Download PDF version of the Sub-Branch Signal
President’s Update
Welcome back to what is shaping up to be a truly transformative year for the RSL. I do not make this statement lightly and recognise the mountain of work already undertaken and what lays ahead. The holiday period provided me with opportunity to reflect on our strengths and areas for improvement here in Western Australia. It also provided opportunity for further development by the National President of how the RSL across Australia can take the next step.
National
The new era of collaboration and cooperation is continuing its positive trajectory. Leaders from around Australia met in Canberra on 11 February in the RSL Australia Board meeting, followed by a workshop for Board Members and CEOs.
The Board meeting was exceptionally positive. The financial position of RSL Australia continues incremental improvement. Engagement by RSL Australia is best described as broad and very effective. The National President and National CEO have been ‘in the halls’ of parliament during its first sitting week. This has included the National Press Club. The Board took time to discuss in detail a draft approach of how RSL Australia can achieve influence outcomes and align efforts. There will be more on this in coming months.
The workshop stepped through strengths and areas for improvement for the RSL across Australia. This will be built on in late March where key operational areas will explore how to best align efforts across Australia. This is an incredibly positive next step as the RSL seeks to improve what we do for veterans and their families.
State
Closer to home there has been a great start to 2026. RSL Active continues to go from strength to strength. This cornerstone program strives to engage veterans and families in positive activities. Additionally, our dedicated advocates continue to support veterans in their claims with DVA. This essential service continues to work under immense pressure with the demand outstripping the numbers of staff. Membership continues to improve slowly. I can assure everyone that the team is working incredibly hard and although not as progressed as we would all like, it is already a significant improvement from 2025. I ask for continued patience and support in this endeavour.
I feel our greatest area for improvement is our collective standards of behaviour. There are still too many instances of people behaving in a way that we should not be proud of. Our code of conduct outlines specifics, but in my view, it is quite simple: treat others as you wish to be treated! Along with leaders throughout RSL WA I will continue to call out poor behaviour and utilise our discipline system to its fullest extent.
Our greatest strength remains the collective support for change amongst our members and the broader veteran community. There are localised areas where this is being resisted. However, collectively the membership of RSL WA is supportive of positive, progressive change. I am committed to maintaining your confidence in the Board’s ability to lead through this period.
Final thoughts
It remains an immense privilege to lead this wonderful organisation, along with the Directors, Trustees and staff of RSL WA. Together, we remain committed to our RSL succeeding; we remain committed to supporting all veterans and families here in Western Australia.
Duncan Anderson
State President, RSL WA
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CEO’s Update
Vale Adam Wellisch
On 16 February, in the company of Board Member Mr Roy Mellon and Trustees Phil Orchard AM and Doug Simpson, I joined other mourners at the funeral of Applecross Sub-Branch President Mr Adam Wellisch.
It was a celebration of Adam’s life, who died after a short illness, aged only 50. He was described as a soldier, entrepreneur and respected community figure, who filled up every room he entered. Adam’s friends and family spoke of a big, sometimes complicated character in both size, intellect and heart.
There remains, with the death of someone so relatively young, a terrible sense of unfinished business.
From the League’s perspective, we are so grateful for his contribution. The Applecross Sub-Branch, for which he worked so hard, did him proud, providing a guard of honour as his coffin entered the chapel.
Adam was a steadfast advocate for his Sub-Branch and its positive role in the community – some of you may remember from last Congress, Adam diligently representing the views of his Sub-Branch. At six feet five inches, he was a towering figure with a commanding voice, but when you shook his hand, you had a sense of his gentleness. Our thoughts are particularly with his two daughters, who lost their dad all too soon.
Defence Estate Divestment
Earlier this month, the Federal Government announced its proposed sell-off of 67 Defence sites. On one level, there is no argument from the ex-service and service community on the need to rationalise the defence estate.
We get both the logic and intent behind the divestment of some of the sites and we support it. However, some of the recommendations could have been drafted in the capitals of our strategic rivals.
