recently been alerted to a phone scam operating under the guise of RSL. Members of the public have reported receiving calls from individuals claiming to be RSL staff members and seeking ‘opt-ins’ to the charity.

Please note, RSL does not undertake any telephone marketing and will never ask for financial contributions, donations or for any personal information via this channel.

The RSL has prepared a summary of the Hobart Hearing Block, including the key themes examined so far and the actions of the League in response. Following the release of the Royal Commission Interim Report on the 11th of August, the RSL has also included a summary of the recommendations put forward.