President’s Newsletter

RSL Australia has launched a major research initiative to identify and better understand the needs and concerns of contemporary veterans and their families to ensure that they are provided with the support and services they require and deserve.

The first phase of the project is the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Scoping Study.

The MEAO Scoping Study will run over the first half of next year (2025). A broader study will follow over two to three years, which will examine and assess the issues and concerns identified in much greater detail.  This broader study will recommend enhancements and national strategies to improve the range and level of services and support provided to today’s veterans and their families. 

There have been several studies undertaken but no follow up of these veterans for more than a decade. It is clear that a significant piece of research is needed.

This study is fully funded and led by the RSL. It is independent of government, but is supported by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Defence and the Repatriation Commission. It will engage RSL State Branches, RSL Sub-Branches and veterans Australia-wide.  

A multidisciplinary consortium led by Gallipoli Medical Research, with Griffith University and the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, will conduct the research. Gallipoli Medical Research is internationally renowned for its research into the physical and mental health of veterans.

This project will undoubtedly be the most significant research initiative undertaken by the League for decades, and the RSL Australia Board sees it as a vital first step in enhancing the wellbeing of today’s veteran community. 

Learn more about the study on our website:

Thank you to everyone who commemorated Remembrance Day. All over Australia, people attended services, wore poppies, donated to the RSL Poppy Appeal, and paused at 11 a.m. on 11 November to honour the fallen.

I attended the commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial. It was an honour to be there and to recite The Ode at the first Remembrance Day service on the Parade Ground after four years of redevelopment.

I would like to thank the RSL State Branches and the hundreds of RSL Sub Branches around the country who organised commemorative services and provided the opportunity for their communities to gather in remembrance and pay tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Day. Lest we forget.

Greg Melick
RSL Australia National President

Upcoming Commemorations

24 November - 110th anniversary of the formation of ANZAC

7 December - The end of the Siege of Tobruk (1941)

11 December - Operation Fauna, Korea (1952)

20 December - Last troops evacuated from Gallipoli (1915)

31 December – Conclusion of Operation SLIPPER, Afghanistan (2014)