For the average person in the street there are two angles to this story – the real estate angle, with land to be released in exclusive suburbs and the other about Government selling off assets. This misses the real story. It is actually a story about the loss of sovereign capability.
This is the ability of a country to husband and mobilise its resources to protect its national interests. Real estate – defence sites – are part of those resources.
To train sailors, soldiers and aviators you need space – room for administration buildings, stores for equipment and machinery, armouries, accommodation, messes, parade grounds, sporting ovals and gyms. Space can be at a premium. There also has to be capacity for growth, because in an emergency you will need to ‘scale up’.
We live in the most challenging security climate since the 1930s. The need to ‘scale up’ is not abstract, it is a distinct possibility. It is occupying the thoughts and time of people across the ADF right now.
There is almost universal agreement from defence and security experts that our defence spending is inadequate. It is clear that AUKUS (which the RSL wholeheartedly supports) is cannibalising the defence budget.
We have one Army Reserve formation in WA, the 13th Brigade. There are about 1000–1200 Reservists in this formation as well as 150–200 full-time personnel. It’s hollow and anaemic – but it has the core of people and structure to grow if required.
They are based at Irwin Barracks in Karrakatta. It’s a large patch of ground with ageing infrastructure. Its facilities are stretched and a major upgrade was cancelled a few years ago by the Commonwealth. ‘Scaling up’ in event of a security crisis will be challenging enough.
The Government’s plan is to sell Irwin; no doubt property developers are licking their chops at the prospect. The Brigade will need to move to a new home at Palmer Barracks in Guildford. It will require a significant upgrade and new facilities.
It’s smaller too and it’s on Perth’s outskirts. Government may point to modelling that says Guildford and the eastern suburbs will be a growth corridor in the future, but that doesn’t change the fact of Irwin Barracks centrality. It’s expensive real estate for a reason.
It continues Defence’s generational long retreat into the regions and urban fringes, with serious implications for recruitment, retention, spouse employment and schooling for full-time personnel and their families.
If 13 Brigade is hollow now, what will it look once it’s moved to a smaller base? It will diminish defence capability for ultimately little financial reward.
This is playing out across the country.
The broader divestments by government also display a cavalier attitude towards the Australian Defence Forces’ history. The Defence Minister’s dismissive quip that Defence is not ‘a heritage organisation’ betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of the role history plays in the culture and esprit de corps. The loss of Victoria Barracks in Sydney, for Army, in particular, would be a blow.
So where does this leave us? We are in the most challenging security environment since the Second World War, and yet there is austerity across much of Defence. We are selling off great chunks to generate returns that, in the context of the Commonwealth budget, are mere rounding errors.
The end result will be that we lose some of the vital real estate required to prepare and expand our defence capability to respond to whatever an increasingly perilous world throws at us.
The role of the League at the Sub-Branch, State and Commonwealth level, is to respectfully outline our concerns to the community and parliamentarians in our particular spheres of influence.
Stephen Barton
CEO, RSL WA
Veteran Services Monthly Update
Damien Roper – Veteran Services Manager
Welcome to 2026!
RSL WA's vision is “…enabling veterans and their families to thrive in the community”.
The majority of veterans’ life after service, once past the refocus of transition, is going on to build their lives with the foundation of skills and mindset they picked up while serving. You don’t have to go too far to find stories of success of veterans of many different fields and industries. However, there are some who require some additional support.
The reasons for this vary, sometimes its due of the effects service (military service is unique), or sometimes it’s just life. No one sets out to live in their car, or be seriously ill, or have some other kind of hardship, however as author Allen Saunders said: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” Regardless, RSL WA is committed to that mission. The strength of the ex-service community is the community itself.
This is why we now have a standard procedure for referring veterans who need welfare support to Sub-Branches, if possible.
This is for two reasons. The first is that we often see that Sub-Branch welfare funds are under-utilised. The second is we want veterans to become a part of that community, and hopefully members too.
