ABOUT US

The RSL evolved as a direct result of the camaraderie, concern and mateship shown by the 'Diggers' for the welfare of their mates during and after the 1914-1918 War.

That ethos of compassion and service remains today the motivating influence of the League. With nearly 220,600 members and 1395 Sub-Branches throughout Australia wide, the League and its achievements are the envy of political parties and other interest groups alike.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) ideals and objectives which had characterised the initiation of the first state associations in 1916 were correlated and finally adopted, in the following form, as the aims and objectives of the League:

  • To perpetuate the close ties of friendship created by mutual service in the Australian Defence Force or allied forces, to maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour among all past and present serving members of the Defence Force and to set an example of public spirit and noble hearted endeavour;
  • To preserve the memory and records of those who suffered and died for Australia;
  • To provide for the sick and wounded and needy among those who have served and their dependents including pensions, medical attention, homes and hospital visiting;
  • To inculcate loyalty to the Nation, to guard to good name and preserve the interests and standing of members of the Defence Force; and
  • To promote our policy on national questions, particularly:


    • *  the unity of the Commonwealth of Nations,
    *  the Defence of Australia,
    *  the maintenance of a sustainable and selective immigration policy,
    *  the development of a national Defence infrastructure and Defence industry, and
    *  the promotion and proper employment of the nation's natural resources.

The Motto of The Returned & Services League of Australia

Infrastructure of the RSL

The RSL is a National Organisation operating through National Headquarters, State Branches, District Boards and Sub-Branches.

Mission Statement

To ensure that programs are in place for the well-being, care, compensation and commemoration of serving and ex-service Defence Force members and their dependants. And to promote Government and community awareness of the need for a secure, stable and progressive Australia.

Objectives of the RSL

To serve the interests of its members, veterans, the ex-service community and members of the Australian Defence Force, the RSL executes its role by effectively implementing the following objectives which are in accord with the League's Mission Statement:

  • Welfare.
  • Advocacy and Representation.
  • Assistance to all veterans and ex-servicemen and women regardless of their membership in the League.
  • Commemoration and Remembrance.
  • Participation in employment Programs for veterans, ex-service members and their dependants.
  • Commitment to democratic principles and practices.
  • Provision of a means for members to enjoy camaraderie and mateship.
  • Provision of effective and efficient management of RSL assets and resources for the benefit of its members and serving members of the ADF.
  • Act as an effective lobby group to Government and its departments.
  • Provision of moral and active support for the ADF. Australian Forces Overseas Fund distributes 2,500 parcels bi-annually.
  • Provision of a respected and meaningful voice within the community and Australian society.
  • Promotion of loyalty and pride which the League has for the Nation, its people, the Crown and the Flag.

RSL Retirement and Aged Care Association
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The RSL (WA) Retirement & Aged Care Association (Inc) is a charitable organisation which operates a number of Aged Care Facilities and Retirement Villages throughout Western Australia.
All our Aged Care Facilities have achieved three year accreditation from the Aged Care Standard Agency.
The RSL (WA) Retirement & Aged Care Association (Inc) residents facilities were established to care for aged and disabled ex-service personnel, war widows and the aged and disabled in the general community

Who can join the RSL?

Any person who has served in any of the Australian Defence Forces in either of two World Wars or in any theatre of conflict, or for not less than six months in the Regular or Reserve Forces of any of the countries of the Commonwealth of Nations or of the United States of America or a country not an enemy of Australia, may join.

What are the benefits of membership?

You can help in the work of maintaining the hard won benefits for those who have served or are currently serving in the defence of our Country and for those who will carry the Defence burden in the future.

Welfare

Members can contribute to the welfare and well being of their less fortunate ex-service colleagues and their dependents, or members can be helped if need be.

Comradeship

The League provides a facility to continue the camaraderie of service life.

Patriotism

The RSL provides opportunity to maintain the Spirit of ANZAC through pride in Australia and the encouragement of our youth.

Women's Auxiliary

Women not eligible to join the League, but associated with ex-service personnel, set up networks of auxiliaries in each State before World War Two to raise money and carry out voluntary welfare work, such as hospital visiting, for the League. The Women's Auxiliary have 628 Auxiliaries throughout Australia with a membership of 13,121 members.