News

Statement on National Reconciliation Week 2024

During National Reconciliation Week (NRW), millions of Australians come together to recognise the need for connection, respect action and change Now More Than Ever. RSL Victoria is committed to its part in this journey.

His Majesty King Charles III Accepts Patronage of RSL Australia

His Majesty King Charles III has accepted patronage of the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL).

Our Priceless Resource: Celebrating our Volunteers

Without volunteers, many of the wonderful organisations, not-for-profits clubs we engage with and events we enjoy simply could not thrive, and some may even cease to exist.

RSL Victoria Response to Exposure Draft of Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024

RSL Victoria has provided feedback to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) regarding RSL Australia’s collective submission addressing the Exposure Draft of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024.

ANZAC Day 2024: Tens of Thousands Turn Out to Commemorate

Hours before dawn this ANZAC Day, 40,000 Victorians braved the cold to gather by the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne to honour current and past servicemen and servicewomen.

Consultation Now Open on Veteran's Legislation Reform

The Government has announced the beginning of public consultation on proposed changes to simplify veterans’ entitlements, compensation and rehabilitation legislation.

Everything You Need to Know about ANZAC Day 2024

Join us as we commemorate those who have served for our country. See all the details about ANZAC Day 2024 here.

Meet our 2024 OAM Recipients

RSL Victoria congratulates its members recognised in the 2024 Australia Day Honours.

Honours for Outstanding Sub-Branch Members

RSL Victoria’s annual Australia Day Achievement Medallions have been awarded to four deserving recipients this year.

Hoops and Heroes Unite: Basketball Victoria and RSL Victoria Join Forces for NBL1 South, Promoting Community, Commemoration, Sport and Wellbeing

Basketball Victoria is proud to announce a new partnership with RSL Victoria for the 2024 and 2025 NBL1 South seasons.

President's Newsletter

Read the full National President's Newsletter here.

Merry Christmas from RSL Victoria

Many of the staff across RSL Victoria will be on Christmas and New Year leave beginning 22 December 2023. See the details here.

RSL Victoria’s Annual Remembrance Service

Men and women, young and old gathered at the Springvale Commonwealth War Cemetery for the 39th annual State Annual Remembrance Service hosted by RSL Victoria.

Burning Bright: A Century of Service

After travelling 50,000 kilometres, the Legacy Centenary Torch has reached Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

Remembrance Day 2023: Everything You Need to Know

Join us as we honour those who have served this Remembrance Day. Here’s how you can commemorate in Melbourne. Together we remember.

Join Our Sub-Branches for Veterans’ Health Week

This Veterans' Health Week, join Sub-Branches right around our network and help raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the veteran community. See all the details here.

HEAD OF ROYAL COMMISSION INTO DEFENCE AND VETERAN SUICIDE PRESS CLUB ADDRESS

The head of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide addressed the National Press Club.

DVA Statement on Privacy and Potential Veterans’ MATES Data Breach

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has issued a statement regarding the privacy and potential breaching of data for its MATES program.

Nominations open for 2024 ANZAC Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2024 RSL ANZAC of the Year Awards. Find out all the details here.

Important discussions on the table at Ministers' visit to Sub-Branch

East Malvern RSL hosted two federal Ministers along with veterans and their families for robust discussions about the challenges facing the veteran community. Read all about it here.

Melbourne Hearing Block of Royal Commission Begins

The Melbourne Hearing Block for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will begin on Monday, August 28.

Have Your Say on Aged Care Act Reforms

Veterans and families are invited to provide feedback to the Australian Government on a number of important reforms. Learn more here.

Victorian Veterans Card officially launched

Lara RSL Sub-Branch hosted Victorian Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman and the Member for Lara Ella George on Friday to officially launch the Veterans Card - Victoria.

RSL Victoria pays tribute to the Crew of Australian Military Helicopter Crash

RSL Victoria pays tribute to the crew members tragically lost following Friday night’s military helicopter crash off the north Queensland coast as part of a Talisman Sabre training exercise.

A message from RSL Victoria’s State President, Dr Robert Webster OAM

Dr Robert Webster OAM addresses a comment made at the 108th Annual State Conference

Statement on NAIDOC Week 2023

RSL Victoria State President Dr Rob Webster OAM shares a statement on National NAIDOC Week.

Veteran Card - Victoria Now Available

The Veterans Card - Victoria is now available. Here's how to apply.

ESO Forum Showcases Collaborative Strength

The second Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) Forum, facilitated by RSL Australia in conjunction with its State Branches, was held in Sydney on 30 May 2023.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

See the latest on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

RSL Victoria welcomes 2024 budget investment in veterans and their families

The RSL in Victoria has welcomed the 2024 federal budget’s investment and support of veterans and their families.

