Get fit, have fun and learn something new with RSL Active, a new initiative with exclusive offers for all WA veterans and their families.

RSL Active kicks off this month with a whole range of events and activities available exclusively to veterans and their families. The activities are a great way to meet people and connect with other veterans and their families in WA while having fun, getting fit, learning new skills, or spending time in nature.

Kickboxing and functional fitness

The Perth Korean War Memorial was officially unveiled at a ceremony at Kings Park which was attended by veterans who served in the war and dignitaries from both Australia and South Korea.

The memorial was unveiled on the 70^th anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean War by Premier Roger Cook, the Korean Ambassador to Australia Wan-Joong Kim, veterans from the war and other dignitaries from Western Australia and Korea.

RSLWA president Duncan Anderson laid a wreath during the ceremony saying, RSLWA was proud to participate in the unveiling of the memorial, 70 years since the Armistice was signed in Korea. 

“This memorial takes it rightful place alongside so many memorials that commemorate the sacrifice of so many in the name of our great nation,” he said.

Work to erect the Perth Korean War Memorial began in 2018, with members of the RSL Highgate Sub-Branch playing an instrumental role in bringing the project to life along with the Perth Korean War Memorial Committee.

Committee secretary Peter Heeney said many of the 44 veterans of the Korean War who were at the ceremony were so emotional and amazed.

“So many were crying and were so emotional because the forgotten war is no longer forgotten in Western Australia,” he said.

“They were just absolutely amazed, it was very emotional.”

The memorial received huge support from both the Australian and Western Australian Governments, as well as the Republic of Korea and County of Gapyeong, which donated the memorial’s centrepiece, a five-tonne rock shaped like the Kapyong Mountains that was taken from the battlegrounds of the war.

The memorial features the names of 1,916 Western Australian veterans who served in the war between 1950 and 1953, and those who served in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the years following until 1956.

The paving around the memorial has been shaped in the Rose of Sharon, which is the national flower of South Korea.

Premier Roger Cook said the location and design of the memorial has created a fitting site for all who wish to pay their respects.

"The creation of this memorial corrects a long-standing wrong in Western Australia,” he said.

"The Korean War is the 'Forgotten War' no more.”

Veterans Issues Minister Paul Papalia said the WA Government was proud to have contributed to the creation of Perth's Korean War Memorial.

"Thirty-four Western Australians were killed in action and another five died during peacekeeping efforts in the years that followed. All 39 are acknowledged in an honour role at the front of the monument,” he said.

"Close to 90 Korean War veterans are still alive in Western Australia.

"The memorial provides a peaceful and contemplative place for veterans, their families and others to acknowledge the spirit and sacrifice of those who served in the Korean War."

Veterans often leave the Australian Defence Force highly skilled and armed with unique abilities that make them valuable employees when they return to the civilian workforce.

Defence members who are ready to change careers can be unsure how to translate those skills and abilities into attributes that are understood by employers, which can be a barrier to finding employment.

Veterans’ family members can also find it hard to secure work when they relocate through the Defence force.

To make it easier for veterans and their families to connect with employers looking to hire, RSLWA and Working Spirit have joined forces to hold an Employment Fair at the Port Kennedy RSL Sub-Branch on July 17, 2023.

The Employment Fair is an opportunity for veterans and their family members to speak directly with employers and for employers looking to hire in WA to promote their business to the veteran community.

It is the second time RSLWA has run the Employment Fair, which previously resulted in many ex-service personnel and their family members who attended the event securing work.

RSLWA chief executive officer Vince Connelly said it was a great initiative that helped veterans transition back into civilian life or plan for a career change.

“Anything we can do to make that transition easier for veterans is a huge bonus for them and their families,” he said

“It is also a great opportunity to build connections and strengthen relationships with Western Australian employers who see the value in hiring veterans.”

Working Spirt founder Karyn Hinder said the Employment Fair was a fantastic opportunity provided by two charities that were supporting veterans.

“The fair will give veterans a chance to meet employers who were committed to hiring them,” she said.

“I encourage any veteran looking at transition from service or any veteran looking to pivot careers to attend to meet companies keen to capture your talent.”

Hancock Prospecting Group of companies is one Western Australian employer committed to hiring veterans, they will be at the fair to talk about what opportunities they have for ex-service members.

The Ellenbrook Football Club will honour Vietnam Veterans in a Battle of Long Tan Round against the Cockburn Cobras and have invited veterans to attend the match on Saturday, August 12.

The special event takes place in Round 18 of the Perth Football League, it also marks the club’s 400^th league game with bounce down taking place at 3.05pm after a Battle of Long Tan service at 3pm.

Veteran and Ellenbrook Football Club life member Ronnie Hobbs said veterans should arrive by 2pm and will be looked after on the day.

“At half time we’ll put food on for the vets and money over the bar, those that come out on the day can sit back, relax and hopefully enjoy some good football,” he said.

“The more vets we get down there the better it will be.”

Ronnie said they always held an ANZAC Round at the Club which had always been supported by the Ellenbrook RSL Sub-Branch.

