Holbrook RSL Sub-Branch

Holbrook RSL Sub-Branch Supporting the welfare, interests, and advocacy of Veterans and their families, while also promoting remembrance, mateship, and service to Australia.

On 14th May 2026, the Opening of the Gundagai Memorial to the Battle of Coral-Balmoral, and the Battle’s Victoria Cross ...
25/03/2026

On 14th May 2026, the Opening of the Gundagai Memorial to the Battle of Coral-Balmoral, and the Battle’s Victoria Cross for Australia recipient, the late Private Richard Norden VC, will take place at Carberry Park, Sheridan Street, Gundagai, commencing at 11.00am.

Information on PTE Norden can be found at this official link:

https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/stories/biographies/richard-leslie-norden

DVA has introduced Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC), which provides free mental health treatment to all current/former A...
16/03/2026

DVA has introduced Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC), which provides free mental health treatment to all current/former ADF members (and specific Reservists) without requiring proof that service caused the condition.

Any person who is or has been a permanent member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), irrespective of the length of their service, (minimum service is ONE day) when they served, or the type of service, is eligible for treatment for any mental health condition under NLHC arrangements.
Reservists who have rendered any period of continuous full-time service (CFTS), are also eligible to receive NLHC for these conditions.
Reservists without CFTS may be eligible to receive NLHC for any mental health condition if they rendered Reserve Service Days with:
• Disaster Relief Service (e.g. Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 2019-20, Operation COVID-19 ASSIST);
• Border Protection Service (e.g. Operation RESOLUTE); or
• involvement in a serious service-related training accident.

For mental health conditions, a diagnosis is not required. Proof of identity and service are required at the time of application.

A range of treatments may be available, including treatment from a general practitioner, medical specialist, psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist, psychiatrist, hospital services, specialist PTSD programs, pharmaceuticals, or other services as required to treat the condition.

Your mental health condition does not have to be connected to your ADF service, however, if it is connected to your service, you may also make a claim for compensation through DVA.

Further information at the following link:

https://www.dva.gov.au/access-benefits/veteran-card/veteran-white-card

If you require assistance with preparation and submission of the form, or the creation of a My Service account, please contact Holbrook RSL Sub Branch email [email protected] or 0421 252 883. We can also offer assistance in the preparation and submission of compensation claims.

Pop on down to Festival by the Sub and say hi to Greg and the crew at the Holbrook RSL Sub Branch stand. Legacy will be ...
07/03/2026

Pop on down to Festival by the Sub and say hi to Greg and the crew at the Holbrook RSL Sub Branch stand. Legacy will be there as well as plenty of information to help our veterans.

Oh, and that’s a pretty awesome ship that Greg built!

Assistance appreciated for ANZAC Day 2026 service in Holbrook.Can you bang a drum? You've seen how us old fellows (and s...
28/02/2026

Assistance appreciated for ANZAC Day 2026 service in Holbrook.

Can you bang a drum? You've seen how us old fellows (and some younger ones) march on ANZAC Day, usually to our own step! We need a drummer to keep us in time, you know, one of them really big loud drums! A full drum corp would be even more awesome.

Bagpipes, some hate them (we feel sorry for you) and the rest of us simply love the 'skirl' of a rousing pipe tune! Would you like to be the Lone Piper at our Dawn Service (free breakfast included)?

There will be Veteran's with mobility issues, and they often miss out on the march because of it. Do you have a vintage car that you would like to show off and give a Veteran a lift as well?

If you can assist, please contact by FB messenger, email [email protected] or ring on 0421252883.

February 14th 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of National Service.National Service refers to two conscription schemes fo...
08/02/2026

February 14th 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of National Service.
National Service refers to two conscription schemes for the armed forces that operated during the Cold War. Both schemes saw young men conscripted into Australia’s armed forces for full-time and part-time service. Those who served in the national service schemes were affectionately known as ‘Nashos’.

• The National Service Training Scheme (NSTS) ran from 1951 to 1959. It required nearly all 18-year-old males to be registered for national service and undergo between 3 and 6 months of full-time training in one of the armed services followed by a part-time service commitment in either the Royal Australian Naval Reserve, Citizen Military Force, or Citizen Air Force.

• The National Service Scheme (NSS) ran from 1965 to 1972. This scheme required males turning 20 and resident in Australia to register for potential national service and then men were selected for national service by a ballot system. Those selected were required to complete 2 years of full-time service with the Australian Regular Army or six years of part-time service in the CMF. Nashos in this scheme could serve in Australia or overseas, including in Vietnam, Malaysia (including in the Indonesian Confrontation), Singapore, and Papua New Guinea.

Over 280,000 young men were called up for national service between 1951 and 1972 with the last Nashos discharged in 1974. More than 200 died on active service overseas and others died while serving in Australia. Although many young men were proud to serve their country in uniform, national service came at a personal cost for all Nashos, irrespective of the nature and location of their service.

