RSL National President’s Newsletter

President’s Newsletter

For more than a century, the RSL has served its members, our nation’s veterans and their families and strongly supported the defence and wellbeing of Australia.

As our veteran community well knows, we are living in challenging times with our world seemingly becoming more unstable as each day passes.

The ongoing war in Ukraine; the never-ending conflict in the Middle East and the current fighting in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon, threatening to spread to Iran and wider; China’s increasing expansion in the South China Sea and ongoing uncertainties regarding Taiwan; and the tension between North and South Korea, are indicative of an increasingly unstable world.

Undoubtedly, this instability impacts Australia and the security of our nation and region. It points to the need for Australia to be vigilant and maintain a close watch and emphasis on its defence and security.

While much has been made of Australian Government commitments to purchase nuclear submarines and update missile and weapon systems it would be dangerous to ignore the current capability of our armed forces.

These vital issues are regularly discussed by the RSL’s Defence and National Security Committee, and input from members and the wider Defence and veteran community is welcomed and encouraged.

I visited New Zealand to speak at the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association’s annual conference earlier this month. It was highly valuable to discuss the RSL’s views on many contemporary issues with our Kiwi friends, and it was interesting to hear that they share many of the same concerns that we do.

On Monday, I attended the RSL NSW Congress and was very impressed by the presentations. It was great to hear more about what RSL NSW is working on to support veterans.

Next month, on 11 November, we will commemorate Remembrance Day. A day to pause to honour the courage and sacrifices of all those who have served in our Defence forces and remember those who have died in military service.

Commemorative services will take place at cenotaphs, memorials and RSL Sub-branches across the country. I encourage you to find a service near you, donate to the RSL Poppy Appeal and pause for a minute at 11 am to remember.

Greg Melick
RSL Australia National President

Upcoming Commemorations

3 November - Kokoda Day

11 November - Remembrance Day

19 November - Sinking of HMAS Sydney [II]

22 November - 60th anniversary of the Japanese War Cemetery - Cowra