Commemoration
RSL NSW and sub-Branches organise and deliver the major commemorative events across New South Wales to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian service men and women. The most well-known of these take place on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, and are complemented by commemorations throughout the year to remember particular segments of those who have served. Through these commemorative activities, we remember and respect those who have served and sacrificed for Australia.
Camaraderie
For more than 100 years the Returned and Services League has provided a continuation of the unique camaraderie and mateship that people find during service in the Australian Defence Force. Through our network of more than 340 sub-Branches and chapters we bring together over 27,000 members who have served from a variety of backgrounds and contexts in a spirit of friendship and cooperation. This mateship among ex-Defence personnel is at the heart of what RSL NSW is and is highly valued by our members and the veteran community.
Support
Meeting the needs of veterans and their families has been central to the RSL’s mission since its inception. Today we provide support through our network of sub-Branches, as well as through our partner charities, RSL LifeCare which includes RSL DefenceCare.
sub-Branches As the local presence of services and support in New South Wales communities, sub-Branches exist to be of service to veterans and their families. In addition to the face-to-face support and mateship they can offer, sub-Branches can inform and connect veterans and families to the range services available to them.
Events
Auxiliary Meeting
15/06/2026
1000 – 1200 – sub-Branch meeting room
FWMDC
15/06/2026
1800 -1930 – Fairfield
Cuppa & Chat
17/06/2026
0930-1030 – ‘The Gather Café’, Penrith RSL Club – every Wednesday
A brief history of Memory Park War Memorial
In 2004 the Sub-Branch raised a committee to oversee the redevelopment of the Memory Park Memorial. The new Memorial was designed and built by local sculptor Terrence Plowright. The work commenced in early 2007, and was completed in late 2008. The dedication of the redeveloped War Memorial was by Her Excellency
Memorabilia Display
The Memorial Display is located to the right at the top of the escalators inside the Penrith RSL Club’s entrance.
We welcome all to come visit!
This week we welcome Mr John Blackstone a new Vice President at the City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch (17 May 26 AGM Elections).
John and Maria are relatively new sub-Branch Members having transferred from the Shire last year. We genuinely welcome John and Maria to our sub-Branch and we really hope that you feel comfortable and are happy here, and enjoy our humble Defence Veteran Community.
John was asked to fill out a quick questionnaire, so members can get to know him a little better, please see below;
Which branch of the military did you serve in?
Army Reserve 1985 - 1994 (9yrs) 4/3RNSWR - Medic, Royal Australian Navy - 1995 - 2025 (30yrs) (full time) Navy Health Services Medic, Royal Australian Navy Reserve - 2025 to present - ADF Training Designer/Developer.
What was your primary job during service?
Medic in both Army Reserve and Navy
Where was your favourite deployment or posting?
HMAS Kanimbla (Landing Platform Amphibious) - busy ship conducting amphibious support, and HADR functions
Most favourite sports team?
Rugby league - Rabbitohs
AFL - Carlton (I grew up playing AFL for a team linked to and sporting the blues colours)
Who is your personal hero or role model?
Warrant Officer Medical Dave Dodson (colleague and friend)
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Motor home travel
What is one surprising fact about you?
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What is your favorite meal?
Steak (medium rare) and vegies
What is your favorite movie or book?
Star Wars (the first movie)
What advice would you give a new ADF recruit?
Try and not take things too personally
Change what you know you can, and have the ability to understand and work with what you cannot change
Where do you live?
Townhouse in Kingswood.
What are you doing now?
Working part time as a Navy reservist and part time as a patient transport officer. Travelling in our motorhome when we can.
Who lives with you at home?
I live with my partner Maria. We have no pets.
Thanks to John for joining our Volunteer Team, we look forward to working with you and supporting Veterans and their families together.
