Cherisa’s Story: RSL Member & Volunteer Ambassador
Cherisa Pearce is full of enthusiasm and passion for bettering the lives of veterans. Her impressive military career began at 21 years of age, involved three deployments to Timor Leste and spanned over 21 years, retiring as Second in Command of the Royal Military College. As the 5th generation to serve in her family, daughter of a Vietnam Vet, and with a currently serving partner, Cherisa is well informed on the issues facing the veteran community and their families.
Following her discharge in 2015, Cherisa joined the Currumbin Palm Beach RSL (Queensland) and has gone on to become a board member of the Sub-Branch. When asked why she joined, she said, “there are so many benefits, from reconnecting with other service members to getting involved with the different programs on offer”.
In mid-2021, RSL Australia invited Cherisa to become their National Ambassador alongside Pete Rudland. RSL Australia’s CEO Phil Winter says, “Cherisa stood out as a role model with her hard work ethic, genuine interest in helping veterans and great communication skills. Her dedication as a mother of two daughters and her involvement in local sport - noting her leadership of the Fluro surfing community around Currumbin - is terrific.”
As a volunteer National Ambassador, Cherisa works within communities to inspire younger members to join the league, liaises with other ex-serving organisations and seeks a broader perspective on veterans’ issues.
Having started the role during the height of the COVID pandemic, Cherisa was somewhat limited in her ability to get out and about and attend events. However, as restrictions have eased, we have seen Cherisa in the media spotlight, most recently endorsing a new partnership between RSL Queensland and the Gold Coast Suns, which supported ANZAC Day through a pre-match commemoration.
“Partnerships like these [Gold Coast Suns] are an important step forward in ensuring RSL remains current for the next generation of veterans, many of whom are in their 20s and 30s and have a strong following of sporting teams like the Gold Coast SUNS.”
In mid-May, Cherisa attended an entrepreneur’s workshop (Innoclub), which offers free participation in the program to veterans and their spouses. Cherisa attends such programs wearing her Ambassador hat and provides feedback to RSL on programs that may be suitable for further endorsement.
As an Ambassador, Cherisa has enjoyed meeting new people and listening to their stories.
“By listening to the issues veterans are currently facing, I can then pass on their experiences to try and help others.
“It is my vision to see every new Defence person obtain RSL membership from the first day of their service so that we can support them and their family throughout their career and prepare them for their transition whenever that may be.”
RSL is immensely grateful for the support and representation Cherisa provides on a volunteer basis and values the time, energy, and ideas she continues to bring to the role.