Welfare

Defence Community Division:

  • Provide information & referral to various services e.g. Counseling, Home and Community Care, Respite, Funeral Homes, Legal Services.
  • Advocating for veterans and their dependants.
  • Financial support in necessitous circumstances.
  • Arrange contact and assistance from your local RSL sub-Branch.
  • Assistance with hospital discharge planning.

Serving Members:

We believe we are the "missing link" when Defence are unable to assist. If you are medically discharged we are the equivalent of DCO

  • Advocating on behalf of service members.
  • Support for ADF Families.
  • Assistance with DVA claim preparation.

Age Care Information:

  • We provide information on how to access age care services, community health respite services and residential care and a broad range of services.
  • Act as a liaison between you and your service providers.
  • Arrange visits and assistance from your local RSL sub-Branch.
  • Support for care practices related to special needs of veterans.
  • Educating staff on veterans’ special needs and entitlements.
  • Support for lifestyle options (remaining connected with ex-service people).
  • Assist with commemorative activities (e.g. ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day).

RSL sub-Branch Welfare Officers:

Sub-Branch Welfare Officers are trained volunteers who provide practical support to veterans and their families. Individual sub-Branches have individual assistance depending on the size, amount of volunteers and its members, financial situation.

  • Provide an effective referral service
  • Facilitate RSL Funeral tributes
  • Home and Hospital visitations
  • Ensuring that their members receive all entitlements

Useful Contacts:

Please contact our Defence Community Division staff for more information. To speak to one of our lovely staff members on the phone, please call (02) 9264 8188, followed by their below extension number. 
Support Manager  Louise Summerhayes lsummerhayes@rslnsw.org.au 507 
Community Liasion Assistant  David Somers dsomers@rslnsw.org.au 508
ADF Liasion  -- --  

Please click here to download a Special Needs Status flyer.