With approximately 8,087 veterans living on the Central Coast, almost half of whom are under the age of 55, and a regionwide RSL membership of just 1,219, the region’s RSLs are working hard to better engage with younger vets.
One vet working hard to encourage younger returned servicemen to join the RSL is Scott Warr of Terrigal, who left the Army in 2003 with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel after 22 years of service.
Now an active member of Terrigal Wamberal RSL Sub-Branch, Warr is hoping to take over the reins of the branch next March and has a wealth of ideas on how to attract younger members.
“According to the latest Census data, there are 485 veterans living in the 2260 postcode and the Terrigal Wamberal Sub-Branch currently has 98 members,” he said.
“So there is potential and opportunity to better engage with veterans – especially younger ones.”
After four years as national CEO for Legacy Australia and a short stint as acting CEO for RSL NSW, Warr said the RSL’s prime objective was to reduce the average age of members, which sits at around 72 (reducing from 78 the previous year).
“The figures are similar for Legacy membership – many service organisations are suffering from an ageing membership,” he said.
“Attracting younger members is the key to continued operations.
“But the younger veterans in their 20s, 30s and 40s are doers; they, don’t want to sit around and talk – they want to be involved in activities where they can bring their families and help in the community.
“A good example of this is during the recent Lismore floods; RSL sub-branches up there did a fantastic job helping emergency services during the disaster.”
Warr said the average age of members of the Terrigal-Wamberal Sub-Branch was around 70, with a smattering of younger vets.
“We have maybe 20 members under 45 and we want to up that number,” he said.
One of the first activities Warr has planned is a surf bronze medallion qualification for veterans to be run in partnership with the North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club (NASLSC) in January, which he hopes will attract some younger vets.
“We’re waiting on some funding approval from RSL NSW now,” he said.
“This will be a shorter course than normal because these vets will already have some of the skills required, including first aid training.
“From there, they might get involved in the North Avoca Board Riders club or their kids might join the Club’s Nippers.
“It’s all about getting them engaged.
“The partnership with NASLSC should work well because the two organisations have similar value sets – honesty, integrity, a desire to help others.”
Warr is also hoping to establish a veterans’ ocean swimming group and would like to see the Terrigal war memorial become a hub for activity.
“I’d like to see it as a place for vets and their families to gather regularly,” he said.
“Some might want to swim; some might want to walk or cycle.
“We’d like to see our RSL marquee up next to the war memorial on these occasions to help make it a place where vets will want to come and bring their families – even just to relax over a cup of coffee.”
Warr would also like to get an exercise group going, with personal trainer-led activities.
“As a longer-term goal I’d like to get a deep-sea fishing group together and down the track I even hope to organise sailing events for all the Coast sub-branches through Saltwater Veterans, a Sydney-based group which is starting to expand its operations.”
Warr said it was all about placing more emphasis on events for vets and their families to encourage them to join their RSL Sub-Branch.
“Membership is free and we’re trying to provide more opportunities for younger vets to get involved with the sub-branches outside of ANZAC Day, while not forgetting our older veterans and continuing to cater for them,” he said.
“The RSL needs to look at a generational change.
“We’ve seen this before, when service people returning from Vietnam felt the need to establish the Vietnam Veterans’ Association.
“Now we want to make sure people returning from places like Iraq and Afghanistan feel the RSL is relevant to them.”
He said he hoped all sub-branches on the Coast would join the push to attract younger members.
“We already have a veteran and family network hosted by different sub-branches each month and are constantly sharing ideas,” he said.”
Warr said a new app launched on November 1, Veterans Catalogue offers a “one stop shop” for veterans to find the services and support they may need including employment programs and financial, advocacy and mental health support for vets.
It attracted 1400 new users in its first week.
“It really helps with the transition back to civilian life to know what is available in terms of support,” Warr said.
“Vets like keeping fit and we’re hoping these physical activities we are planning will help with their feelings of camaraderie and benefit their mental health.
“It’s good to be around other people who understand what it takes to serve and the trials and tribulations of being in the military.”
Warr urges all vets to contact their local sub-branch for details on how to join.
“The RSL NSW website also has details on free membership and how to join online and lists lots of activities,” he said.
“And details of Veterans Catalogue- the new app- can be found on the RSL Australia website.”
Terry Collins