In photos: The inaugural RSL LifeCare Poppy Ball
Members of the Defence and veteran community gathered aboard the HMAS Adelaide III for the first ever Poppy Ball, a fundraising and engagement event.
At a glance:
- The occasion was organised by RSL LifeCare with support from RSL NSW.
- Among the fundraising initiatives, which raised more than $150,000, was the auctioning of three artworks by speed painter Brad Blaze.
- As part of the Draw to Remember campaign, members of the Bingara RSL sub-Branch shared stories of their service with Bingara Central School students.
- Other sub-Branches awarded prizes in recognition of the beautiful artwork displayed for Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day commemorations, such as the Martin Place, Sydney service attended by RSL NSW members, were followed by RSL LifeCare’s inaugural Poppy Ball on Saturday evening, which raised funds for RSL LifeCare’s service delivery to veterans.
RSL NSW members also took part in the Draw to Remember campaign, a joint initiative of RSL NSW and RSL QLD, in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.
Here are the highlights from both initiatives.
The Poppy Ball
Members of the Defence and veteran community gathered aboard the HMAS Adelaide III for the inaugural Poppy Ball, a fundraising and engagement event organised by RSL LifeCare with support from RSL NSW.
Special guests included: His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia; Her Excellency Linda Hurley; The Honourable Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW; Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO; Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley CSC; and RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge.
The event also featured speed painter Brad Blaze who produced with great speed and acuity portraits of Elton John, Marilyn Monroe and Freddie Mercury, which were auctioned on the night, raising $12,000.
Attendees enjoyed the musical expertise of the Royal Australian Navy Rock Band Sydney, while those courageous enough to brave the dancefloor showed off their moves.
Draw to Remember
Draw to Remember, a joint initiative of RSL NSW and RSL QLD, encouraged sub-Branches to visit schools ahead of Remembrance Day and engage students through art and creativity.
In total, 35 sub-Branches participated across the state.
Bingara RSL sub-Branch Vice President Peter Kennedy and Secretary/Treasurer Steve Adams provided students from Bingara Central School with insights into the history of the Bingara Returned Servicemen’s Memorial Park and shared stories of their service.
“The program not only allowed us to share historical knowledge but also fostered a sense of community and unity,” remarked Adams.
RSL NSW members from the War Veterans Village, Old Bar Beach and Taree sub-Branches were also among those to draw alongside students, in an artistic act of remembrance and education that fostered bonds between generations.
In some locations, prizes were awarded in recognition of the beautiful artwork displayed for Remembrance Day.
