‍

Download PDF version of the Sub-Branch Signal

‍

President’s Update

‍

‍

Colleagues,

‍

Before my update, I wish to convey my sincere appreciation for your efforts throughout 2025. Together we have kept true to our purpose, looking after our mates and their families. I am proud to play my part in our great organisation as we serve our community, in our community.  

‍

National

It is incredibly pleasing to report a new age of collaboration at the national level in the RSL. States and territories are aligned in a collective vision and purpose, setting aside differences for a higher purpose. In coming around this bend in the road, there is a sense of invigoration, while being daunting with demands that need to be met. I make this observation in full knowledge of the immense work undertaken in recent years, without which this significant progress could not be made. I am hopeful that I will be able to provide a more fulsome update in the first half of 2026. In summary, I am optimistic about our future, it is looking bright.  

‍

State

‍

What an immense year. Rather than provide a laundry list of what has happened and worked well, I will reflect on what makes the RSL truly unique, our people, in our community. I will conclude with some areas of focus for 2026.  

The RSL in across Western Australia continues to strengthen, highlighted at key points in the year, Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. Our collective efforts to improve the quality of these experiences is paying off with increased engagement across the Board. We should remain active in ensuring we always strive to improve how we commemorate – we owe it to those we remember, and we owe it to our community to keep service and all that comes with it, front of mind.  

Our people are simply amazing. The incredible work across the network amazes me daily, and I remain humbled to lead RSL WA. The breadth of work undertaken could never be done justice in words. I am certain I am not speaking out of place, but Western Australian’s are grateful for your collective service. Thank you for all you have done and all you will do!  

I will draw attention to those that have directly supported their mates and families. In undertaking this most noble of activity I know each of you have gone the extra mile. Your individual and collective efforts have directly, positively impacted veterans and their families. Thank you!

‍

Final words for 2025

2026 will be a year of consolidation as we will focus on our people and systems. We will continue our focus on supporting our mates and their families. We will continue to incrementally build and improve offerings to the broader veteran community so more people can enjoy what the RSL offers.  

Thank you for a wonderful year. Have an amazing break, and I look forward to continuing our great work together in 2026.  

‍

‍

‍Duncan Anderson‍

State President, RSL WA

‍

‍

‍

CEO’s Update

‍

‍

Bondi Beach Terrorist attacks

‍

Much of this Sub-Branch Signal was drafted before the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. We thought it best to lead this Signal with the statement from the National President, Mr Peter Tinley AM.

‍

We have written to the Jewish Community Council of Western Australia expressing our solidarity and grief and to offer whatever assistance we might provide to the Jewish community in our state.  

‍

It is scarcely possible to capture the shame and anger that this has occurred – consider the awful fact that among the dead are a Holocaust survivor and a 10-year-old child. As the National President Peter Tinley noted, this is not the Australia our veterans fought and died for.

‍

It invites serious introspection from us as a nation as to how it comes to pass that the Jewish community – one that has given so much to this country – is not safe.

‍

‍

The year in review

‍

I’d like to thank all of our members and volunteers for their contribution, however big or small. RSL WA exists only because of the generosity, commitment and service of its members.

‍

We are all custodians of the League. It is an iconic institution that is a force for good in the community and the nation – this is the work of generations that has been bequeathed to us. Our challenge is to make decisions that will ensure the League is there to meet the needs of the ex-service community not just now, but into the future. This, and our mission of ensuring veterans and their family thrive in the community, guides what we do in head office.

‍

As the year draws to a close, it’s timely to think of some of the highlights.

‍

RSL Active goes from strength to strength. As Peter Tinley has said on numerous occasions, that we need to meet the veterans where they are. This is at the heart of the approach of RSL Active: through this program over 800 people have participated in yoga classes, others have undertaken open water dive certifications, water colour painting, sailing and we’ve sponsored ADF sporting teams and participation in the City to Surf and HBF Run for a Reason.  

‍

Through RSL Active we have engaged over 1,000 veterans and current serving defence members. In 2026, we will be consolidating and expanding our service offering through this national leading program.

‍

In 2025, we delivered three high quality commemorative services at Kings Park: Anzac Day, 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific and Remembrance Day. Engaging tens of thousands of Western Australians, we provided an opportunity for the community to offer quiet contemplation and gratitude and, just as importantly, re-told vital chapters in our national story.

