The Returned & Services League of Australia

The RSL is Australia's largest ex-service organisation, dedicated to serving those who have served, since 1916.

Two essential pillars of RSL Australia - 'Scholarships & Grants' and 'Commemorative Events'
Two essential pillars of RSL Australia - Community and Wellbeing Services and Veteran Wellfare Services
  • Man and his child at an Anzac Day service

    Anzac Day 2026

    RSL Sub Branches across Australia will host a range of ANZAC Day services and events on 25 April. The RSL welcomes all members of the community to attend.

    Plan your Anzac Day
  • Victoria Barracks in Sydney

    Defence Estate Divestment

    The Australian Government has announced plans to divest 67 Defence estate sites. A Senate Committee inquiry into the Management of Defence estate assets will accept submissions received by 17 April 2026. It's a tight turnaround, and RSL Australia is moving fast.

    Learn more
  • Peter Tinley outside the National Office in Camberra

    National President's Newsletter

    Each month, RSL National President Peter Tinley provides an update on what the RSL National office is working on to honour, elevate, and advocate for our veteran community. Read newsletters online and subscribe to stay informed.

    Read the latest newsletter
  • National forum for Ex-Service Organisations

    National Advocacy

    The RSL is one of the most respected voices representing veterans, directly influencing the Federal Government. We advocate on important issues to current and former serving ADF members and their families.

    Read more

A Voice for Veterans

RSL Australia is a leading voice for veterans (both current and former serving ADF members) and their families, working on behalf of our independent State and Territory Branches to shape policy, legislation, and the national agenda on veterans’ affairs with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders.  

 RSL Australia advocates to ensure the needs of veterans and their families are met, and their voices are heard.  

The RSL State, District and Sub-branches across the nation provide a broad range of welfare and wellbeing services, programs and events for current and former ADF members and their families.   RSL Memberships are managed by State Branches.

Connect with your State Branch.   

 Latest News

 
Featured
There were no winners or losers, just the damaged

By Colin Montefiore.
I had the privilege of being selected to attend the Grassroots Japan-Australia Exchange Program in 2026 as a descendant (son) of a POW who was in Camp 14 Nagasaki, 1750m from the epicentre of the Atomic Bomb. Also selected was Barry Dwyer, a son of another POW from the Ohama coal mine camp. We were accompanied by Mike Gallagher, President of RSL, Tasmania.

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Limited Edition Anzac Biscuit Tins Arriving Soon

The popular commemorative limited edition Anzac Biscuit tins will arrive in stores soon. The Returned & Services League of Australia’s limited edition Anzac Biscuit tins, with the traditional treat inside, will be available from major supermarkets and selected independent stores and outlets from the beginning of April.

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Under a Bamboo Sky – A Unique Film Honouring the More than 22,000 Australian POWs of the Japanese

More than 22,000 Australians were taken prisoner by Japan during World War Two, with some 8,000 dying due to extreme brutality, forced labour, starvation, and disease.

Launching in cinemas nationally ahead of Anzac Day is a new documentary which shines a light on a little-known aspect of this story, told through the voices and words of those who were there.

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Veteran and Defence Voices Heard in Decision to Conduct Defence Estate Sell-Off Inquiry

The RSL has welcomed the Senate Inquiry into the proposed divestment of 67 Defence estate sites, describing it as a critical opportunity to ensure the process is done properly. The Government has only one chance to get the disposal of Defence assets right — and must ensure decisions are transparent, strategic and deliver long-term benefit for veterans, Defence personnel and the broader community.

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