Member Newsletter – 20 February 2020
Dear members,
Disaster Assistance
Recent rain has brought some relief, however, many areas of the state are now contending with floods. Veterans and their families impacted by floods can access disaster assistance through RSL DefenceCare (call 8088 0388 and select option 1).
An update on bushfire assistance was published on the RSL NSW website this week, including touching comments from a veteran who received support (click here). Veterans affected by the bushfires may also be eligible for a grant from RSL National (click here or call (02) 6280 4079 for more information and to apply).
Please pass this information to any veteran or family member who may have been affected by recent natural disasters.
Repairing Community War Memorials
Grants are also available for the restoration of local war memorials damaged by bushfire. For information on applying, please visit the New South Wales Office of Veterans Affairs (click here). Applications for the current round of grants will close at 5.00 pm on ANZAC Day 2020.
You may call the department on 8061 9288 for assistance.
Sub-Branch ANZAC Day Services
The RSL NSW website will again host a list and map of ANZAC Day services around the state to help members of the public pay their respects. If your sub-Branch is holding a service and/or march on ANZAC Day, please click here to complete the form.
If you are hosting or aware of a unit or association reunion being held in the Sydney CBD on ANZAC Day, please email details to events@rslnsw.org.au and it will be advertised on the RSL NSW website. There are already several dozen listed (click here).
RSL & Schools Remember ANZAC
The RSL & Schools Remember ANZAC service will be held this year at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park on Tuesday, 7 April at 11.00 am. Please contact events@rslnsw.org.au if you require more information.
ANZAC Appeal 2020
Sub-Branches considering taking part in the 2020 ANZAC Appeal should be aware the deadline for stock orders from our approved supplier, PMA Global, is Friday, 21 February.
If you have already ordered from PMA Global but did not receive a confirmation email, please check your order was sent to support@pmaglobal.co and not ‘.com’.
More information on the appeal is available on the RSL NSW website (click here).
Mental Health Training Program
RSL NSW is partnering with Open Arms to train 7,000 veterans (and those in close contact with veterans, including family members) in identifying and helping veterans at risk of suicide. Such programs will be a core part of the RSL NSW Strategic Plan under development. Please stay tuned for more detail.
Strategic Plan Consultation Sessions
Maroubra RSL sub-Branch has contributed $20,000 to support sub-Branches to hold their own member consultation meetings on the draft RSL NSW Strategic Plan. For criteria and instructions on applying, please click here.
Invictus Games
Congratulations to the 32 current and former-serving members on the Australian team for this year’s Invictus Games. We can be proud that Veteran Sport Australia (VSA) has partnered with the Department of Defence to send the team to the Hague. Click here to see the official announcement and read about the competitors.
World War II Veterans
To mark 75 years since the end of the Second World War, the Government of New South Wales will be attempting to individually recognise those who served between 1939 and 1945. If you know a World War II veteran living anywhere in New South Wales, you are encouraged to seek their permission to contact the state Office of Veterans Affairs at 8061 9258 or online (click here).
Membership Renewals
We have received feedback that some sub-Branches are not collecting membership fees while cards remain undelivered. As previously communicated, we will be invoicing each sub-Branch in April for the total capitation fee for all renewing members ($25 each). New membership cards will then be issued in May for all Service Members (including Life Members and Life Subscribers) and Affiliate Members.
From 2021, a yearly membership card will no longer be issued. Rather, cards will be replaced only if they are lost or stolen.
For now, please collect and bank fees for all renewing members, issuing receipts in place of cards if deemed necessary.
Thank you for reading,
Jeff O’Brien
State Secretary & GM Member Services