UPDATE: RSL VICTORIA ROYAL COMMISSION INTO DEFENCE AND VETERAN SUICIDE WORKING GROUP RESPONSE

Here is an update regarding the The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Working Group.

Vietnam War Veterans Honoured in Parliament

Prime Minster Anthony Albanese has given a speech in parliament acknowledging the sacrifice of those who served as part of the Vietnam War. You can read the full speech here.

HAVE YOUR SAY: PROPOSED VETERANS' ENTITLEMENTS LEGISLATION REFORM PATHWAY

The Government will be undertaking consultation with the veteran community and other stakeholders about a proposed pathway to simplify the veterans’ legislative framework.

Collaboration to address veteran homelessness

Leading ex-service organisations come together to address veteran homelessness

Closing Soon: Victorian Veterans Grants

Applications for several Victoria Government Veterans Grant programs are closing soon.

RSL Victoria Christmas & New Year Break 

Here's what you need to know about the upcoming break at RSL Victoria.

New Hub a Haven for Veterans

The doors have officially opened at The Veterans & Families Hub Wodonga in Honour of Tim Fischer AC.

RSL Victoria supports research into veteran wellbeing

A report into understanding the wellbeing characteristics of ex-serving ADF members has been released. See the full report here.

RSL Member nominated for Prestigious Award

A dedicated RSL member has been honoured with a nomination for Victorian Senior Australian of the Year 2023.

Good Neighbours: Sub-Branches Join Forces

A show-stopping dress is making a guest appearance in Victoria’s Central Highlands to help three neighbouring RSLs launch their Poppy Appeal ahead of Remembrance Day.

Veteran Grant Applications Now Open

Applications for grants of up to $50,000 under a number of programs are now open.

RSL Active boosting veteran wellness

The Victorian Minister for Veterans has visited the Warragul RSL Victoria Sub-Branch following their great efforts in rolling out an RSL Active program for the veteran community.

Masterclass with a MasterChef

A celebrity chef has taken over the kitchen at RSL Victoria to treat a group of veterans to his culinary creations.

Veterans’ Health Week 2022 to focus on eating well for a better life

Veterans’ Health Week has arrived for another year, and this year’s theme is all about eating well and having a better quality of life.

Meritorious Service Medal award for Noel Tucker

Meritorious Service Medal award for Warragul RSL Stalwart, Noel Tucker.

International Sub-Branch member formally appreciated

A dedicated member of the Angeles City Sub-Branch in the Philippines has been recognised for his outstanding work.

Plans for museum to honour Vietnam Veterans

Funding has been announced to house Phillip Island's Vietnam War commemorative site.

Leadership and collaboration

Today, RSL Victoria hosted its second Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) Combined Forum for 2022.

Remembering the Montevideo Maru

80 years on from Australia’s worst maritime disaster, the town of Stanhope has unveiled a lasting artistic tribute.

Census sheds light on Australia's veteran population

Australian veterans have been counted in the Census for the first time in 110 years.

New Leadership

Meet Sue Cattermole the new CEO of RSL Victoria.

National Volunteer Week

This National Volunteer Week, RSL Victoria thanks the thousands of volunteers across the state who so generously give their time to the critical work of the RSL.

Honour and Praise

President of the Dandenong-Cranbourne Sub-Branch, John Wells OAM, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal

Terry Powers On

RSL Victoria would like to congratulate Terry Power from the Epping Sub-Branch on receiving a National Certificate of Merit with Gold Badge.

RSL stalwart honoured

While many know the incredible work of RSL Victoria’s Compensation and Welfare Support Manager Jeff Jackson, today he has been recognised for his long and remarkable career with the Australian Defence Force.

Under Construction

Construction is underway on a multi-million-dollar, purpose built veteran hub in Victoria’s north-east.

A Proud March Home

RSL Victoria State President, Dr Robert Webster OAM, discusses what the Melbourne march on ANZAC Day means to him

A special message to RSL Sub-Branches and Volunteers from Pete Smith

RSL Victoria Fundraising Manager Peter Smith OAM would like to thank RSL Sub-Branches and their wonderful volunteers for their support of the ANZAC Appeal.

THE TRADITIONS OF ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day services are rich in military protocol and tradition. But do you know what these traditions mean and how they came about?

Surf’s up with RSL Active

Veterans from the army, navy and air force have taken to one of Mornington Peninsula’s famous surf beaches as part of a month long RSL Active program.

Shoulder to Shoulder always

Afghan interpreters and Victorian veterans are set to face off in a friendly T20 spectacular.

Encore! Encore! An encore for Rock for Reflection and Remembrance

Under sunny, blue skies and in the grounds of Victoria’s iconic landmark the Shrine of Remembrance, hundreds of people gathered for a day in support of veterans.