‍

We continued to progress the delivery of the Goldsworthy Veterans and Family Centre in Rockingham, which will open in the first half of next year. This will deliver a range of services to veterans and their families in the south metro area as the naval footprint continues to expand with AUKUS.

‍

Meanwhile, the Veterans Service team assisted 1,588 veterans and their families in 2025 – an average of 31 per week. Given the size of the team, this is testimony to their commitment.  

‍

I’d like to close by thanking RSL WA staff for their hard work. They are a relatively few in number, but their contribution is immense.

‍

I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

‍

‍

Stephen Barton

CEO, RSL WA

‍

‍

‍

RSL condemns cowardly Bondi terrorist attack

The Returned & Services League of Australia utterly condemns the cowardly terrorist attack on Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach and extends its profound condolences to those killed and injured, their families, and the entire Jewish community.

RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley said the targeted slaughter of innocent Australians, including children, a Rabbi, and the wounding of two police officers who ran toward danger, represented an assault on the very values our veterans have defended for more than a century.

"This horrific act of anti-Semitic terrorism strikes at the heart of everything Australia stands for," Mr Tinley said.

"Our Defence men and women serve so that every Australian, regardless of faith, background or belief, can live freely, worship openly, and gather peacefully with family and community. On Sunday evening, that sacred compact was violated in the most brutal way imaginable.

"From Gallipoli to Afghanistan, Australians of all faiths have stood shoulder to shoulder in defence of our nation. Jewish Australians have served with extraordinary distinction in every conflict, from General Sir John Monash, whose brilliant leadership on the Western Front embodied the courage and ingenuity that defines the ANZAC spirit, to Private Gregory Sher of 1st Commando Regiment, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan in 2009.

"The ANZAC spirit is not merely about commemorating the past. It is a living commitment to stand together against hatred, tyranny and terror. An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians. An attack on families celebrating their faith is an attack on the freedom every veteran has fought to protect."

Mr Tinley paid tribute to Ahmed al-Ahmed, the civilian who risked his life to disarm one of the attackers, and to the first responders, police officers, and members of the North Bondi RSL Sub-Branch who provided immediate assistance to victims.

"In the midst of unspeakable horror, ordinary Australians demonstrated extraordinary courage, and Ahmed al-Ahmed did exactly what the Anzacs did on the beaches of Gallipoli – he bravely ran towards the sound of the guns," Mr Tinley said.

"To our Jewish community: you are part of the fabric of this nation. Your contribution to Australia's story, including your service in uniform enriches us all. RSL Australia stands with you in grief, and we will stand with you in the work ahead to ensure hatred never prevails on our shores.

"To veterans and their families who may be deeply affected by these events: please reach out. We are here for you."

The RSL President called on all Australians to reject antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hatred.

"This is not the Australia that our veterans fought and died for. We must honour their sacrifice by standing united as they stood united against those who would tear us apart."

Support Services: Crisis support is available for veterans and their families through Open Arms. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential: 1800 011 046

‍

‍

Office closure dates and accessing support during the festive period

‍

The Christmas and New Year period is filled with joy and celebration for many Western Australians. For some, it can be especially challenging and may result in veterans and families requiring meaningful assistance. Gift giving and absent family members are just two examples of triggers that can exacerbate negative thought patterns, and existing issues.  

‍

2025 Office Closure Dates

‍

RSL WA State Branch will be closed from Wednesday, 24 December 2025 and will reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026. If you or someone you know needs assistance during this time, support is still available through the services below.  

‍

SUPPORT SERVICE DIRECTORY

‍

Temporary Accommodation & Emergency Support

‍

Extended office closures can make this time difficult for those in crisis. Below are key services for short-term accommodation or emergency support:

• Wounded Heroes Australia – Crisis Support - Website | Phone: 1300 532 112

• Triple Zero (000) – Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue for life threatening or emergency situations.