Our very own Sub Branch Vice President, Douglas Spokes, was a “Nasho”, serving in Vietnam. Thankyou Doug for your service and for the service of all those from the Holbrook area who drew that number in the “Birthday Lottery”.

This year marks 80 years since the inception of The Holbrook Returned Servicemen’s Club and the commencement of construc...
24/01/2026

This year marks 80 years since the inception of The Holbrook Returned Servicemen’s Club and the commencement of construction of the bowling green and facilities in 1946. Initial work was carried out by volunteers of the Holbrook RSL Sub Branch up until around 1952.

From the start, the Club was open to general community membership, although being owned and administered by the Sub Branch. As early as 1960 there were moves to sell the assets to the Club.

The Club was incorporated in 1972, becoming a separate and autonomous body, and the freehold was purchased by the Club from the Sub Branch in 1991.

This sale made the Holbrook RSL Sub Branch sort of another resident club, such as bowls and golf, within the overall Servicemen’s Club, and still part of this great community facility enjoyed by many.

That said, many people confuse the Servicemen’s Club with the RSL Sub Branch. The Servicemen’s Club is not an RSL club, like the big ones we see in Sydney, and the Sub Branch is 'the Club', but an organisation concerned with the welfare of Veterans in our local area.

Given this history, the Club and the Sub Branch are inextricably entwined, with the Club enshrining in its constitution the upholding of the objectives of the Holbrook RSL Sub Branch and providing office and meeting spaces for the Sub Branch members, along with maintaining the honour boards recording the names of locals who made the supreme sacrifice in both World Wars. The Club does an amazing job on ANZAC Day with providing the Gunfire Breakfast (even the Board members get in slinging eggs and bacon) and a place to meet after the ANZAC march. Without the Club’s support the Sub Branch would cease to exist.

How many of you have noticed the two blue concrete driveway posts as you exit the Holbrook RS Club into Bowler Street?Th...
17/01/2026

How many of you have noticed the two blue concrete driveway posts as you exit the Holbrook RS Club into Bowler Street?

These two posts, were once adjacent to the Bowling Club grounds in Swift Street, before being moved to their present location some decades ago.

Are they just concrete posts? No, they formed a memorial to VX142232, Corporal Neil Joyce, Killed In Action, New Guinea, 07 Dec 43, aged 20 years. As his body was never found, he is recorded at the War Cemetery in Lae, PNG.

CPL Joyce's father donated the money to construct the gateposts, which featured moulded RSL plaques. Unfortunately, time, the elements and neglect have not been kind to this memorial.

Holbrook RSL Sub Branch would like to refurbish this memorial as it is a part of our town's history. We are seeking anyone who may have a photograph or other illustration of the gateposts in their original form to assist us with restoration. We have approached local history resources but to no avail.

The RSL is not there just for veterans, but their families as well. If you have a close relative who has served, or is c...
04/01/2026

The RSL is not there just for veterans, but their families as well. If you have a close relative who has served, or is currently serving, you can join the RSL as an Affiliate Member. Membership of RSL NSW is free.

Holbrook RSL Sub Branch warmly invites those who wish to become Affiliate members by using the following link:
https://rslnsw.org.au/get-involved/become-a-member/

Holbrook RSL Sub Branch meets at 6pm on the third Wednesday of February, April, May, July, August, October and December, at the Holbrook Returned Services Club.

2026 Commemoration Services.Saturday 25 April - ANZAC DaySaturday 11 July - Middle East Area of Operations Commemoration...
23/12/2025

2026 Commemoration Services.

Saturday 25 April - ANZAC Day
Saturday 11 July - Middle East Area of Operations Commemoration
Tuesday 18 August - Vietnam Veterans' Day
Monday 14 September - National Peacekeepers Day
Wednesday 11 November - Remembrance Day

On 13 December 1914 HM Submarine B11, a relatively primitive craft, commanded by Lieutenant N D Holbrook, submerged a mi...
23/12/2025

On 13 December 1914 HM Submarine B11, a relatively primitive craft, commanded by Lieutenant N D Holbrook, submerged a mile off Cape Helles at the western end of the Straits and eventually reached Sari Sighlar Bay, south of Chanak on the Asian shore. Here B11 discovered and torpedoed the Turkish battleship Messudiyeh, which was carrying more than 700 men. Despite very heavy Turkish fire B11 succeeded in returning safely to Tenedos. Holbrook was awarded the VC, his 2IC, Lieutenant Sydney Winn, the DSO, and the other members of the crew the DSM.

https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/ww1/where-australians-served/gallipoli/dardanelles-strategy/submarine-b11

Address

Holbrook Returned Services Club
Holbrook, NSW
2644

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