South Hurstville RSL Sub-Branch

14/02/2025

February 15, 1942: One of Australia's darkest wartime days.

Singapore fell, and over 15,000 Australian soldiers became POWs, with more than 7,000 never returning home. This defeat also marked a turning point, leading to Australia's vital alliance with the US.

We remember their sacrifice and the lives forever changed. Lest we forget.

Photo: Australian troops disembarking at Singapore, August 1941

14/02/2025

Today is National Servicemen's Day when we honour the Australians who served in the National Service Scheme.

The scheme required men to register for compulsory military training during times of regional unrest before it was abolished in 1972.

National servicemen, known as ‘Nashos’, served in Vietnam, Malaysia, Borneo and Papua New Guinea. During the Vietnam War, more than 200 national servicemen died and more than 1200 were wounded in active service.

Today we honour all those who were called to serve.

Lest we forget. 🌺

📷 Australian War Memorial

Men from C Company, 13th National Service Battalion, based at Bardia Barracks, Ingleburn, waiting to go home after completing their period of national service. A chartered double decker bus is waiting in the background.

09/02/2025

09/02/2025

RSL National President Greg Melick says it’s imperative that the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 be passed as a priority in the current parliamentary sitting.

“The mental health and wellbeing of our veterans continues to be put at risk while the current complex and confusing compensation framework remains in effect, and we cannot afford for this critical piece of legislation not to be passed in this term of Parliament.” he said.

Read more: https://www.rslaustralia.org/latest-news/pass-veteran-compensation-and-entitlements-legislation

09/02/2025

Do you know a Year 10 or Year 11 student who loves History?

Applications are now open for the 2025 Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarship!

The Scholarship gives NSW high school History students the opportunity to travel on a study tour to the Republic of Korea and Singapore to discover the history of Australians at war.

Accompanied by a military historian, the tour will visit significant historical sites to learn about and commemorate the service of Australian men and women. Plus, there are plenty of fun activities and the chance to make friends from across NSW along the way.

➡️ Click here for more info and details on how to apply with applications closing on 9 March: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/pams

Applications close 9 March.⏳

09/02/2025

The RSL warns declining patriotism is impacting ADF recruitment and retention.

RSL Defence and National Security Committee Chair and former Chief of the Australian Army, Lt General Peter Leahy (Retd) warns that we must address this now to protect our future.

Read more: https://www.rslaustralia.org/latest-news/declining-patriotism-putting-australias-defence-at-risk

09/02/2025

DVA is seeking Expressions of Interest from our community for participation in the 2025 Veteran Families Policy Forum.

Are you part of a veteran family? Your insights and experiences can help shape the policies, programs, and services of the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA).

The Veteran Families Policy Forum provides a platform for veteran families to collaborate and generate ideas on key areas for change.

The Forum is a two day in-person event, with some online sessions before and after. The Forums are designed to be solutions-focused, covering a range of topics over the two day period.

Expressions of Interest will be open throughout February and can be accessed via the DVA website: https://www.dva.gov.au/about/overview/consultations-and-grants/consultation-veteran-families

09/02/2025

Exciting further study or research opportunity for veterans. 🔸

American Australian Association (AAA), through its Veterans’ Fund Scholarships, is offering scholarships to study in the US.

The Veterans’ Fund provides support of up to US $40,000 to Australian Veterans undertaking or planning to undertake full-time Undergraduate or Graduate level study in any disciplinary field, at an accredited USA educational institution.

➡️ Click here for more info, eligibility, and how to apply with applications closing on 31 March: https://americanaustralian.org/scholarships/veterans-fund/

Don’t miss this opportunity to undertake study, invest in yourself and grow professionally.

Apply by 31 March 2025 ⏳

📷C. Wilson, studied Medicine. (Image supplied by AAA)

09/02/2025

Are you a member of a veteran family? We want to hear from you!

Expressions of interest for the 2025 Veteran Families Policy Forum are now open.

The Forum is an opportunity for us to work together to improve policies and services.

Click here to register your interest: https://dva.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1C6EqTlyDpoIn9I

📅 Submissions close 11.59pm AEDT Friday 28 February. Places are limited.

09/02/2025

09/02/2025

Are you a woman who has served or is currently serving in the Australia Defence Force?

You are invited to join us at a special NSW Women’s Week event recognising your service and giving you the opportunity to connect with other women who have served.

This NSW Women’s Week, the NSW Government is hosting a special reception at Parliament House for women veterans and current serving women in the Australian Defence Force.

Don’t miss this opportunity to come together, connect, and hear from Major General Ana Duncan AM CSC as she shares her inspiring experiences as a woman in the Australian Defence Force.

📅 Friday, 7 March
🕒 6.00-8.00pm
📍 NSW Parliament House, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney

Places are limited. Reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nsw-women-veterans-reception-at-nsw-parliament-house-tickets-1234120751389?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/02/2025

RSL Australia is calling for all sides of Federal Parliament to pass new laws governing veterans' compensation and entitlements without further delay.

The Government’s Bill was expected to be passed before Christmas, but is currently awaiting debate in the Senate this week and with the Federal election looming it is imperative that the Bill is passed as a priority otherwise veterans will continue to be worse off for a longer period of time.

RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge has backed the national body’s call for the legislation to be passed without further delay.