Rock for Reflection and Remembrance

In what’s thought to be an Australian-first, a concert by veterans for veterans and their families will take place at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

Still Serving

RSL Victoria congratulates Darebin RSL President Robert Cross on receiving Life Membership with Gold Badge.

RSL Active’s comeback at Bentleigh RSL

Bentleigh RSL Sub-Branch hosted their first RSL Active event for 2022, in what was a great day out for veterans and their families.

RSL Victoria welcomes Victorian Government investment in veteran wellbeing

RSL Victoria has welcomed a $500,000 funding boost to veteran wellbeing as the veteran community grapples with the ongoing Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

We’re hiring

RSL Victoria begins the recruitment process for a new CEO.

Ready to Race

To the beat of a drum, veterans and their families recently headed out for a day of dragon boat racing with RSL Active.

RSL Sub-Branches hit hard by Omicron

Mildura and Lakes Entrance RSL Sub-Branches share how Omicron has impacted the tourist season

Wodonga Citizen of the Year David Martin OAM

RSL Victoria's David Martin OAM has been named Wodonga's Citizen of the Year for 2022.

2022 Australia Day Honours

RSL Victoria congratulates its members recognised in the 2022 Australia Day Honours.

CATCH OF THE DAY

RSL Active is well and truly under way for 2022.

RSL Active's Melbourne city kayaking tour

Our latest RSL Active event took participants on a scenic tour of Melbourne via the Yarra.

RSL Active at the AFL Wheelchair Representative Games

Not deterred by the postponement of the National Wheelchair AFL competition, RSL Active got together with the Victorian Wheelchair Football League, to organise the 2021 Victorian AFL Wheelchair Representative Games.

November Veteran Support

For over 100 years, RSL Victoria has been improving the lives of veterans and their families.

Top honours for Invictus Games competitors

Nine Victorian Invictus Games competitors have received the Australian Sports Medal at a presentation hosted by RSL Victoria.

Greg Mead 2021 Meritorious Service Medal recipient

Greg Mead OAM has become the first member of the Phillip Island Sub-Branch to receive the RSL’s highest honour – the Meritorious Service Medal.

A top honour for a top bloke

More than 50 years ago, Thomas Murphy, OAM, went looking for a watering hole. What he found was so much more.

Congratulations to James Slattery, recipient of the RSL's highest civilian award

Longtime barman and volunteer at the Lilydale RSL, James Slattery, has received the National Certificate of Merit with Gold Badge: The RSL's highest civilian award.

Veteran support during October 2021

For over 100 years, RSL Victoria has been improving the lives of veterans and their families by providing advocacy, wellbeing and welfare support.

Kyneton RSL’s Remembrance Day display

Kyneton RSL and Kyneton Art Group team up to commemorate Remembrance Day through art.

Remember to Remember

As we pause for one minute's silence on Remembrance Day, let us acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our veterans and continue to strive for the peace they so bravely fought for.

The travelling 100: The final stop

RSL Victoria has found a memorable and unique way to mark the centenary of the Poppy Appeal, by creating a life-sized 100 covered in poppies.

Nhill turns red for Remembrance Day

Nhill RSL Sub-Branch has turned the town red with more than 25,000 poppies decorating the town in honour of Remembrance Day.

RSL Victoria's Annual State Remembrance Service

RSL Victoria hosted the annual State Remembrance Service on Sunday, November 7, at the Springvale Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery to remember all our Veterans in the lead up to Remembrance Day.

The travelling 100: Part Two

The travelling 100 has been making its way around Victoria. Here are some highlights from metro Melbourne and its surrounds.

9News and RSL Victoria partner to celebrate 100 years of the Poppy Appeal

The Poppy Appeal is set to reach more Victorian's than ever before with the support of Nine.

The travelling 100

If you happen to see a life-sized ‘100’ popping up around Victoria, you aren’t dreaming. It’s RSL Victoria dreaming big.

That's a wrap on Veterans' Health Week 2021

Whether you walked, ran, danced, or cooked your way through Veterans’ Health Week, there was something on offer for everyone across Victoria.

Warragul RSL Sub-Branch gets veterans moving with its inaugural Veterans Golf Day

Participants from across all services joined in for the day, including the oldest veteran on the golf course that day - 87-year-old National Serviceman Bill Pyle.

DVA and RSL Victoria partner on Veterans' Health Week 2021

Veteran health and wellbeing are at the forefront of the RSL’s work, but for one week every year, a federal government initiative throws a spotlight on this important work through Veterans’ Health Week (VHW).

Get moving this Veterans' Health Week with RSL Vic

Saturday, October 16, marks the beginning of Veterans' Health Week (VHW). The theme of this year VHW is 'Get Moving.'