RSL and Legacy Australia Partner to Support Veteran Community
MEDIA RELEASE
Two of Australia’s largest and longest established veteran organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work more closely together to benefit veterans and their families.
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) and Legacy Australia today formed a strategic partnership to develop and foster close collaboration nationally in advocacy in support of veterans and their families.
Back row: Legatee Mark Lax, Legatee Graham Boyd, RSL Australia CEO Phil Winter, RSL Australia Policy Advisor Keely Dreghorn. Front row: Legacy National President Wayne New, and Greg Melick RSL National President.
RSL National President Greg Melick and Legacy Australia Chairman Wayne McNee said the alliance had been formed at this time particularly to support the implementations of the recommendations flowing from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Both the RSL and Legacy will seek a leadership role and support each other’s endeavours on the standing committee established to advance the implementation process.
Greg Melick and Wayne McNee said the two nationally recognised, member-based service organisations, acknowledged the historical and profound role that each has in caring for veterans and their families.
Greg Melick said: “RSL Australia is committed to the welfare of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members both serving and veterans discharged into the community. RSL Australia has a recognised concern for the wellbeing of the families of these service personnel and from time to time, may seek the support of Legacy Australia.”
Wayne McNee said: “Legacy Australia is committed to the care of the families of veterans who have given their lives or their health in service to their country. In situations where the veteran may still be present but is not able to support their family, Legacy Australia may seek the support of RSL Australia.”
“While recognising the different positioning of each party in the veterans’ community, both are committed to a relationship based upon common goals and the sharing of resources and information,” they said.
Under the MOU, RSL Australia and Legacy Australia will work collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcomes for veterans and their families. The MOU identifies areas of coordination to ensure the services provided by each are understood and collaborative, and points to opportunities for maximising the expertise and resources available to each organisation at state and regional levels.
In fundraising, RSL Australia and Legacy Australia will collaborate for mutual benefit acknowledging that RSL Australia has prime fundraising access to its Anzac Day Appeal and its Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal, and the RSL Australia will actively support the Legacy Week fundraising activities.