What does the RSL Sub Branch do? We are a sub-branch of the RSL of NSW, which is a branch of RSL of Australia. Our rules of governance are set by the State Branch. We consist of ex-service and serving members of the Australian Defence Force who have had at least 6 months honourable service. We also have as members those who have served in Commonwealth and Allied forces.
The sub-branch at present has about 200 members. A number of them live outside the Murwillumbah area, with the majority residing within 25 kilometres. The sub-branch meets every second Tuesday in the month [except January] at 9 am. Matters under discussion are State Branch directives, sub-branch administration such as finances and executive reports, reports on our ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Vietnam Veterans Day and other commemorative activities, plus reports on Pension and Welfare matters, the 225 Army Cadet unit [which we sponsor], our support for Legacy and its Widows and other general business.
The RSL does not own or have any control of the Murwillumbah Services Club. We do have members on the club’s board, but they are acting as members of the board under the Company’s Act and must at all times consider the club members first in all matters. Part of the club’s mission is the support of the welfare of ex-servicemen and women.
There are a number of ex-service men and women in this area who are not members of the RSL for a variety of reasons. Some feel it is run by old fogies and is not for young veterans. This is far from the truth as a lot of matters discussed relate to the welfare of our serving and recently retired ADF veterans. We would be happy to have them involved in these discussions and decisions. I am sure there are a number of our club members who have relatives or friends currently in the Services, we would like to have contact with them as the RSL needs younger members to ensure that the welfare and conditions of serving and ex-serving members can be monitored and not left in the hands of politicians alone. Even if they do not want to join the RSL we can and will help with pension and service related claims.
