Member Newsletter – 5 March 2020
Dear members,
Membership Renewals and Cards
As promised in a number of recent newsletters and circulars, an updated membership list will be sent to each sub-Branch on 16 March. This will be the last opportunity to amend the list before it is finalised on 30 March. As soon as this deadline passes we will be invoicing each sub-Branch for their renewing members’ capitation fees ($25 each) and sending the final lists to the membership card manufacturer, who will distribute new cards directly to sub-Branches.
New Memberships
Please note that new membership applications will not be invoiced as above at this stage. When submitted they must be accompanied by a payment by either cheque or EFT. If paying by EFT, please advise on the form itself or by separate email to the Support Unit that payment has been made. The sub-Branch must also forward to ANZAC House a copy of any service records or other documents supporting the application.
Sub-Branch Personal Accident Insurance Renewals
Honorary Secretaries will have received a circular with instructions for renewing their sub-Branch’s personal accident insurance, which covers members and non-members injured while volunteering for the sub-Branch. Please refer to this circular and contact the Support Unit at support@rslnsw.org.au or 1300 679 775 if you have any questions.
New Officeholders
Recent sub-Branch AGMs will have ushered in many new officeholders across the state. If any are unsure of their obligations in their new roles, they can contact the Support Unit at support@rslnsw.org.au or 1300 679 775.
I also recommend becoming familiar with the suite of SOPs that support our constitution (click here). Taken together these documents offer a practical guide to running a sub-Branch.
Veteran Services & Policy Committee
At its meeting last week, the board approved the appointment of an independent member to its Veteran Services & Policy Committee. Let me congratulate Bronte Pollard (Kirribilli sub-Branch), who was selected for the role after four experienced and enthusiastic members responded to a call for nominations in October. An appointee to the very important role of research assistant to the committee will be announced shortly.
ANZAC Appeal Station Access Permits
If any sub-Branch participating in the ANZAC Appeal would like to fundraise at their local railway station they should contact our fundraising team at appeals@rsldefencecare.org.au by Thursday, 26 March to organise a station access permit.
Free Travel on ANZAC Day
Public transport in Sydney and Newcastle will again be free for veterans and their families travelling to and from ANZAC Day services on Saturday, 25 April. This will cover all trains, light rail, buses and ferries in both cities, including the new Sydney Metro. Return economy tickets on NSW TrainLink regional trains will be sold at the price of single tickets for bookings made in advance.
Specifically, free or discounted travel will be available for veterans and current-serving defence members, as well as their carers, spouses, children and grandchildren. To be recognisable to transport staff, those eligible should be wearing service medals or an ADF uniform, or carrying either a gold card or a letter of accreditation on the letterhead of an RSL sub-Branch or other recognised ESO.
Regional Seniors Travel Card
Eligibility for the regional seniors travel card has been extended to those living outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong and receiving the service pension, disability pension (under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986), or war widow(er)’s pension. The program offers a $250 prepaid card to pay for fuel, taxis and pre-booked NSW Trainlink Regional trains and coaches across Australia.
You can find more information and apply for a card online (click here), by phone (13 77 88) or by visiting a Service NSW office.
Jeff O’Brien
State Secretary & GM Member Services
