RSL Australia - National President’s Newsletter

President’s Newsletter

As highlighted in my previous President’s Newsletter, I recently spent time in Timor-Leste as part of a delegation to build the relationship between RSL Australia and Timorese veterans. As a result of the visit, RSL Australia will now work to coordinate with Timorese veterans and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence to develop this important relationship. You can read more about it here. While in Timor-Leste, I was fortunate to visit the remains of HMAS Voyager (pictured above left). It sunk in 1942 while attempting to evacuate Australian soldiers from the island. While little of the ship is visible above the sand, it is a constant reminder of the sacrifices both countries made in WWII.

Recently, RSL South Australia and RSL WA held their State Congresses and invited RSL Australia CEO Phil Winter to provide a national update. Phil spoke about the important role of the RSL in representing the voices of veterans to Government and provided a national report on the progress of the League.

In this month’s newsletter, I’ll update you on the proposed Veterans’ Entitlements Legislation and highlight several great opportunities available to our veteran community.

Greg Melick
RSL Australia National President

Veterans’ Entitlements Legislation

The consolidation of the three Acts governing veterans’ entitlements into one Act is something that RSL has advocated for over many years. This reform will be one of the most important legislative changes for veterans and their families in a long time. One Act will make it easier for advocates to support veterans with DVA claims and reduce the claims backlog and stress on veterans and their families.

In my last email, I reported that RSL had made a submission on the draft Bill during the consultation period. DVA responded to our submission, thanking RSL members for their contribution and helping shape and improve the Bill.

The draft Bill has now been tabled in Parliament. It was referred to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 3 October 2024. The Committee is seeking submissions on the Bill by 31 July 2024. The RSL will be making a submission. Members can provide further feedback on the Bill on the RSL Australia website.

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Opportunities for the veteran community

RSL Scholarships

RSL Australia provides tertiary study scholarships for children and grandchildren of Australian veterans.

Applications for 2025 scholarships will open soon. Apply from 18 August.

Wheels on Water

Current and former serving ADF personnel are invited to sail onboard the purpose-built, fully accessible Lo Spirito di Stella when it visits three Australian ports as part of the Wheels on Water 2023-2025 round-the-world tour. Learn more.

Veterans’ Health Week

RSL Sub-branches are encouraged to host an event in October in support of Veterans’ Health Week (VHW). Last year, RSL Sub-Branches hosted 194 events! DVA grants of up to $1,000 are available. Apply by 30 August.

RSL Remembrance Ride

Registrations are open for the RSL Remembrance Ride. This year the ride will take place from 9-15 November, riding a scenic loop from Cowra, NSW. It offers a chance to connect with other veterans and challenge yourself in a supportive environment. Learn more.

Upcoming Commemorations

27 July - Korean Veterans’ Day

5 August - 80th anniversary of the Cowra Breakout (1944)

15 August - Victory in the Pacific (1945)

18 August - Vietnam Veterans’ Day

31 August - Malaya and Borneo Veterans' Day