RSL WA Welfare and Wellbeing are available as a resource to support, to advise or take over case management of complex or overwhelming cases. We are currently developing a training calendar focused on supporting Sub-Branch welfare officers, and any other interested RSL members. So keep an eye out for that.
In the meantime, if we can support your Sub-Branch with your welfare and wellbeing needs, please don’t hesitate to contact Brendan or Damien at: welfare@rslwa.org.au
Goldsworthy Centre update
Janine Gardner – Goldsworthy Centre Manager
The transformation of the Goldsworthy building continues to progress, and we are pleased to share an update on the journey so far.
As with any major redevelopment – particularly one involving an older structure – the process has required patience, careful planning and a commitment to doing things properly. The building’s age has presented several unexpected challenges, from outdated infrastructure to structural elements that needed more extensive remediation than initially anticipated. Each issue has been addressed methodically to ensure the final Centre is safe, modern and fit‑for‑purpose for the Defence community it will serve.
While these obstacles have added time to the construction timeline, they have also strengthened the project. Every step taken now ensures the Goldsworthy Centre will open as a high‑quality, accessible, and enduring asset for veterans, serving members, families and carers.
We remain firmly on track, with the space now fully prepared for the next stage of works. Our builders are scheduled to commence the transformation shortly, bringing us another step closer to delivering a welcoming, all‑abilities, family‑friendly environment that truly reflects the resilience and strength of the community it will serve. We appreciate your continued interest and encouragement as we bring this important facility to life.
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 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 on post-war operations, from mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal in Kuwaiti waters to humanitarian aid under Operation Habitat in northern Iraq. In total, 1,872 Australians served during the Gulf War.
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
Anzac Day events are coming up fast with 7 events in the City of Perth and events at 70+ locations around Western Australia. Visit the Anzac Day page on the RSL WA website to read the latest event updates.
All-Abilities Sunset Service
Date: Friday 24 April 2026
Time: 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: Flame of Remembrance, Kings Park & Botanic Garden
- Assisted listening available! Contact events@rslwa.org.au to connect with this service.
- Auslan interpreted event.
Dawn Service
Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
Time: 5:45 am – 7:00 am
Location: State War Memorial, Kings Park & Botanic Garden
- Road closures in place, public transport highly encouraged. CCP parking is available outside the road closures. Vehicles inside the closure areas may be towed.
- Contact events@rslwa.org.au for ACROD parking in Kings Park. Limited parking is available. Must provide a valid ACROD Parking Permit to secure parking.
- Auslan interpreting available.
Gunfire Breakfast
Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
Time: 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Location: Government House Gardens
- 2,000-person venue limit.
The March (Perth)
Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Location: St Georges Terrace Perth
- Assisted listening available! Contact events@rslwa.org.au to connect with this service.
- Road closures in place, public transport highly encouraged. CCP parking is available outside the road closures. Vehicles inside the closure areas may be towed.
- Groups and bands must register to participate (information below).
- The Order of March and Form-Up will be released in March.
Cathedral Service
Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 11:50 am
Location: St Georges Cathedral
- Limited free tickets are now available! Get in quick! Available on the RSL WA website!
Anzac House
Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
Time: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Location: Anzac House, 28 St Georges Tce Perth WA 6000
- Limited venue capacity. It’s first-in, first-served!
- RSL WA member discounts are not available on Anzac Day due to public holiday rates.
Mateship Lane
Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Irwin Street, Perth WA 6000
- 600 licensed venue capacity.
Event Security:
In the City of Perth there will be random bag and screening checks in place for prohibited items. Prohibited items include large bags, weapons, and other dangerous items. To ensure the safety and security of all involved in Anzac Day events, CCTV monitoring will be in effect. RSL WA coordinates with WA Police to ensure optimal security throughout Anzac Day events around Western Australia.
Sub-Branch Information:
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
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.