 “It is days like these that veterans have a chance to get together, connect with their comrades and have a good day out,” he said.

“What prompted me to dedicate a particular round to a particular battle was a conversation I had a couple of years ago at ANZAC House.

“I spoke to a couple of old diggers who had fought in the Battle of Long Tan and I started to think about that and what we could do, and came up with the concept for a Long Tan Round.

“It will be Round 18, there were 18 soldiers killed in action that day, there will be 18 players wearing Battle of Long Tan jumpers.

“The number 18 won’t be worn that day.

“I have designed Long Tan jumpers and tried to make them mission specific to Long Tan, all the images tie into that era.”

The Club had 50 Long Tan jumpers made for the day, the 22 players selected to play on the day will have the first opportunity to buy their playing number.

All other jumpers will be on display in the veteran area and people will be able to bid in a silent auction from $100.

Once the game is done those that bid can pay and keep their jumper, all proceeds raised through the jumpers will be donated to the Ellenbrook RSL Sub-Branch.

“Steve O’Neil and the boys have always supported us, so this is a chance when we can give something back,” Mr Hobbs said.

Win for WA Veterans and Families

A consortium of organisations supporting veterans and their families, convened by RSLWA has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, to deliver a business case for a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the Perth’s South West.

RSLWA CEO Vince Connelly said this Federal Government investment would greatly assist the shared mission of veteran service organisations in WA – helping veterans and their families thrive in our local communities.
“Our research indicates many veterans want to access services like health and wellness support, financial advice, employment and social activities, but don’t always know how to connect to these services,” he said.

To map out a plan for the hub, RSLWA is in consortium with some of the veteran community’s most experienced service organisations including: Legacy, Soldier On, Fortem, the Royal Australian Air Force Association WA (RAAFA) and the Australian Special Air Service Association (ASASA), alongside the City of Rockingham, Resolute, Oqea, Go2Health, Above and Beyond Dental, Redimed, Ear Science Australia and Rocky Bay.

Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh MP said with this $50,000 grant, RSLWA would be able to undertake further consultation with key local veteran, family and service provider stakeholders, allowing them to identify local needs and opportunities and maximise benefits for veterans and families across Perth’s south.
“RSLWA’s first Hub, Veteran Central in Perth’s CBD showcases the success of how the provision of services all in the same place can make the lives of veterans and their families much easier,” he said.

Federal Member for Brand Madeleine King MP said the Brand community has a proud association with the Australian Defence.
“Brand is home to more than 8,000 Defence personnel and veterans, and HMAS Stirling is, as I've said often, the largest naval base in the country,” she said.
“This hub will provide tailored services, including support for the all-important transition to civilian life; advocacy and mental health services; and a range of community activities.”

WA Minister for Veterans’ Issues Paul Papalia CSC, MLA said ANZAC House is a great demonstration of a successful veteran hub model.
“I applaud RSLWA’s continued commitment to providing crucial services to WA veterans in collaboration with recognised service providers.”
“RSLWA’s invitation to explore ways to support other first responders is an important acknowledgement of the shared challenges faced by our front line workers.”

Legacy WA CEO Matt Granger said they were proud to be associated with the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub and looked forward to contributing to its ongoing success.

Solider On CEO Amy Cooper welcomed the announcement, saying it would assist more members of the veteran community to access vital services they need and deserve.
“It’s pleasing to see the Government recognising the value of these services through its expansion of the Hub network,” she said.

ASASA-WA Branch president David Thomas said the DVA grant was an exciting development and they were excited to be part of the consortium that would evaluate a hub in Rockingham.
“Collaborating with other ex-service organisations will lead to some exciting opportunities and I’m sure that ASASA will find working with RSLWA to be productive and rewarding with an outcome that benefits all veterans and families in need,” he said.

Redimed CEO Dr Hanh Nguyen said they were thrilled to be part of the consortium led by RSLWA to provide specialised medical services for veterans in the southwest metro region of WA.
“As a consortium, we understand the pressing healthcare challenges faced by veterans, particularly in areas such as skin cancer and rehabilitative care,” he said.

Dr Richard Magtengaard, Director of Resolute said, “Resolute – for those who serve, is honoured and excited to be working with the high watermark of veteran service providers caring for our Defence, Veteran and First Responder communities, and their families.”

OQEA CEO Martyn Weir said, “It is reflection of the contemporary approach to deliver a new proactive wellbeing model. We look forward to evolving the model where technology can support improved health outcomes for your veterans.”

Fortem Australia regional manager Lara Chambers said they looked forward to working with RSLWA and the consortium to achieve comprehensive, holistic care and support that would improve outcomes for veterans and first responders.

New partnerships are also expected to be formed in this next stage of developing how, and where, the hub will operate. Options under consideration include a shopfront-style presence, a co-location with one or more existing organisations, or a standalone presence.
“We will be considering innovative ways to collaborate, such as the use of outreach and ancillary services such as a café, childcare or physical activity spaces. The possibilities at this stage are really exciting,” Mr Connelly added.