• Defence Member and Family Helpline (24/7) – Website | Phone: 1800 624 608

• Safe Zone Support - Open Arms (24/7) – Website | Phone: 1800 142 072

• Defence All-Hours Support Line (24/7) – Website | Phone: 1800 628 036

• Phoenix Australia – DVA – Website | Phone: 1800 628 036

• Entrypoint Perth – Homeless Services & Accommodation – Website | Phone: 1800 124 684

• Accordwest – Emergency Relief (Bunbury & Harvey) – Website

• Salvation Army – Homelessness Support - Website

• Vinnies WA – Emergency Assistance - Website

• WA Connect – Homeless Support Directory - Website

‍

‍

Food Assistance & Essential Supplies

If you are able to, supermarket vouchers or meal support can make a big difference to someone in need. Alternatively, you can access assistance through the following services:

• Foodbank WA – Statewide food assistance – Website

• Tranby Centre (Uniting WA) – Crisis Meals – Website | Phone: (08) 9220 1288

• Vinnies WA – Emergency Relief – Website

‍

‍

Mental Health & Counselling Support

The holiday season can heighten stress and loneliness. Please refer anyone in need to these services:

• Lifeline – Website | 13 11 14  

• Beyond Blue – Website | 1300 224 636  

• SANE – Website

• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling – Website | 1800 011 046  

• Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL) – Website | 1300 555 788 (Perth) | 1800 676 822 (Peel)

‍

‍

RSL WA Christmas Appeal 2025

‍

We need your help to reach $20,000!  

‍

So far, we’ve raised just over $18,000 towards our goal.

‍

For many veterans, Christmas can be a challenging time. Through your generosity, RSL WA’s Christmas Appeal will provide essential support to veterans in need, including:  

• eGift cards for groceries  

• Emergency accommodation  

• Crisis assistance  

• Referral to vital support services

Did you know?

• Veterans are 36% more likely to experience homelessness compared to the general population.

• Ex-serving male veterans face a 42% higher risk of suicide.

‍

Your donation can bring hope, dignity and relief to veterans facing tough times.

‍

Donate today and make a real difference: RSL WA Christmas Appeal.

‍

‍

‍

Veteran Services Monthly Update

‍

Damien Roper – Veteran Services Manager

‍

“We have absolutely no control over what happens to us in life but what we have paramount control over is how we respond to those events.” ― Viktor Frankl

‍

There’s no doubt that service can form deep bonds that can last over a lifetime. Shared experience and adversity or achieving a shared goal strengthens those bonds, often that extends beyond that shared experience.  

‍

Those experiences set a culture where individuals place higher regard for the group’s wellbeing than their own, which works well and provides success while part of a team, however, can often have fewer desirable outcomes once transitioned into civilian life. With the normal structure and routine stripped away, the process of adjustment takes priority and that can sometimes leave veterans isolated, which decreases wellbeing over time. In that vacuum, along with the stress and wait for DVA entitlements, might lead to self-medication or other mal-adaptive coping strategies, leading to the breakdown of family relationships, increased mental health distress and reduced physical health.  

‍

The protective action in that is to stay engaged, which is exactly why RSL was formed in 1916, and why there’s Sub-Branches all over. You don’t need to be struggling to sign up for a regular activity or turn up for a shandy every now and then, because often it’s that engagement that prevents us from getting to the point of struggling.

‍

On the other side of that coin, if you notice a change in someone or a previously regular veteran stops attending…reach out to them, ask the question. It doesn’t have to be a welfare check, just a conversation. Especially over the Christmas/New Year period where feelings of isolation can potentially increase; it makes a difference. If you need support with any of that, you can reach out to the Welfare/Wellbeing team at welfare@rslwa.org.au.  

‍

From the Welfare and Advocacy team we hope you spend the festive season doing the things and being with the people that mean the most for you.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

Goldsworthy Centre update

Janine Gardner – Goldsworthy Centre Manager  

‍

With Christmas just around the corner, our team has been busy finalising plans and approvals, aiming to have everything in place by the end of the year. If all goes to plan, we hope to begin the internal fit out by mid to late January!

It's been a busy and exciting month researching, shopping for and selecting furnishings and office equipment – who knew choosing a couch could be so tricky!

‍

Every choice will help to transform the Goldsworthy Centre (GC) into a warm, safe and welcoming space for all. Whether you're dropping in for an appointment, joining a social connection activity, enjoying a bit of gaming, or simply after a quiet coffee and chat, the GC will have plenty of cozy spots to relax and enjoy the surrounds.