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
Australia Day Medallions
On Friday 30 January, four exceptional RSL members received Australia Day Medallions for their work supporting veterans and families in their local communities – pictured left to right:
• Greg Wilson, Highgate RSL Sub-Branch
• Donna Prytulak OAM PHF on behalf of Northam RSL Sub-Branch Auxiliary
• Christina O'Hara, Rockingham RSL Sub-Branch
• Greg Gough, North Beach RSL Sub-Branch
The Australia Day Medallion program recognises the contribution of individuals and teams for outstanding performance on special projects or in performance of their core duties and provides a way of recognising those people for outstanding achievement, length of service and recognition in a particular field.
Congratulations to our award recipients!
Expression of Interest for Finance Advisory Committee (FAC)
RSL WA is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from fully financial Service Members who are highly motivated and possess previous financial and business experience that includes knowledge and skills in; Governance, Finance and Veteran’s issues. The successful applicant will commence their term from April 2026 for a period decided by the Chair of the FAC.
RSL WA are leaders in the care of the veteran community through their pursuance of dynamic Welfare and Advocacy programs to the benefit of its members. These programs form the core responsibilities of our activities.
All Committee Members are expected to have:
- an understanding of and commitment to develop a focus on needed outcomes:
- skills and ability to contribute to RSL WA’s strategic direction;
- ability to contribute to the organisation's growth and viability;
- highly developed communications skills; and,
- sound analytical ability and experience of good practice relating to Governance.
Candidates may provide brief examples of the above in their submission. Responsibilities include:
- attending and making significant contributions to monthly FAC meetings (minimum 8 times per year;
Applications from regional members are encouraged as meetings can be attended virtually;
- providing expertise in the Committee’s decision making enabling needed outcomes to be achieved; and,
- ensuring that decisions reflect and enhance the organisation’s Strategic Plan, governance practices, financial position and legal obligations.
Applications should include a brief letter outlining the skills and experience that the candidate brings to the FAC. Applications should be typed and no more than 300 words. Applications should be sent to the Chairman, RSL WA Nominations Committee, C/- admin@rslwa.org.au by COB 1200, Tuesday 17 March 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
RSL WA Constitution Rules Amended
Please note the following changes have been made to the RSL WA Constitution/Rules as a consequence of the several motions passed at the AGM held on Saturday 13 December 2025.
They are offered as a guide and it NOT expected that members try and make these amendments to any existing copy of the Rules they might have but rather to provide an overview of the scope of Rule changes. This list might be used to help Sub-Branches identify potential changes when reviewing their By-Laws.
The RSL WA website will always have the correct version of the Rules which can be found at https://www.rslwa.org.au/about/administration-and-governance.
Amendments to be Published on the RSL WA website in February 2026
- Rules 3.2 c. and k. amended
- Rule 5.3 amended
- Rule 7 .1 e. amended
- Rules 7.10 and 7.13 amended and sub-headings for 7.15 and 7.18 modified
- Former Rules 8.4 – 8.6 moved in full from Section 8 into Section 7 as Rules 7.20 – 7.22 and then deleted from Section 8
- Former Rules 7.20 – 7.25 renumbered as 7.23 – 7.28
- New rule 7.25 amended
- Former Rules 8.7 – 8.19 renumbered as 8.4 – 8.16
- New Rules 8.10, 8.11 and 8.15 amended
- New Rule 14.2 b. added and former Rule 14 renumbered as Rule 14.2 a.
- Rule 14.5 replaced in full by new Rule 14.5
- Rule 18.2 Amended
- New rules 18.3 and 18.4 added and former Rule 18. 3 renumbered as Rule 18.5
RSL WA By-Laws Amended
Please note the following changes have been made to the RSL WA By-Laws as a consequence of the several motions passed at the AGM held on Saturday 13 December 2025 and at Congress 2024 and 2025. Amendments have also been made: (1) as a result of recommendations made to and by the Constitution Committee and approved by the State Board aimed at providing clearer governance guidance to Sub-Branches; and (2) to correct minor formatting and numbering errors.
They are offered as a guide and it NOT expected that members try and make these amendments to any existing copy of the By-Laws they might have but rather to provide an overview of the scope of By-Laws changes. This list might be useful in helping Sub-Branches identify potential changes when reviewing their By-Laws.
