Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League's (RCEL) Conference 2025

Shaping the Future of Veteran Support in the Commonwealth

The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL) Conference 2025 (28 June - 3 July 2025), hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion in Ottawa, was a pivotal gathering for delegates from over 30 countries. As a long-standing member organisation, the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL Australia) was actively involved, with RSL National President Greg Melick AO RFD FANZCN KC attending as a delegate to represent the RSL's interests.

Founded in 1921, RCEL has a long and proud history of supporting Commonwealth veterans, and this conference was particularly crucial as it addressed the future of the organisation as an independent charity beyond 2027. Resolutions concerning the future of the League were discussed and voted on, with open discussions held about the future structure of the organisation. Member organisations offered helpful input, contributing to the development of options for supporting beneficiaries beyond 2027.

The conference provided a vital opportunity for the RSL National President to discuss veteran matters with our Commonwealth counterparts, including providing updates on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and the RSL-led Middle East Area of Operations Scoping Study. This RSL is committed to supporting and working with RCEL to ensure no Commonwealth veteran is left without support and ensure Australia continues to contribute to the international veteran network.