Stories

Sharing their Stories | NAIDOC Week 2024

For NAIDOC Week 2024, RSL Victoria brings you the remarkable stories of some of our very own First Nations peoples who served and sacrificed their lives.

Trekking for a good cause

A former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) veteran is preparing to test his limits and trek the Kokoda Track to raise money for Police Veterans Victoria (PVV).

Serving with Pride

As Pride Month comes to a close for 2024, RSL Victoria brings you the story of Warrant Officer Class Two Kelly Plaister, serving in the Army.

The story behind the picture

A tender moment between an Australian soldier and a local East Timorese boy captured against the backdrop of brutality and destruction was immortalised in a photograph 25 years ago. Today, we bring you the story behind the photograph.

Australia's Indigenous Military Service

As part of National Reconciliation Week, RSL Victoria is highlighting the contribution of Indigenous Australians to our country’s military service.

The Biggest Thanks

RSL Victoria has formally thanked its vital network of volunteers at a function held at the Box Hill RSL Sub-Branch, as part of National Volunteer Week (NVW).

Memories of a Peacekeeping Deployment

For many who serve, deploying overseas is often seen as the culmination of years of training, and perhaps the realisation of a dream come true. Ash Graham tells his story.

The Faces of ANZAC Day 2024

Read the touching stories of those who joined us in commemorating our servicemen and women this ANZAC Day.

Vital Funds Change Lives

Former peacekeeper Ben Vahland has always been driven towards action and making a positive difference. His work with the Warragul RSL Sub-Branch has shown him, first-hand, the life-changing impact of donations.

RSL Victoria celebrates and honours women

RSL Victoria has marked its first International Women’s Day (IWD) event, to celebrate the many and varied contributions that women have made in service to the country.

An Active Year for Veterans

Veterans across Victoria are reaping the benefits of RSL Victoria’s RSL Active program. Check out our RSL Active Year in Review here.

A Year in Review: The Faces of 2023

As 2023 comes to a close, we look back at some of the people that helped tell RSL Victoria’s story this year.

Buglers Take to the Melbourne CBD for Remembrance Day Tribute

Watch our 2023 Remembrance Day Tribute here.

The Power Behind the Poppy

“The importance of the Poppy Appeal is that we need to raise money for veterans, and not just the veterans in our area, but veterans in general. We just have to get out there and do it.”

Labour of Love: Couple’s Mission to Give Back

Husband and wife, Michael and Vicki Mihaljcek do it for the veterans, knowing that every poppy they pack for the annual Poppy Appeal is sold for a good cause.

Meet our Wheelchair AFL Champions

The 2023 Toyota Wheelchair National Championship pits the very best Wheelchair AFL athletes against one another over three days of tense competition. Meet Team RSL, who will be vying for victory this November.

Sub-Branch's Search for Mystery Digger

When a cremation box and a folder of photographs were found inside a residential garage in Yarragon and submitted to the Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL Sub-Branch, a search began for the relatives of a mysterious digger so he could be laid to rest with dignity.

Outstanding Service Honoured

A former CEO of RSL Victoria has been honoured for the outstanding service he has provided to veterans and their families.

70 Years On, We Remember

As we mark the 70th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War, we bring you the story of Royal Australian Navy veteran, 93-year-old Arthur Roach.

Served and Serving Still

Salina Parton is all too familiar with life inside the Australian Defence Force (ADF), life outside of the ADF and life as a service spouse. It’s with these lived experiences and a passion for the veteran community that she recently joined RSL Victoria as the RSL Active Program and Events Officer.

Final piece of wartime puzzle solved

With the mystery of the missing SS Montevideo Maru solved, a daughter finally finds peace.

Giving for the greater good

Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Darryl Sanders has spent the last 10 years supporting the annual ANZAC and Poppy Appeals through the Victoria Barracks. Here's why he is such a strong supporter of the cause.

Volunteers Reawaken History

Meet this husband-and-wife team who work diligently to bring the stories of local service men and women to life.

Volunteering to get you active

In light of National Volunteer Week, we bring you the story of Bronwyn Flack, one of RSL Victoria’s hundreds of volunteers.

Thank you to our volunteers

As part of National Volunteer Week, RSL Sub-Branches around the state have taken time to say ‘Thank you’ to their many hundreds of volunteers.

The Faces of ANZAC Day

40,000 Victorians turned out to share the ANZAC spirit at the Dawn Service and March. Here are just some of the heroes we honour on ANZAC Day, and every day.

A new voice for the Dawn Service

The voice you have come to know at the annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service has retired.