The RSL WA website will always have the correct version of the Rules which can be found at https://www.rslwa.org.au/about/administration-and-governance
Amendments to be Published on the RSL WA website in February 2026
- By-Law 3.4 e. replaced in full
- By-Law 3.5 heading modified
- By-Laws 3.5 – 3.31 extensively amended with former By-Laws 3.11 – 3.13, 3.19, 3.27 & 3.28 deleted and former By-Law 3.14 – 3.18 renumbered as 3.11 – 15, former By-Laws 3.20 – 3.26 renumbered as 3.16 – 3.22 and former By-Laws 3.29 - 3.35 renumbered as 3.23 – 3.29
- Former By-Laws 3.29 & 3.31 renumbered as 3.23 & 3.25 and amended
- New By-Laws 4.20 – 4.30 inserted with respective section sub-headings (NB: these new By-Laws replicate Rules 7.9 – 7.14 and 7.18 – 7.19)
- By-Laws 5.5 – 5.9 and 5.30 amended
- New By-Law 11.3 added and former By-Laws 11.3 – 11.9 renumbered as 11.4 – 11.10.
- New By-Law 11.4 and 11.6 amended
- New By-Law 11.10 replaces former By-Law 11.9 in full
- By-Laws 24.4, 24.22, 24.23, and 26.3 each extensively amended
- By-Law 26.5 amended
As a final note – the Constitution Committee meet on a monthly basis and, in addition to making themselves available to provide guidance on how to interpret the Rules and By-Laws of the RSL WA, also welcomes feedback on formatting errors or, more importantly, sections that you or your Sub-Branch find confusing or misleading. This advice/input can be sought through the chair Mr Phil White who will always raise concerns with the Committee and if necessary the State Board and/or the wider membership.
Stay connected with the Anzac Club
Don’t miss what’s happening!
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You can also subscribe to the Anzac Club's monthly newsletter to be the first to hear about new offerings, event space features and everything coming up at Anzac Club.
Job Ready: Veterans' Employment Support
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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
Essence of Place: Art Exhibition
Opening event: Sunday 22 February, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Exhibition: Thursday 19 February to Sunday 15 March. (Thurs-Fri 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; Sat-Sun 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.)
Location: Ellis House Art Centre: 116 Milne Street Bayswater
Step into a world where earth, sky, memory and imagination meet. This exhibition brings together four artists, whose work each reveal a unique interpretation of the landscape. From the abstract to the realistic, their painting explore how light, colour and emotion intertwine to express a deeper essence of place.
For more information, visit Virtual Exhibition | Ellis House Community Art Centre
Sailing ON Open Day
Date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: South of Perth Yacht Club
Come and try sailing, or if you’re already a member, bring a mate!
Meet the Sailing ON team, a Not for Profit focused on mental health for serving military and veterans, including family.
Set up so you can learn new skills to repair boats, learn to sail and compete if you want to, or just be on the water sailing in our own boats for free with likeminded people having fun.
The yachts are available for members to sail free of all charges and costs. Sailing ON provides all safety gear and training on our fleet.
For more information, visit sailingonwa.org.au
Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation:
Defence Kids Activity Day
Date: 21 February 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Ice Skating, Cockburn Ice Arena, Perth
For more information, visit: kookaburrakids.org.au
Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation:
Defence Kids Camps
Date: 6–8 March 2026
Location: Woodman Point Camp, Coogee WA
For more information, visit: kookaburrakids.org.au
Army Museum of WA: Blast from the Past
Date: Saturday 28 March 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Location: Artillery Barracks, 6 Burt Street Fremantle
It’s time to put on your dancing shoes and get ready to dance the night away.
The band is already in rehearsals so you can be sure their song list will take you down memory lane with songs you love to dance to and sing-along with.
For more information and booking details visit: BLAST FROM THE PAST Tickets, Artillery Barracks, Fremantle | TryBooking Australia
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.
