In many nations around the world November 11, originally called Armistice Day, is the day on which citizens will reflect on the terrible sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in all conflicts. In Australia, Remembrance Day has always been secondary to Anzac Day, April 25, because Anzac Day, marking the landing of the Anzacs at Gallipoli, had already established itself in the hearts and minds of Australians well before the end of the First World War. ‘Anzac Day’ ceremonies on the first anniversary of the Gallipoli landing arose spontaneously across Australia in 1916 so April 25 became our day to reflect on our armed forces, past andpresent. However, on November 11, we rightly take the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices our ancestors made and what they did to give us the Australia that we are privileged to call home.

November 2023

About Us

The Returned and Services League of Australia NSW is a member-based veterans’ charity founded in 1916, and the largest veterans’ charity in Australia. It is a statutory corporation incorporated under the RSL NSW Act 2018 (the Act).

Our Purpose

Support veterans and their families by connecting them to services to improve their well-being and assist
former Australian and allied veterans and families by connecting them to their local community, through
camaraderie, mateship, recreation, and commemorating service.

Our Vision

By 2026 every veteran in NSW knows what the RSL stands for, and what it does, and wants to be involved as a member.

Our Motto

One RSL—working together, delivering locally.

Our Mission

RSL NSW’s mission is to respect, support, and remember our veterans and their families. This mission is delivered through several bodies, including:

The RSL NSW network of sub-branches, housing local services and welcoming spaces in nearly 350 small towns and suburbs right across New South Wales.
RSL LifeCare, our partner charity, specialises in supporting veterans and their families with various services that focus on providing a lifetime of well-being.
Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF), offers services to currently serving Defence personnel overseas.

RSL NSW is a charity registered with and regulated by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

Administration & Governance

RSL NSW is committed to strong and ethical governance by best practice standards.

Membership

Any person who has been a member of the Australian Defence Force for at least six months (unless discharged earlier for reasons outside their control), or who served with or supported the armed forces of an allied or Commonwealth country, may be admitted as a Service Member of RSL NSW. Any non-veteran may join the League as an Affiliate Member at sub-branches that accept this category of membership.

There are currently over 320 sub-branches across the state, organised into 23 District Councils. Most sub-branches represent a geographic area, but a few represent a particular occupation or branch of the armed forces.

RSL NSW currently has over 24,000 members across membership categories which includes both Service and Affiliate members.

July 2023 we launch this new RSL NSW Cumberland website, and it is the culmination of much planning and hard work. Still, most importantly, it is our organisation and the committee, the volunteers, who make Cumberland tick over on a daily routine to be proud of what is achieved here for our members, present and future.

It has been my honour to be President of Cumberland and to bring all our members together via a dedicated website. Today, we have control of our content and timing, two essential ingredients in this modern form of communication.

However, it doesn’t stop here. Planning is underway for a stronger voice, better support, and a better understanding of all our needs and possible pathways to our future as a viable regional sub-branch.

Enjoy your trolling over the web pages; all suggestions are most welcome via our communications CONTACT page, thank you.

JAMES BATKIN
President

RSL NSW
CUMBERLAND

Presidents Pen

NOVEMBER 2023