The Trustees of this Fund manage 50% of monies collected on Poppy Day each year. As directed by the 1932 Act, three Trustees are appointed by the State Governor to distribute these monies. The RSL nominates just ONE Trustee - the other two are proven responsible citizens, independently nominated, who may not be allied to the RSL. This measure was always designed to give the Trust complete independence, without interference from any body, or any organisation. Decisions are made jointly, are final, and there is no avenue of appeal.
The Trustees are:
Chairperson Mr Brian COOPER OAM JP:
Brian served in the Australian Regular Army for almost 23 years, joining the Army Apprentices School from Kalgoorlie /Boulder in 1954 at the age of 15. On discharge in 1976 Brian transferred to the Army Reserves while holding full time employment at RAC WA. Brian retired in 1994 due to declining health and the compulsory retirement age.
With the assistance of the Department of Veterans' Affairs and The Returned & Services League WA Branch Incorporated Brian began training potential Pension Officers and Advocates on a voluntary basis. When the TIP Programme commenced in 1994 Brian was a foundation committee member and shortly after assumed the Chairman's position. He relinquished this position in 2004 due to health issues.
Brian served as Chairman of the Agent Orange Trust Fund until it ceased to operate due to lack of funds. During this period Brian also served as a Trustee of the WA Aged Sailors Soldiers and Airmen’s Relief Trust Fund and was endorsed as Chairman in 2008. Brian was commissioned a Justice of the Peace in 1994 and is still active in that area today.
In the Australia Day Honours List, 1998 Brian was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to both the Veteran Community and Ex Service Organisations.
Mr Duncan WARREN AM RFD:
Duncan was appointed a Trustee in January 2009. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, and has worked in public practice and industry in accounting and management roles.
As a National Serviceman Duncan served in South Vietnam as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Commander, and transferred to the then Commonwealth Military Force in 1970. He completed 28 years in the Army Reserve and retired with the rank of Brigadier.
Duncan has been a member of Perth Legacy since 1972; he is a trustee of the WA Branch of the Returned & Services League, a trustee of the ANZAC Day Trust, a member of the Council of the Federation of Police and Community Youth Centres and Chairs the WA Committee of the Defence Reserve Support Council. He is also the patron of the 2/28th Battalion and 24th Anti-Tank Company Association and the WA Branch of the Royal Australian Regiment Association. Duncan is currently the Honorary Colonel of the Western Australian University Regiment. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1998 in the Military Division for services to the Army.
Mr Terry O' NEILL:
Terry has been a Trustee with the Fund for six years. Born in Devon England Terry joined the army as a boy and served for eight years with the Royal Artillery. In 1968 Terry and his family migrated to Australia. Terry joined the Australian Federal Police and served as a Police Officer for 25 years. His main duties with the police were with Special Intelligence and the VIP Protection Squad. He looked after many Australian and overseas dignitaries in that time including Royalty and a Pope. He said that his favourite VIP had been Hazel Hawke, wife of the former Prime Minister.
A keen sportsman Terry played and officiated at both football and cricket (amateur) before becoming addicted to 'Aussie Rules'. Terry is an active volunteer in both the Veteran and mainstream community, he conducts weekly English classes for migrants and is a voluntary driver with the City of Wanneroo.
Terry is an advisor with the RSL Legal Support Group based in Nollamara which offers support and advice to Veterans experiencing legal difficulties and is also the official RSL prison visitor. Terry said that his one regret since being with the Fund was that despite many attempts they have been unable to make contact with Ex-service personnel in Western Australian prisons. He said that if anyone was aware of Ex-service personnel in this situation it would be appreciated if they could contact the RSL Welfare Officer on 9287 3707.
In conclusion Terry said that the current Trustees are experienced, compassionate and pro-active in promoting the objectives of the Trust Fund.
The Trustees meet on the first Tuesday of each month and will consider and evaluate all reasonable requests. Nonetheless, financial grants tend to be restricted to those genuinely in need and unable to pay for some item or purpose which they simply cannot afford by themselves.
Any veteran, widow, dependent, or ex-ADF member can make application to the Fund for financial assistance.
Application forms are available from the Welfare Officer at ANZAC House; the Administrator of the Trust Fund. The Administrator's role is to collate the documentation for each application and has no part of the decision making process.
The Trust asks each applicant to enclose a copy of a recent Bank Statement - and a Centrelink or DVA letter, as these confirm precise income details. For those residing with a partner/spouse, the incomes of both must be stated. Such evidence supports the genuineness of the restricted income of each applicant.
If a purchase of something new is being requested (eg: a new refrigerator), the Trust asks for at least two quotes. If an application for rent and/or Bond money is requested - a quote from the Estate Agent (or Landlord) helps to confirm those costs. Any debts cited (eg: Shire Rates) requires presentation of the account, and payment is made direct to the creditor(s). If a health-related appliance is being requested -the Trust likes to see a letter from the GP or Occupational Therapist, supporting that the proposed acquisition is necessary/or desirable. Monetary grants are never given in the form of cash. Credit Card debt is treated with great caution. Funds are never provided for alcohol, cigarettes or gambling.
Every application for assistance is 'CONFIDENTIAL' all documents evaluated by the WA Aged Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen's Relief Fund Trust are discussed with no-one else but the Trustees and Administrator and filed securely.
Monthly Grants are paid to Veterans experiencing ongoing hardship: Veterans applying for a monthly grant are usually interviewed at home by one of the Trustees. This ensures a true account of the veteran's circumstances and needs are established.