As we head into the festive season, remember to look out for each other. If you or someone you know requires support over Christmas, please see the RSL WA Support Service Directory for assistance.  

From all of us at the Goldsworthy Centre, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season, and we can't wait to meet and welcome you to our new space in 2026.

‍

‍

‍

35th Anniversary of Australian Service in the Gulf War

‍

Date: Saturday 21 February 2026  

Time: 8:30 am to 9:45 am

Location: Kings Park, State War Memorial

‍

In 2026, we mark 35 years since Australia’s involvement in the Gulf War, Operation Damask, a key chapter in our nation’s modern military history. The 1990–91 conflict saw Australian Defence Force personnel serve with courage and professionalism as part of the international coalition to liberate Kuwait from an Iraqi invasion.

‍

Australia’s contribution was led by a Royal Australian Navy task group comprising Her Majesty's Australian Ships Adelaide, Darwin, Brisbane, Sydney, Success, and Westralia, which operated in the Persian Gulf from August 1990 through to the ceasefire in February 1991. Their mission involved maritime interdiction, replenishment, and the enforcement of UN sanctions under the constant threat of air and missile attack. Australians also served on exchange with British and American units.  

‍

Following the conflict, Australian personnel continued to serve in vital post-war operations, from mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal in Kuwaiti waters to humanitarian aid under Operation Habitat, providing medical and engineering support to thousands of Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq. In total, 1,872 Australians served during the Gulf War, with no combat casualties, yet many continue to live with the unseen effects of their service.

‍

This commemorative event honours all who served, at sea, on the ground and in the air, and remembers their families who supported them through the uncertainty of a new kind of conflict. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the professionalism, resilience, and humanitarian spirit that continues to define Australian service members to this day.

‍

Join us as we remember their dedication, acknowledge their legacy, and reaffirm our enduring gratitude 35 years on.

‍

‍

Anzac Day 2026

‍

If your Sub-Branch is coordinating an event for Anzac Day 2026, please take a moment to read over the key information below that will assist with your planning.  

‍

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our events team at events@rslwa.org.au.  

‍

Local Council:

‍

If you are holding an event on Anzac Day at your local Sub-Branch you may be required to obtain a Public Event Permit from your local council. A Public Event means any single, one-off event, either indoor or outdoor where people assemble for a common purpose. This includes Anzac Day.

‍

RSL WA suggests reaching out to your local council as early as possible to start these planning discussions. Some local councils require a minimum of 3 months’ notice. Additional items that require approval include but not limited to:

• Road closure and traffic management

• Food and beverage catering  

• Structures and facilities

‍Liquor Licence

‍

RSL clubs who hold a club or club restricted licence may apply to trade between 6:00 am and 12 midday on Anzac Day to sell and supply liquor to either members and guests or to non-members.  

‍

To apply for your One-Off Extended Trading Permit, you can do this via Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. For further information on extended trading permits visit here: Extended trading permits  

‍

For details on lodging your application visit here: One-off Extended Trading Permit | DLGSC

‍

Event Templates

‍

Anzac Portal offers several resources and templates to support your events, including suggested Order of Service and sample speech.  

‍

Anzac Day Kitbag for hosting an event - Anzac Portal

‍

Share your Anzac Day event details with the RSL WA State Branch to advertise

‍

RSL WA State Branch would like to hear from you with all your event details for Anzac Day so we can advertise on our website to the public. Please fill out the form below to share your event details with us.  

‍

Event Listing - Anzac Day 2026

‍

Two-Up Permit

‍

A friendly reminder RSL WA State Branch will be submitting a Two-Up permit application to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor for Anzac Day 2026. If your Sub-Branch would like to hold Two-Up next year, please follow the link below and complete the form so an application can be submitted on your behalf.

‍

Two-Up Permit Request - Anzac Day 2026

‍

Once permits are finalised, they will be sent directly to your Sub-Branch.

‍

Registration details for the March

‍

Register for the Perth CBD March using the forms below:

‍

March Group Registration - Anzac Day 2026

March Individual Participation Form - Anzac Day 2026

March Band Participation Form - Anzac Day 2026

‍

Volunteer at Perth CBD events

‍

RSL WA is recruiting volunteers to assist with event delivery at the Perth CBD events, including the Gunfire Breakfast and the March.  

