RSL Australia

Today, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste. When East Timor experienced a humanitarian and security crisis in 1999, Australia led a multinational peacekeeping force in response. INTERFET and several UN-led missions helped the country as it achieved independence. The majority of Australian service in Timor-Leste spanned between 1999 and 2013 and encompassed Australian Defence Force and Australian Federal Police personnel, as well as civilians. A number of Australians continued to serve after 2013, with ongoing efforts still in effect to this day. The national commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial will be broadcast by the ABC from 9:30am. This anniversary service is an opportunity to honour and remember the six Australians who lost their lives and all those who served and their families. Image: Defence Australia | Sergeant Martin Ryan shakes hands with an East Timorese child. Learn more about the story behind the picture: https://lnkd.in/gSJ5YMJW RSL Victoria

RSL Australia would like to thank Jocelyn Cronin GAICD, Executive Operations Manager, for her dedicated work and for the immense value she added to the RSL National Office over the past two years. Joss cares deeply about advocating for the welfare of veterans and their families and did a great deal to support RSL Australia's advocacy work. She is also incredibly efficient, chaired multiple RSL committees, and effectively worked across several RSL programs and initiatives. Joss, you made a real difference. We are very grateful for your work, and we wish you well in your future endeavours.

The RSL Australia, #AusAirForce and United States Air Force have combined to commemorate a legendary aviator for his family. ❤ Flight Lieutenant Frank Russell might not be a household name, but his service record speaks of a significant aviator with a long and steeped career. Enlisting in 1941, FLTLT Russell served until 1976 – a career that took him through World War II, the Korean war, the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War. A request from his family in the US led to the RSL facilitating a presentation box of his replica medals to be delivered to the US, through his family back home, by the 509th Bomber Wing – who currently have B-2 Spirit Bombers deployed to RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. Read here ➡ https://lnkd.in/gj3jcJjf 📸 | CPL Brett Sherriff #AusAirForce #YourADF

The RSL National Veterans’ Affairs Committee (NVAC) is the forum where key policy issues in the veterans’ affairs space are discussed by a council of delegates from each of the RSL State Branches. The top three items discussed at the meeting on 10 September were: 1. The Royal Commission's Final Report's recommendations and next steps. 2. The Advocacy Governance Working Group's efforts, progress and providing feedback on the consultation paper. 3. National Consultation Framework Review https://lnkd.in/gHEce4Vg

In 2025, Australia will commemorate a major milestone, the 110th anniversary of Anzac Day – and coinciding with this, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs has advised that applications are open for veterans and families to volunteer with the department in the delivery of these Anzac Day services in France and Türkiye in 2025. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gPZhyx3J

The RSL has expressed its deep concern at today’s announcement by Defence Minister Richard Marles that the medals awarded to Australian officers serving in the Afghanistan campaign will be revoked. RSL Australia President Greg Melick says the RSL firm position from the outset of the Brereton Report is that no medals should be taken away from recipients until all investigations and potential trials have been completed. Natural justice demands this. “The RSL is aware of the significant strain this matter has placed on veterans, even those not involved in alleged incidents,” he said. “Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel serve in a unique and highly challenging environment, and the allegations and the outcomes of the Brereton Report have caused considerable distress and mental health concerns.” If you or someone you know needs support or are feeling distressed by this announcement, please reach out to: ▪ Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling – 24-hour veteran and families counselling: 1800 011 046 ▪ Defence Member and Family Helpline – 24-hour emergency and crisis support: 1800 624 608 https://lnkd.in/gCH8RNuR

Please, show your support for our ADF personnel and Australian Federal Police serving overseas by making a donation to the RSL to support our work creating care packages. Donations currently fund 100% of what we purchase to put in the packs. RSL volunteers will spend two days packing on 24 and 25 September at the 39 OSB Randwick Barracks. https://lnkd.in/gMT2yF6a

Today marks a momentous occasion for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide as they hand down their final report – signifying the end of the Commission’s inquiry.   We would like to extend our appreciation to the Commissioners for their work and commitment to shine a light on issues that are detrimental to the health and wellbeing of the veteran and Defence community.   The RSL is calling for an independent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Wellbeing to lead implementation of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission and to ensure there is a sustained and permanent watch on the health and wellbeing of veterans, ex-serving ADF members, and their families.    We stand ready to help inform, support, and deliver the Australian Government’s response to recommendations of the final report.   Read our full statement welcoming the report, here: https://lnkd.in/gBxX9Fzi

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will today hand down its final report containing 122 recommendations to drive improved health and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel – and save lives. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/gRWMrUBh

This morning, RSL National CEO Phil Winter attended the National Servicemen's Association commemorative ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the thousands of Australian National Servicemen who served between 1951-1959 and 1965-1972. We thank our ‘Nashos’ for their service.