After four decades of declining membership, veterans are returning to Central Coast RSL sub-branches in significant numbers, with a 24 per cent increase in membership in the region over the past three years.
Officials have credited the involvement of younger veterans in leadership positions within the sub-branches as a large contributor to the growth, fostering a sense of belonging among veterans and their families.
Terrigal Wamberal sub-branch President, Scott Warr, said more than 11 veterans had joined the sub-branch this year alone.
He said an adaptive and inclusive approach to cater to veterans’ needs was a key factor.
Warr left the Army in 2003 with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel after 22 years of service and took over the reins of the Terrigal Wamberal sub-branch in March this year.
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, with attracting younger members the key to continued operations.
“We’ve been adaptive and inclusive of what we offer our veterans,” he said.
“Older members have been mentoring newer members as they believe it’s essential to pass the RSL baton to younger veterans”.
Other Coast sub-branches have also seen significant rises in membership over the past year, with Doyalson/Wyee attracting a huge 34 additional members.
The Entrance Long Jetty has seen 16 new members and Ourimbah/Lisarow and Wyong have each seen 13 vets join their ranks.
RSL NSW President Ray James said the figures were reflective of a statewide trend, with an increase of 25 per cent over the past three years, predominantly in regional areas.
“We are really happy to see such a significant increase in membership – it highlights the need for strong veteran communities and support systems, and the importance of the RSL in regional areas where veterans can often be quite isolated,” he said.
Engagement from younger veterans has increased, with many stepping into leadership positions in their local sub-branches, James said.
“The next generation of veterans are continuing to drive positive change in their communities, resulting in membership growth and fostering a strong sense of belonging among veterans and their families,” he said.
James attributed the membership growth to a range of strategic initiatives implemented by RSL NSW, including free membership, an online sign-up process, family-friendly meetings, and the RSL NSW Sport & Recreation program, which piloted in regional and metropolitan NSW in 2022.
“We encourage all veterans to get involved with their local sub-branch and become an integral part of Australia’s oldest veteran charity,” he said.
“The RSL has been a vital service for all veterans and their families for more than 100 years.”
RSL NSW, with its charity partner RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, provides support for veterans and their families in the form of mateship and camaraderie, DVA claim support, employment services and housing and homelessness support, as well as myriad other programs to assist veterans as they transition into new careers and settle into civilian life.
The growth in membership reflects RSL NSW’s ongoing efforts to provide accessible and meaningful programs that resonate with the community as well as evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of veterans, James said.
For more information visit https://www.rslnsw.org.au/
Terry Collins