‍

Be part of our Anzac Day events and contribute in various capacities to support veterans and their families. Volunteering is a vital way to help us make a positive difference and engage with the local community on Anzac Day.  

‍

We understand that many Sub-Branches conduct their own events on Anzac Day, if you have availability or have friends or family that are interested, please pass on these details.  

‍

Roles include but not limited to

• Ushers

• March Marshalls  

• Food & Beverage attendants  

• Setup and pack down crew

A volunteer briefing will take place on at Anzac House in April next year.  

‍

If you are interested in volunteering and assisting State Branch, please complete the below form from our website. We look forward to welcoming you to the team.  

‍

RSL Western Australia | Become a Volunteer

‍

Poppy Appeal update

RSL WA is pleased to share that this year’s Poppy Appeal has raised more than $259,000 so far, and this figure will continue to grow as donations are still being received from across Western Australia.  

‍

Funds raised go directly towards supporting veterans and their families who may be facing a range of challenges as a result of their service to our country.  

‍

Our dedicated members, Sub-Branches, volunteers, RSL WA staff, Defence Force personnel, local businesses and community groups were out across the community and at many of Perth’s train stations, raising vital funds to support veterans.

‍

RSL WA would like to thank all volunteers, both locally and across the State, who contributed their time to help assist one of our largest annual fundraising events.  

‍

‍

Fourth Wave artwork displayed at Anzac House

In September 2025, RSL WA put out a call for artwork, photographs and commemorative items to be displayed at the Anzac Club from November 2025 to April 2026, representing Australia’s Fourth Wave of Veterans (1999–2015).

‍

We were honoured to receive 52 submissions from Western Australian veterans.

‍

Originally, we planned to select just four pieces. However, the outstanding quality and diversity of the submissions led us to choose twelve artworks to feature in the Anzac Club foyer.

‍

We invite you to visit the Anzac Club and experience these incredible Fourth Wave artworks in person.

‍

‍

Anzac Club update  

The wonderful team at the Anzac Club wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – and thank you for your support this year!  

‍

As such, Anzac Club is taking a break over Christmas and New Year.  

‍

Anzac Club Christmas and New Year closure period:

Closed from Friday, 19 December 2025  

Reopening on Tuesday, 20 January 2026  

‍

As usual, the Anzac Club will continue to be closed on the third Monday of each month. Please follow their socials to stay updated on any additional closure dates that may be announced.  

‍

‍

‍

Registrations open for Anzac Day services in Türkiye and France

‍

Each year, for Anzac Day, hundreds of Australians make the pilgrimage to the Anzac Commemorative Site in Gallipoli, Türkiye or the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, France, to honour our veterans.

‍

Those planning to attend Anzac Day Dawn Services in Türkiye and France will need to register for an entry pass.  

‍

Registration is free and available online at commemorations.teg.com.au.

‍

‍

Invitation to share stories with the Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour 2026

‍

In April 2026, ten students from across Western Australia will travel as part of the Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour to Darwin and Singapore. This tour will commemorate the 81st anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 84th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin and the fall of Singapore.  

‍

As part of this experience, we want students to feel a personal connection to the history they will explore. Rather than focusing on well-known or highly decorated individuals, we want students to research those with a personal connection to our WA community.

‍

We invite families to share the names and stories of Australian Defence Force personnel who served or died in Darwin or Singapore during the Second World War.

‍

These stories will allow students to:

• Research and learn about your loved one before the tour.

• Follow in their footsteps during visits to significant sites.

• Honour them during commemorative services in Darwin and at Kranji Cemetery in Singapore.

Your contribution will make this journey more meaningful for our students and ensure that these personal stories live on.

‍

This year when we travelled to Japan, some students were able to commemorate the ADF personal they researched at Yokohama Cemetery and other POW memorials.

‍

If you would like to share a name or story, please contact Karen.Lamond@education.wa.edu.au or phone 9402 6123 by 20 January 2026.  

‍

Karen Lamond

Education Officer

Coordinator Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour

Department of Education

‍

‍

An invitation to Albany

‍

This letter of invitation is sent on behalf of the President and members of the Albany Sub-Branch to all RSL, serving and ex-service personnel in WA.  

