RSL NSW veteran members have rallied to bolster life-changing support for veterans and their families by donating $2.1M to the charity’s service delivery partner, RSL LifeCare.
Members of more than 70 RSL sub-branches, including Doyalson/Wyee RSL, The Entrance/Long Jetty and Toukley contributed to the state-wide donation which will provide physical and mental health, DVA claims and advocacy, education and employment, housing, income and finance, and social services to veterans.
Together these three sub-branches raised $61,671 over the 2020/21 financial year, with Doyalson/Wyee raising $37,387, The Entrance/Long Jetty raising $13,241 with their Women’s Auxiliary raising a further $2,000 and Toukley raising $9,043.
RSL NSW President, Ray James, said the donation reflected the commitment of veterans across the state who, as members of the Returned and Services League, volunteer their time to help their mates, particularly after the withdrawal of the Australian Defence Force from Afghanistan.
“When the going gets tough, RSL members get going by mobilising physical and financial resources to ensure that veterans and their families receive the hands-on support and services they need.
“RSL NSW and its partner charity RSL LifeCare has observed an increased need for support services this year and I expect this to continue with the pressure of COVID-19 restrictions, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and the ADF’s withdrawal from the conflict in Afghanistan,” James said.
RSL NSW announced in August that it has established an office to advocate for, and support veterans throughout the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
They are also contributing to a national submission by the RSL to the Royal Commission and the office will support veterans to prepare submissions and to appear at hearings.
RSL LifeCare Board Chair, Mark Dickson, said that he expects to see an increase in demand for financial assistance from the charity as communities begin to come out of lockdown over the next few months.
“The donation from RSL NSW will help to support the expansion of the organisation’s service delivery in regional communities.
“It will also help to support client of the RSL Employment Program as we aim to place 100 veterans in new roles over the next financial year and support the processing of 500 claims to the Department of Veteran Affairs,” Dickson said.
RSL NSW is a member-based charity and does not own or operate clubs or benefit from the proceeds of the sale of alcohol or gambling.
As an ex-service organisation, RSL NSW and its sub-branches are committed to supporting current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force.
Thanks to the support of RSL NSW sub-branches and other donors, throughout 2020 RSL LifeCare was able to provide over $500,000 in financial assistance to support veterans and their families, as well as assist 107 veterans experiencing homelessness.
The organisation also helped veterans lodge 1729 DVA claims, make 474 virtual or socially distanced visits to veterans at homes, hospitals and nursing homes.
They also lodged 173 new VRB appeals, completed 244 ADR mediation discussions and represented 57 full VRB Board Hearings.
Harry Mulholland