The future of the RSL
The Future of the Returned and Services League of Australia (NSW Branch)
When we were formed in 1917, did the membership of that day consider we would still be here in the 21st century?
After all, the war-to-end-all-wars concluded the following year.Our History records that the RSL was certainly relevant and needed during the First and Second World Wars to achieve the benefits to which the veterans were entitled. The benefits first achieved have continued to flow on to and benefit those with qualifying service in later conflict. The continuation and protection of the Veterans' Entitlement Act and other related changes to entitlements of service and ex-service persons has been one of the reasons that the RSL has remained relevant to this day.
Since this League's formation, benefits were not the only matters that concerned the membership. Our defined aims, objects and ideals have seen the League in New South Wales, at Local, District and State level, continue to perpetuate the close ties of friendship created by mutual service; maintain a proper standard of dignity amongst those serving and those who have served; set an example of public spirit; continue to preserve the memory and records of those who suffered and died for Australia; recognise our duty to inculcate loyalty to the nation; guard the good name and preserve the interests and good standing of the members of the defence force; and promote the unity of the Commonwealth of Nations, the defence of Australia and the maintenance of a sustained and selective immigration policy, as well as other objects.
In this same period we have provided for the sick, wounded and needy among those who served, and accepted the responsibility to care for the dependants of those who served and are now unable to do so themselves.
The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) are responsible under the constitution for seeking benefits and provision of welfare for serving and ex-service men and women, and their dependants, conservatively speaking, the RSL in New South Wales currently has an obligation to approximately 400,000 ex-service men and women, their widows and dependants.
What of the future? In another 15 years the RSL of Australia (NSW Branch) will celebrate 100 years of service to the serving and ex-service community. Is it still necessary for us to remain relevant?
The answer to that, very simply, is that while we have an Australian defence force and people in the world who will not endeavour to seek peace, we not only need to be relevant to the serving and ex-serving community but also to our local communities, continuing to remind ourselves and the people of New South Wales that "the price of liberty is eternal vigilance".
D.E.J. ROWE
STATE PRESIDENT
