RSL WA

On 1 November 2024 the Perth CBD will host the annual Poppy Appeal. Keep an eye out for Australian Defence Force personnel and volunteers collecting donations, with military vehicles on display in the Hay and Murray Street Malls. Every donation makes a difference. All funds raised go directly to supporting the welfare of our veterans and their families. For more info or to get your online donation in early visit: https://lnkd.in/gqDk_8Bx

At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to mark the Armistice that ended the First World War and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Take a moment this Remembrance Day 2024 to join in a minute of silence to honour those who gave their lives in service to our nation. If you’re in Perth, we invite you to join us for a commemorative service as we come together as a community to pay our respects: 10:30 am 11 November 2024 Flame of Remembrance, Kings Park & Botanic Gardens At 11:00 am there will be buglers throughout the CBD who will play the Last Post. Wear a red poppy and show your support on the day. You can purchase a poppy during our Poppy Appeal on 1 November, or from www.store.rslwa.org.au. You can also make a donation to the Poppy Appeal at https://lnkd.in/gqDk_8Bx All funds raised will support the welfare of WA veterans and their families. For more details on the WA Remembrance Day service, hosted by RSL WA, visit https://lnkd.in/gzpVSYdR

On Monday 11 November 2024 we pause to mark the 106th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in the First World War. Every year, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Australians join people around the world in one minute’s silence to honour the service personnel who have lost their lives while serving in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. This Remembrance Day, the RSL WA invites the community to attend a commemorative service to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice: Flame of Remembrance, Kings Park & Botanic Gardens 10:30 am (One minute’s silence 11:00 am) Monday, 11 November 2024 Many local RSL Sub-Branches and councils are also holding services. We stand with veterans and their families, recognising the contributions of Australian Defence Force personnel—past and present. Wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance, and if you can, donate to the Poppy Appeal to support our veterans https://lnkd.in/gqDk_8Bx Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gfAnJMaK

On Monday 11 November 2024 we pause to mark the 106th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in the First World War. Every year, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Australians join people around the world in a minute’s silence to honour the service personnel who have lost their lives while serving in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Former RSL WA CEO and Timor veteran, Vince Connelly, recently visited Timor-Leste in September to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Australian Service in Timor-Leste and support the local community.  Almost forty Australian veterans, some with spouses or children, returned to Timor to both attend the commemorative anniversary and participate in the Timor Awakening program. Vince Connelly said, “To see first-hand the lasting positive impact our service has had in assisting our neighbour in need has helped re-affirm the incredible value of military service. Whilst the Timorese have not forgotten the devastation that was wrought upon them, their ability to forgive and move forwards has been fundamental in forging their new path”. The Timor Awakening program is an immersive peer-to-peer wellbeing program for veterans, which has continued to be delivered with incredible results since 2016. The program is available to Australian & New Zealand Veterans (and spouse or carer), with or without operational service. Participants and mentors provide each other with inspiration, practical tools, strategies and routines in overcoming trauma and re-establishing purposeful lives. To get involved visit https://lnkd.in/gZik_teu

Network and explore new career opportunities at this special event presented by Working Spirit Ltd. Save the date! More details to follow. What: Veterans & Families and Emergency Services Networking Event Date: Friday, 1st November 2024 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: TBC

It's official, Sir Valston Hancock House is now open to support WA veterans in a new targeted accommodation program in South Perth made possible by Hancock Prospecting. RSL WA State President Duncan Anderson, GAICD was present to mark the opening of Sir Valston Hancock House. The new accommodation program delivered by RAAFA WA and supported by RSL WA will be made available for veterans who require transitional accommodation or are at risk of homelessness. The facility will be operated by RAAFA while RSL WA will be referring tenants and providing ongoing support services. One of the first tenants welcomed into Sir Valston Hancock House shared his experience accessing the program. “I was totally surprised when I first walked in the door at Sir Valston Hancock House and everything that I needed was here — all I needed to bring my clothes. I was homeless and living in my car and it took a month to get all my records together to be eligible to move into suitable accommodation, with the help of RAAFA and RSL WA I was able to move into Sir Valston Hancock House quickly.” RSL WA CEO, Stephen Barton said “This collaboration between RSL WA and RAAFA will unlock a new level of support for WA veterans and their families from a central location. Thank you Hancock Prospecting for your unyielding support of the veteran community. Your contribution is immense and we look forward to sharing the strong impact these nine units will have on the lives of the new tenants.” #sirvalstonhancockhouse

Today we remember 25 years Australian service in Timor-Leste with a commemorative service at the WA State War Memorial. Date: Friday 20 September 2024 Time: 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm Location: State War Memorial, Kings Park & Botanic Gardens In 1999, Australia led an international peacekeeping force (INTERFET) in East Timor to prevent violence against civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid in the largest Australian deployment since the Second World War. Thousands of Australian troops landed in East Timor alongside 22 other participating United Nations. 50 personnel from the Australian Federal Police were among the first on ground to assist (UNAMET). Australia proudly played a central role supporting the Timorese people to establish independence as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. The Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) is hosting a commemorative service at Peacekeeping Memorial in Canberra today on the 20th of September 2024 at 9:30 am AEST. This will be broadcasted by the ABC and is available to watch online (ABC iview). Six Australians died while serving in Timor-Leste along with hundreds of Timorese people on the road to independence. These six Australians are recorded on the National Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial. Lance Corporal Russell Eisenhuth, Sergeant Andrew Emmerton, Corporal Stuart Jones, Australian Private Ashley Baker, Craftsman Beau Pridue, and Sergeant Brett Kinloch. (Source: Anzac Portal: DVA). Images: Defence Australia

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 more: https://lnkd.in/ghA9fMiy