RSL Sub-Branches and RSL clubs
What’s the difference?
It's a common misconception that all RSL clubs are owned and operated by the RSL.
Initially, almost all RSL clubs were formed as or from sub-branches as part of the League, but over time, some clubs and sub-branches in some States have become separate entities.
To understand the difference between RSL clubs and RSL sub-branches, it's important to understand the structure of the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) the largest veteran charity in Australia, and how membership of the League varies from state to state.
The RSL operates under a federated governance model. RSL Australia, as the National body, coordinates and promotes the national interests of the organisation. Each State Branch operates independently and, through its Districts and Sub-Branches, services the grassroots members of the League in local communities.
As a not-for-profit organisation, the RSL is fundamentally a welfare organisation established for the principal purpose of promoting the interests and welfare of serving and ex-serving men and women of the ADF and their families. The RSL has a reach into communities Australia-wide with around 1,105 sub-branches and membership base of around 148,000.
It's a common misconception that all RSL clubs are owned and operated by the RSL. Many people outside of the veteran community will not have heard of sub-branches. They may think that their local RSL club is connected to the League and that by becoming a member or supporting the activities of an RSL club, they are directly supporting veterans when this is not always the case.
The History of RSL clubs
Initially, almost all RSL clubs were formed as or from sub-branches as part of the League. They offered veterans and their families a place to gather. As they got bigger and more complex to manage, some clubs and sub-branches in some States became separate entities, and the clubs were no longer part of the RSL structure. In NSW, changes to licensing laws in the 1970s and '80s created the need for sub-branches and clubs to separate.
RSL Clubs
The majority of RSL clubs are separate entities from the RSL.
They operate under respective State licensing laws; hence there is a significant difference from State to State. RSL clubs generally provide hospitality and entertainment offerings, may hold gaming licenses and are known to be active in their local communities. Some clubs provide a venue for local RSL sub-branches to meet and support RSL ideals and aspirations. Still, very few clubs make direct financial contributions towards running the charity, the RSL. Clubs determine their membership conditions, and State licensing laws and local club rules govern admission to a club. Membership of an RSL sub-branch or being a member of the Australian Defence Force does not automatically confer the right of entry to RSL clubs. Membership to one club does not provide access/membership to other interstate clubs.
RSL Sub-branches
RSL sub-branches are membership-based not-for-profit communities which operate as part of the League under the Charter of their State Branch.
They provide opportunities for veterans to connect, may offer welfare services and advocacy, and are involved in facilitating veteran commemorations. Most sub-branches pursue fundraising activities or rely on investments to support their service offering. Some RSL sub-branches have social premises and hold a liquor license, and in some States, some sub-branches also hold a gaming license. Membership to one sub-branch does not provide access/membership to other interstate sub-branches as they are managed and operated under different jurisdictions.
State-by-state
RSL clubs and the RSL sub-branch network are not the same across Australia. Here is an overview of what is on offer in each State.
|
|
RSL sub-branches exist as part of the League to support veterans |
RSL sub-branches offer hospitality (social events and food) |
RSL sub-branches hold liquor and gaming licenses |
RSL and services clubs exist separately of the League offering hospitality and gambling |
|
Queensland |
✓ (223) |
✓ (46) |
✓ (46) |
✓ |
|
New South Wales |
✓ (320) |
✓ |
X |
✓ |
|
ACT |
✓ (11) |
X |
X |
X |
|
Victoria |
✓ (269) |
✓ (86) |
✓ (52) |
X |
|
South Australia |
✓ (118) |
✓ (98) |
✓ (2) |
X |
|
Tasmania |
✓ (49) |
✓ |
X |
✓ |
|
Western Australia |
✓ (115) |
✓ (37) |
✓ (28) |
X |
|
Northern Territory |
✓ |
✓ |
X |
X |
Queensland
In Queensland, there are 223 RSL Sub Branches and the majority are registered charities or not-for-profit organisations set up to support veterans and their families as part of The Returned & Services League (Queensland Branch). They each have a Charter and operate under the RSL Queensland Constitution. Of these, 46 Sub-branches operate clubs with hospitality and gaming licenses. Entry to the hospitality services of these Sub Branches is restricted to Members and visitors in accordance with state liquor and gaming laws, however the Sub Branch support services can still be accessed by veterans and their families without needing to join the Club.
