RSL NSW

📢 Applications for the 2024 Anzac Community Grants Program are now open 📢    Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects that commemorate and educate New South Wales communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former military servicemen and servicewomen, as well as activities benefiting the NSW veteran community.    Individuals and not-for-profit organisations, including local governments, ex-service organisations, and educational institutions, are eligible to apply for funding.    ⏰ Applications close on Monday 11 November at 5pm.  🔗 For full details and to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/gfKtQTcS

Today, 12 September 2024, is R U OK? Day. But life happens every day. You don't need to be an expert to reach out to support someone - just a good friend or family member, and a great listener. Today or any day, reach out to your loved ones and those in your community and ask 'Are you okay?' 💬 Need to talk? 💛 Lifeline: call 13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114 💛 Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 💛 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 Contact an RSL NSW sub-Branch to connect with your local veteran community: https://lnkd.in/gCkBUn3k R U OK? #RUOKAnyDay

The September 2024 issue of Reveille has now arrived.     Inside this month: Inaugural Middle East Area of Operations Commemoration, an exclusive interview with Nick Kaldas, Chair of the Royal Commission, how the Veteran Support Fund is helping promote and support ex-service organisations, and more.    Read now:

Last week, we shared our hope for change off the back of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Now, with the Commissioners’ 122 recommendations clear, it’s time to work together to achieve that change. Read more, and hear from RSL NSW Head of Veterans Policy and Program Delivery Isaac Ohlin.

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.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide releases its final report this month, and there are reasons for both hope and cynicism. “We hope and pray that the ex-service organisation sector unites after we disappear,” says Royal Commission Chair Nick Kaldas APM. “And goes forward with advocating as loudly as they can for veterans and serving members, and achieve everything that can be achieved to help them.” Read the full interview with Nick Kaldas below.

Changes in lifestyle – such as transitioning out of Defence, finding a new job or moving house – can often have a large impact on mental health on veterans and their families. Here are numbers you can call today for assistance if you need, and a range of practical strategies to assess and improve mental health. Read more:

Both Ross Edwards and Michael Borg grew up in Defence – and missed it badly when they left. Determined to continue their service, they joined the Cronulla and Griffith RSL sub-Branches respectively, enabling them to foster meaningful connections and experience the camaraderie they'd been craving. "If our veterans need help, we do everything in our power to get them back on track,” says Borg. They believe sub-Branches should encourage more young and working veterans to join. Read more:

Today’s the day!     City2Surf 2024 is here and the RSL NSW team is ready to go.     Good luck to everyone participating and have fun. Share your support in the comments below.    #rslnswsport 

City2Surf Tomorrow!     The RSL NSW City2Surf team has participants ranging all the way from 8 months to 87 years old! With over 300 veterans and their families participating it is the largest veteran team in the City2Surf fun run.     If you’re in and around Sydney tomorrow head to the race route and cheer on those running in the RSL NSW team.     Learn more about two members of the team, Noel and Alex 👇