March leaders honour the Korean War

It’s been 70 years since the end of the Korean War, often known as ‘The Forgotten War’. To honour the bravery of the nearly 18,000 Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses who served in the war, of which 339 paid the ultimate sacrifice, RSL Victoria brings you a veteran from each arm of service to lead the ANZAC Day March. Here are their stories.

Collaboration at the MCG

As the crowds gather at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the annual blockbuster Melbourne vs. Richmond ANZAC Eve match, there’s one thing that has become intrinsic to the footy tradition.

How a changed man helps to change lives

Everything changed after James Farquharson returned from deployment in East Timor. That was until he connected with the Mornington RSL.

The Trip of a (Young) Lifetime

Keen to feed their 10-year-old son’s interest in the two world wars and all things history, one young man's family recently set off on a road trip to Canberra.

Celebrating the women of RSL Victoria

This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the work of just some of the women around our network. Read their inspiring stories here.

RSL Active launches in Wonthaggi

An army tank adventure captivated a crowd for the first ever RSL Active event held in Wonthaggi.

RSL standouts honoured

Three RSL members have been honoured at an award ceremony at ANZAC House.

Treasured and Valued: Edward Bartosh Receives Life Membership

The first of RSL Victoria’s prestigious honours for 2023 has been awarded to a devoted member of the Yarra Glen Sub-Branch.

Kingston Remembers Resource Centre Opens

A new centre will commemorate the service of veterans and their families.

First Lady: Kirsty Sword Gusmao AO

Kirsty Sword Gusmao was at the heart of the dawn of independence for East Timor. This is her story.

Find What You've Got. Make It Work – Nursing in a Warzone

Responding to a call for nurses in the military, Julie Jenkins began her career with the Royal Australian Air Force in 1998. There was no way she could have foreseen what was coming her way.

Through the eyes of a journalist

Armed with a tape recorder, an unreliable 15-kilogram satellite phone, a notebook and pen, Josh Murray unexpectedly landed in an airfield in East Timor’s capital, Dili in September 1999.

Life-saving work in East Timor

Confronting scenes were unfolding as many Australian troops arrived in East Timor for the INTERFET deployment. Destruction across the capital Dili saw bodies strewn in the streets and buildings burn. While many remember an explosion of sights, smells and sounds, Professor Major General Jeffrey Rosenfeld (Rtd.) took much of it in his stride.

A Calling to Serve

Almost as though it happened yesterday, Brian Woodward recalls the moment his name was called for deployment for INTERFET. This is his story.

Watch our Remembrance Day tribute

On Remembrance Day, 16 buglers took to the streets of the Melbourne CBD to play The Last Post. You can watch it here.

Hub hero: Veteran honoured by Sub-Branch

A WW2 Veteran is being honoured by an RSL Sub-Branch more than 40 years after his death.

Meet our dedicated poppy sellers

Here are just some of the RSL's city sellers fundraising for the 2022 Poppy Appeal.

Springvale Service a touching reminder of sacrifice of fallen soldiers

On a perfect Spring Day in Melbourne, RSL Victoria hosted the annual State Remembrance Service at the Springvale Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery.

Two mates, one goal: Veterans

For over 10 years and counting, two mates from the Keilor East Sub-Branch have dedicated two weeks to selling poppies at Melbourne Airport for the annual Poppy Appeal.

The Fundraising Family of Woodend

This father and daughter team from a small town in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges is urging Victorians to dig deep this Poppy Appeal.

Cooking up a storm at sea

As we mark Veterans’ Health Week with this year’s theme ‘Eat Well’, Navy Chef (known in the Navy as Maritime Logistics Chef) Petty Officer Cameron Moore gives us an insight into the importance of the job.

Remembering Australia's Battles

The first Wednesday in September, we commemorate Battle for Australia Day. This little-known commemorative event recognises the thousands of Australians engaged in actions against Japanese forces during World War Two.

Heroic serviceman’s story immortalised

RSL Victoria and the Australian War Memorial’s ongoing commitment to commemoration has continued this week with the recognition of one serviceman and his ultimate sacrifice.

Life Membership for dedicated RSL member

Sale RSL Sub-Branch President, Martin Tanzer, receives the RSL’s Life Membership award.

Recognition and respect

40 years ago, Philip Neil was turned away from the Shrine of Remembrance. Today he will return to lay a wreath and open the Defending with Pride exhibition.

Beauty with purpose

Private Annette Sindiga is no stranger to representing Australia, whether it be in military uniform or glamming it up on the catwalk.