‍

For the last two years the Sub-Branch has held a commemorative service to recognise the service of all Australians who have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) during the last 50 years, essentially since the end of the Vietnam war.  

‍

The service is to formally recognise the countless members who served in full time and part time roles within Australia or overseas. Examples such as the constant Naval activities with Operation Sovereign border and patrols in the near North of the country, the RAAF in Malaysia and other areas of interest and the Army forces at the Airbase Butterworth since 1973 (numbering 20,000+) on three-month rotations to provide security to RAAF interests in Malysia.  

‍

The service is to be held on Saturday 28 February 2026 following a very successful inaugural service in February 2024 and again in February 2025. The aim is to hold the service at the Historic Forts in Albany, commencing at 5:00 pm.  

‍

The intent is that the service will be held late afternoon or early evening to enable those travelling to do so on the Saturday morning to be in location in time for the service. The service is to be followed by a function at the Albany Sub-Branch in Stirling Terrace. This then gives attendees time to return to “home base” on the Sunday without disruptions to routines.

‍

As many of our ex-service personnel aren't members of the various RSLs please give this wide dissemination through various groups and organisations.

We look forward to seeing you and yours at the service and function. For more information, please contact me via the number below.

‍

Michael Tugwell  

Services Director  

RSL Sub-Branch Albany  

Ph: (08) 9844 3797

‍

‍

RSL supports crackdown on unethical veteran claims practices and accreditation of advocates

‍

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed the announcement made on Tuesday 2 December 2025 by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs the Hon Matt Keogh MP on the accreditation of veteran compensation claims’ advocates and reiterated its strong support for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) crackdown on the unethical practices of some fee-charging advocates.

‍

The Minister today confirmed the Government plans to establish the Institute of Veterans’ Advocates which will accredit veterans’ advocates.

‍

The RSL says for some time it has been seriously concerned at the practices of some commercial operators, reports of veterans being charged large commissions and the risks of a repeat of the unregulated profiteering as experienced by the NDIS.

‍

RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley said with the Royal Commission publicly highlighting the claim entitlements available to veterans, we have seen a swift increase in the prevalence of commercial fee-for-service providers and with it the potential to abuse the system.

‍

“While RSL supports veterans being able to choose their advocate – be it paid or for free, it is concerned that the lack of regulation, quality assurance and oversight has led to a rise in unethical, unscrupulous, profit driven companies thriving in the sector.

‍

“These companies have business models that maximise profit over veteran health and wellbeing. They are often operating multiple businesses across medical and allied health services, and legal services in addition to claims advocacy.

‍

“The sad reality is that every dollar that goes to these businesses through inflated and fraudulent claims is money taken out of the pockets of veterans and their families.”

‍

Mr Tinley said claims advocacy is one of the most important services the RSL provides to veterans. This is largely provided by RSL volunteer advocates funded through State Branches and Sub-Branches. We applaud the Minister telling veterans they don’t need to pay for advocacy services.

‍

“While the number of volunteers is unfortunately dwindling, the RSL is progressively moving towards a paid advocate model at considerable cost, but the services will continue to be provided to veterans for free,” he said.

‍

“The RSL has been calling on the Government to improve training for advocates, to regulate advocacy services, streamline and modernise claims processing and provide more funding to support paid advocates delivering free services through the RSL and other ex-service organisations. Today’s announcement of the doubling of the BEST grants program is welcome relief.

‍

“Ultimately, we would like to see a claims advocacy system that is easy enough for the majority of veterans to navigate without an advocate. High quality, well-trained advocates could then focus on the more complex claims.

‍

“Today’s announcement by the Minister is a positive first step in this process.

‍

“In the meantime, the RSL broadly supports DVA’s efforts to tighten regulation around delivery and advocacy services and to identify and remove businesses using unethical and fraudulent practices. It supports all the recommendations of Senate Committee on Veterans’ Claims, as well as DVA’s efforts to date to improve, streamline, modernise the claims process.”

‍

Mr Tinley said unfortunately misinformation and falsehoods were being peddled by some operators to justify their profiteering business models, including falsely guaranteeing higher compensation and faster claims processing, and accusing DVA and its independent medical assessor of driving down compensation payments.

