Woy Woy, Ettalong and Hardys Bay RSL Sub-Branch is looking to connect with all veterans on the Peninsula.
They want to encourage more members to access the support, services and friendship of Australia’s largest and longest serving veterans’ organisation.
RSL NSW is a member-based veterans’ charity founded in 1916, and a part of Australia’s largest veterans’ charity, the Returned and Services League.
It is represented on the Peninsula through the dedication of members of the local sub-branch covering Woy Woy, Ettalong and Hardys Bay.
The sub-branch provides opportunity for veterans of all ages, as well as family and supporters of veterans, to come together.
During Spring, it will conduct Veterans Connect coffee catch-ups each Saturday morning – starting at Woy Woy Memorial Park on Saturday, September 6, with another gathering at Ettalong Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Saturday, September 20.
Shane Herbert is one of the sub-branch Wellbeing Support Officers and is keen to connect with other contemporary and younger veterans in the community.
“We know that there are almost 2,000 locals who have served in the Australian Defence Forces,” he said.
“Veterans range in age from the Vietnam War era and earlier service, right up to operational and training service in recent years and modern conflicts.
“We want to remind veterans and families that your RSL is here for you and your mates.
“During the next few months we will be out on the waterfront for Veteran Connect coffee catch-ups on Saturday mornings and we invite all veterans and friends to stop by and say hello.”
Bobby Knowles is a long-time member of the RSL and knows from personal experience the value that a support network can provide.
He served in the CMF, now called the Reserves.
His brother was a Vietnam War veteran.
Sub-branch President Dode Simpson is another long-time member and is active at Anzac Day services held at Woy Woy.
She volunteers her time, working with schools and reminding younger people to remember and respect traditions.
She also lights up the lives of older veterans with weekly coffee club and nursing home visits.
If you want young veterans to join how about about change your sub branch meetings from 2pm on a Friday to something more accommodating.
Numbers will remain low until NSW RSL and sub branches separates itself from the RSL Club physical venues. They have hijacked the name and people associate pokies with RSL’s.