In Queensland, there are also separate RSL Clubs which are completely independent organisations in their own right that offer hospitality and gaming. Some support RSL Sub Branches others do not. Entry to an RSL Club is dictated by the club and in accordance with state gaming and liquor laws.
New South Wales
In NSW, there are 320 RSL sub-branches which are registered charities set up to support veterans and their families as part of the RSL. They each have a Charter and operate under the RSL NSW Constitution. Neither RSL NSW or any of its sub-branches own or operate registered clubs, nor do they sell alcohol or facilitate gambling.
Some RSL NSW sub-branches lease property to RSL clubs, but they do not own the club entity.
RSL & Services Clubs Association and ClubsNSW are entirely independent organisations which support RSL and services clubs in NSW. RSL and services clubs operate licences premises and offer hospitality and gaming. Some RSL and services clubs which own their premises may support RSL NSW sub-branches by offering a place to hold meetings, recreational activities or commemorative events, and others do not. Entry to an RSL or services club is dictated by the club and in accordance with NSW gaming and liquor laws.
ACT
In the ACT, there are 11 RSL sub-branches which are not-for-profit organisations set up to support veterans and their families as part of the RSL. They each have a Charter and operate under the RSL ACT Constitution. None offer hospitality or gaming. There are no RSL clubs which operate independently of the League in the ACT.
Victoria
In Victoria, there are 267 RSL sub-branches which are registered charities set up to support veterans and their families as part of the RSL. Of these, 86 sub-branches offer limited hospitality, and 52 sub-branches operate with hospitality, including gaming. A fee collected from these 52 sub-branches partially funds the operation of the RSL in Victoria.
Entry to a sub-branch is restricted to Members and visitors in accordance with state liquor and gaming laws. Social and Community members are welcome. Members of RSL sub-branches in Victoria enjoy reciprocal membership rights, whereby membership to one Victorian sub-branch grants entry to other sub-branches.
There are no RSL clubs that operate independently of the League in Victoria.
South Australia and Northern Territory
In SA and NT, there are 118 RSL sub-branches which are not-for-profit organisations set up to support veterans and their families with social inclusion and services in some cases as part of The Returned & Services League. They each have a Charter and operate under the RSL South Australia Constitution. Some of the RSL sub-branches operate in a club style with hospitality and two have gaming licenses. Some own their own premises; others share community venues, and some have no set venue. There are no RSL clubs that operate independently of the League in SA and NT.
tasmania
In Tasmania, there are 49 RSL Sub-Branches which are not-for-profit organisations set up to support Veterans and their families as part of The Returned & Services League of Australia. They each have a Charter and operate under the RSL Tasmania Constitution. Some Sub-Branches offer hospitality, but none offer Poker Machines (Electronic Gaming Machines or 'Pokies'). Entry to a Sub-Branch is open to Members and Visitors and operates in accordance with State Liquor Laws.
There are also RSL Clubs, which are completely independent organisations in their own right who offer hospitality and gaming. They do not have an RSL Tasmania Charter and do not operate under RSL Tasmania’s Constitution. RSL Clubs also do not provide funding to RSL Tasmania’s Veteran Support Services. Entry to an RSL Club is dictated by the individual Club in accordance with State Gaming and Liquor Laws.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, there are 115 RSL sub-branches which are unincorporated associations (with the exception of Port Kennedy) set up to support veterans and their families as part of The Returned & Services League. They each have a Charter and operate under the RSL WA Constitution. Of these, 37 sub-branches hold a liquor licence. Entry to a licensed sub-branch is restricted to members and their guests and is subject to the Liquor Control Act 1988. No sub-branches offer gaming in Western Australia.
There are no RSL clubs that operate independently of the League in WA.
Learn more about the benefits and services offered through a membership with the League.