New RSLWA CEO appointed

The Returned and Services League of Australia WA Branch Incorporated (RSLWA) is pleased to announce that the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Vince Connelly has taken up the position at ANZAC House Veteran Central.

RSLWA State President Duncan Anderson congratulated Mr Connelly on his appointment saying Vince’s first-hand experiences as a veteran, in business and in the community position him well as a strong leader and advocate for RSLWA.

“As an ex-Australian Army officer, business consultant and former member of the House of Representatives, Vince will bring to the role extensive experience in risk and crisis management,” Mr Anderson said.

“Under the leadership of outgoing CEO John McCourt, RSLWA has developed the ground breaking Veteran Central model of service delivery for veterans and Vince brings strong credentials to the role to take that forward and help it grow and develop.

“I look forward to working with Vince to ensure RSLWA continues to deliver high quality services and support for the WA Veteran Community.”

Mr Connelly said, “I feel immensely privileged to be stepping into the role of CEO at RSLWA. For generations, RSL has supported WA veterans and their families. My wife Peta and I are both former Army officers, so we’re both passionate about serving those who’ve served our great nation.

“RSL is a deeply respected brand in WA, and we’re delivering great services – but our challenge is to remain fit for purpose. Without forgetting those who’ve gone before us, how do we speak more directly to those who’ve served more recently – or are still serving? That’s a question I’m determined to answer”.

Mr Connelly received a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian Defence Force Academy and completed officer training, graduating with a Diploma of Personnel Management from the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

Vince served as a Company Grade Officer on operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands. He also took part in several military exchange programs including with the United States Marine Corps, the Singapore Armed Forces and the Malaysian Armed Forces. After leaving the Army, Vince worked with a cross-section of top-tier public and private organisations to help them manage operational and business risks. While in the corporate sector, Vince continued serving in the Army Reserve, where he was promoted to Major. His final posting was to the SAS Regiment at Campbell Barracks, WA.

Moving into politics, Vince served as a Federal member of the House of Representatives for the Division of Stirling in Western Australia from 2019 until the seat's abolition in 2022.

Vince has a wife, Peta, and three teenage children. He has been an active member of the Scarborough Surf Life Saving Club, Legacy WA, the North Beach RSL Sub-Branch, the Lions Club of North Beach and the Veterans Transition Centre.