‍

“The RSL has heard reports of veterans being charged large commissions, being encouraged to take lump sum payments potentially against their best interests, as well as veterans and DVA staff being threatened and verbally abused by some fee-for-service advocates.

‍

“There are accounts of fraudulent reporting and inflated claims, cut and paste reports that do not provide best outcomes for veterans, veterans and DVA being charged for services not delivered and veterans being threatened with fees of up to $20,000 for changing from their treating doctor to their usual doctor or the DVA preferred provider.

‍

“DVA has advised the RSL that it is contacting any veteran impacted by the current crackdown offering support and guidance. Veterans are being referred to the Department’s preferred provider for medical assessments fast tracked for completion within four weeks.”

‍

Mr Tinley said the RSL is also available to assist any affected veterans, free of charge.

‍

‍

RSL ANZAC award nominations

‍

In its desire to honour those who serve in peace as well as perpetuating the memory and gallantry of those who served in war, The Returned & Services League of Australia has established a series of national honours – the ANZAC Awards.  

‍

Nominations should be made to RSL WA and may be made by any organisation or individual within the community. Nominations from organisations or individuals with citations/references giving full details of the nominee’s service and background should be forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee for the ANZAC Awards at RSL WA. Nominations should be forwarded to the State Branch by midnight on 20 January 2026.

‍

‍

ANZAC Peace Prize

‍

The RSL ANZAC Peace Prize, announced annually, is awarded by the RSL to ‘recognise any outstanding effort by an Australian citizen who has promoted the concept of international understanding and who, in so doing, has made a contribution to world peace.’  

‍

Eligibility: Any Australian citizen, or one who has made an application to become an Australian citizen. The Prize will recognise the efforts of ordinary people. Those recognised will be average Australians who in some special and dedicated manner have made a real contribution to international peace and goodwill. The Prize may also be granted to individuals and groups who collectively have achieved this aim.  

‍

Nominations: Complete the ANZAC Peace Prize Nomination Form

‍

ANZAC of the Year

‍

The RSL ANZAC of the Year Awards are made annually ‘to recognise the efforts and achievements of up to seven Australians who have given service to their fellow Australians and to the community in a positive, selfless and compassionate manner.’  

‍

Eligibility: Nominations may be made on behalf of any Australian citizen, or one who has made an application to become an Australian citizen. The awards may be made to individuals or groups who have demonstrated the spirit of comradeship and selfless service embodied in the tradition of ANZAC.  

‍

Nominations: Complete the ANZAC of the Year Nomination Form

‍

‍

‍

Job Ready: Veterans' Employment Support

Unlock new opportunities with Job Ready Support.  

‍

RSL WA and Working Spirit are committed to supporting veterans and their family members on their career journey. If you are looking at transitioning out of the ADF or are a veteran seeking assistance with your career journey, our employment consultants can support veterans with the following:

• Career advice and navigation

• Translating military experience

• Crafting effective CVs and cover letters

• Accessing training programs

There is no cost for ADF veterans and their families.  

‍

To access these services, please fill in the form on our website: rslwa.org.au/services/employment

‍

‍

‍

UPCOMING EVENTS

‍

Thrive 365: Connect | Move | Nourish

Date: Sunday 18 January 2026

‍

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

‍

‍Location: Navy League HQ Riverside Rd East Fremantle  

‍

Join us at East Fremantle Skiff Association. Open to all current serving and past members of the ADF. There will have a quest speaker and a BBQ breakfast/brunch with coffee, tea, water and soft drinks.

‍

Please confirm attendance via email to mikehoner08@gmail.com

‍

‍

‍

21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke

Date: 13–22 February 2026

Location: Como Theatre

‍

Theatre 180 presents this live production: a compelling true story of the celebration of women’s strength, love and hope in the face of adversity.  

‍

RSL WA members receive a 15% discount, (the RSLWA15 discount code has already been applied) on the link below.  

‍

Bookings can be made here.

‍

‍

‍

Lost & Found

‍

A number of lost items – including a belt buckle and medals – have been handed in to the concierge at Anzac House. If you think some of these items might be yours, please visit the Concierge Desk.

‍

‍

‍

‍