Pakenham RSL

22/05/2026

Pakenham RSL member and Rotarian Ian Wake was one of a number of distinguished nominees for the prestigious Stan Henwood award, which acknowledges an individual's positive, long-term impact on the Cardinia Shire community.
The award honours the late Stan Henwood's enduring legacy in the township of Tynong and the broader community.
Nominees were invited to the annual Mayor's volunteer reception dinner, held last night.
Ian has dedicated many years to Pakenham Rotary, serving as immediate past president, and is a highly valued member and volunteer of Pakenham RSL. Ian's tireless efforts and contributions to our RSL are deeply appreciated. Being a nominee for this award recognises Ian's outstanding work in our community and his dedication to veterans.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to Ian for his remarkable service.

02/05/2026

Pakenham RSL are today manning the BBQ at Bunnings Pakenham.

Please come a get some delicious sausages and onion cooked by RSL Member Stefan an enjoy some cold drinks also.

We will be here until 4pm today.

Drop by and say hello when you’re at Bunnings today shopping for your weekend project needs.

25/04/2026

Pakenham RSL President John Kennett and RSL members were invited by Pakenham Football Netball Club to the annual ANZAC Round Matches at Toomuc Reserve in Pakenham.

President John Kennett conducted an ANZAC Ceremony before the seniors football match.

A nice way to end this years commemorations.

Thanks to PFNC for their wonderful hospitality.

25/04/2026

The Pakenham RSL hosted a significant gathering this morning for its annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service.
The community of Pakenham and surrounding areas convened at the Cenotaph in John Street and participated in a poignant service presented by their local RSL.
Nigel Foenander delivered a self-penned poem. RSL President John Kennett spoke about his father's WWII service, and RSL member Jo Boulter spoke about a WWI digger who was awarded a Victoria Cross for his bravery.
The Ode of Remembrance was recited by RSL member Bev McKenna.
The Piper Andrew and Bugler Janson were on point, and Latisha delivered beautiful renditions of both the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems. Pakenham RSL wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation to all of its members and volunteers for the many hours that they generously gave during the Appeal period.
We also wish to acknowledge the generosity of the local community for their kind donations towards assisting veterans and their families in times of need.
Thank you for the community spirit of the Pakenham Rotary Club volunteers who prepared this morning's Gunfire Breakfast Sausage Sizzle.

19/04/2026

Please look out for our volunteers selling ANZAC Appeal tokens in the lead up to ANZAC Day, your generosity is appreciated, especially by the Veterans that are assisted by your donations.

We look forward to seeing you while you are out and about this week and also at the Pakenham RSL Dawn service on ANZAC Day.

There are 6 days until ANZAC Day.

ANZAC Day is about remembering our service men and women who have served this country whether in war, peacekeeping or at home.

Australia has been involved in a peacekeeping operation somewhere in the world every day since the first UN Mission in 1947.

Today we remember the Australian men and women who served as peacekeepers in East Timor between 1999 and 2013.

After 25 years of Indonesian rule Australia contributed 45 military personnel to assist with a referendum on East Timor to vote if the country should become an autonomous section of Indonesia or independent.

The people of East Timor voted overwhelmingly for independence. Pro Indonesia militias began a campaign of violence during which around 1400 people were killed and half a million displaced. Australia responded by leading a peacekeeping mission (INTERFET) which arrived in mid-September 1999.

5,500 Australian troops initially deployed in the mission to stop the violence and stabilise the country. Australian forces secured Dili by the end of September and then deployed by helicopter throughout the country to drive out militia groups and give local villagers the confidence to return home.

Over the next fourteen years Australian peacekeepers played a critical role in the development of state institutions, security and democracy in the fledgling nation.

Photo: United Nations trucks carry reinforcements of soldiers awaiting orders to enter West Timor. This image relates to the service of members of the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) who participated in Operation Tanager, mainly operating on the border of East and West Timor.
Credit: Australian War Memorial P12263.009 Rahman, Mohammed Abdur

16/04/2026

Pakenham RSL Members Jo and Sue were yesterday afternoon selling ANZAC Appeal tokens at Arena Shopping Centre in support of Pakenham RSL annual ANZAC Appeal.

Thank you to the generous people of Pakenham and Officer for the wonderful support this week.

Our volunteers are doing an amazing job engaging with the community and giving their time generously in support of this appeal. Please stop and say hello and purchase a token or make a donation.

Our volunteers will be at local shopping centres selling tokens until 24th April, 2026.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Pakenham RSL Dawn service at Pakenham Cenotaph in John Street Pakenham on ANZAC Day 25th April 2026 at 5.45am for a 6.00am start.


~ L E S T W E F O R G E T ~

11/04/2026

Please support our annual ANZAC Appeal and say hello to one of our Members Rob at Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre and two of our valued volunteers Barry and Betty at Pakenham Marketplace Shopping Centre. Every bit of support will directly benefit Veterans in need.

11/04/2026

The annual ANZAC appeal launched today and Pakenham RSL members are out selling ANZAC tokens at local Shopping centres. Pictured below is Margaret at Arena Shopping Centre and Tim at Heritage Springs Shopping Centre. Please stop and say hi and support our Appeal when you see our members and volunteers out and about for the next couple of weeks. All funds raised will directly help veterans in need.

08/04/2026

Pakenham RSL will now publish a quarterly newsletter to keep our supporters and followers up to date and informed about important events and what we’re up to. Please see attached the second edition for your interest and reference.

We look forward to seeing you during our annual ANZAC Appeal. Please stop and say hello when you see us out and about at local shopping centres and support our appeal if you can. All donations and purchases of Appeal tokens are tax deductible and will directly support veterans who need it.

31/01/2026

Pakenham RSL are today manning the Bunnings Pakenham BBQ selling delicious sausages and icy cold drinks to support our fundraising efforts in support of defence veterans welfare. Come down and say hello when you visit Bunnings.