Celebrating Bill

At 100 and a half years young, Bill Gregory shares his story of service and life after service.

STEPPING UP FOR CHARITY

A 13 year old from north-west Victoria is being praised for his charitable efforts – Walking 96 kilometres to raise money for veterans and their families.

Enduring friendship

A shaving razor that linked two men together for life, even after death, will live on at its new home at the Colac RSL.

Recognition and reflection

Brett West reflects on his 30 year service journey as a proud Aboriginal man

Debt Free

Having saved her own family tens of thousands of dollars, Candice Guillaumier couldn’t resist sharing her passion and knowledge to help others do the same.

Brent’s story

Volunteering for the Seaford RSL has given veteran Brent Clyne a new lease on life.

Stories from the Melbourne march

Meet some of the people participating and spectating on the march this ANZAC Day.

With the Invictus Games about to begin, RSL Victoria caught up with Australian competitor Emma Murfet

It took centimetres to bring an end to Emma Murfet’s career in the Australian Army, but since the accident, the former parachute rigger has found new ways to reach great heights with the Invictus Games.

Behind the Artwork 'Ghost of ANZAC Past'

An almost century old tradition will this year feature the artwork of veteran artist Cory Rinaldi, and he couldn’t be prouder.

Howzat! RSL VIC XI and Afghan Interpreter XI face off in inaugural Victorian friendship game clash

They went head-to-head on the cricket pitch, fighting for a win, but on the frontlines in Afghanistan they were united.

One call to Veteran Central changed this veteran's life

Ivan Brook proudly served Australia as a national serviceman in the 1950s. All these decades later, he is gracious and humbled by a successful compensation claim the RSL has helped facilitate.

From Melbourne to the regions hear how our Sub-Branches are getting back into the swing of things

As Victoria emerged from one of the world’s longest lockdowns, new life was breathed back into many of our RSL Sub-Branches.

Life after service

Life has thrown Justin Watts its fair share of challenges, but with the RSL's help he’s overcome them all and now hopes to inspire other veterans to seek support.

And that's a wrap on Remembrance Day 2021

Remembrance Day services have been held around Victoria with a degree of normality this year. People united to pay their respects to those who sacrificed their lives serving in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Behind the Bugle

It’s a sound synonymous with Remembrance Day when notes of the Last Post ring out around the world. But who are some of those behind the bugle in Melbourne?

Quite the comeback

Movement is medicine for Rye Shawcroft, and this Veterans' Health Week we are exploring how getting moving, with programs like RSL Active, can help improve the health and wellbeing of veterans.

RSL Victoria is here to support you on your wellbeing journey this Veterans’ Health Week

Veterans Health Week (VHW) puts a spotlight on the health and wellbeing of veterans. But what is wellbeing? And how are ESO's, like RSL Victoria, supporting veterans to achieve it?

RSL Active invites you to get moving today and everyday

Not even restrictions in the world’s most locked-down city can stop RSL Victoria from getting veterans moving during Veterans’ Health Week (VHW).

Arthur Merryweather: RSL Volunteer

Arthur’s affiliation with the RSL began when he joined the Coburg RSL Sub-Branch. After moving around, he eventually joined Box Hill RSL, where he has been for the last 26 years.

Meet Poppy Appeal Volunteer Jacqueline

Jacqueline Pascarl is no stranger to the world of volunteering and charity. She’s spent decades championing the needs of women and children, both domestically and overseas and has helped raise millions of dollars’ worth of humanitarian aid and relief

The Road to Recovery with RSL Active

RAAF veteran Michael Apap lifts his bow and arrow to take aim at the target ahead, and in between shots, he mingles with others, while his son Lachlan and stepdaughter Harriette are in sight also socialising and learning a new skill.

A new lease on life

RSL Active is known for many things – a way to connect with other veterans, develop social networks, tell stories, enhance support circles and improve physical and mental health. Some, like Stuart and his family, even call it life-changing.

Connecting with RSL Active

Through volunteering veteran Krystal Brown learnt about RSL Active, a program designed to connect like-minded veterans and their families. It gives them the opportunity to take part in events focusing on physical, psychological and social engagement.

Fly High with RSL Active

Despite their challenges, Father and Son veteran duo, Ian and Corin Murphy are reconnecting in a way they didn’t think was possible through RSL Active.

The Light Horse Memorial Park

In 1995, the idea of developing a larger area as a memorial park that would recognise the contribution made by the AIF, and particularly by the Australian Light Horse Regiments, was mooted, and in 1998 the Mitchell Shire Council established the Australian Light Horse Memorial Park.