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
Cuppa & Chat
14/10/2026
0930-1030 – ‘The Gather Café’, Penrith RSL Club – every Wednesday
Veterans Health, Wellbeing and Services EXPO
14/10/2026
To be conducted at Penrith RSL Club for all Veterans & their partners, details are yet TBC. Approved Funding.
FWMDC Life Members Luncheon
15/10/2026
TBC
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!
Between 2001-2021, more than 35,000 Australians were deployed to serve in Afghanistan and the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) in relation to Afghanistan. Of those who served, 47 died and 263 were wounded.
During this 20-year conflict, Australians served our country with courage, commitment and integrity. RSL NSW acknowledges the impact this long period has had on many veterans and their families.
We also remember the Australians who lost their lives during, or as a result of, their service.
Lest we forget.🌺
📍NSW State Service: The 25th Anniversary of the commencement of Operation Slipper Star Ceremony will take place at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney, today at 10.45am.
📍National Commemorative Service: To mark 25 years since the beginning of Australia’s service in Afghanistan will be held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra at 10am today. The service will also be broadcast nationally by the ABC.
📸Defence Images, Australian War Memorial & Gary Ramage Photography
“Exact Hearing Penrith” will be at the Veterans Health, Wellbeing and Services Expo at Penrith RSL Club on Wednesday 14 Oct 2026.
We have over 45 stallholders registered and who are willing to support the ADF Community and their families. Please share!
Register to attend now: https://www.trybooking.com/DMWHN
Catch up with the Exact Hearing team and see how they can support Veterans and their families with hearing issues. Also - Check out their website and book and appointment.
https://exacthearing.com.au/
The RSL NSW constitution clearly aims to support Veterans and their Families; however, Affiliate and Auxiliary membership is not practical for many. We have not been sharing information to the families of many Veterans who can support, enable & motivate Veterans to connect and get involved.
The largest, most important and active Wellbeing support team is a Veterans family and or their carers; however, if the family members don’t receive the information they are not able to engage, motivate and enable Veterans and support them or join them attend commemorations, social and wellbeing activities.
Via a very simple, modern digital membership, we can enable and improved connection to our Veteran family members, the same information, opportunities, and activities that we now share with constitutional members only.
Digital membership is a new way of doing business to expand information sharing. It will enable improved information sharing and an actual sense of belonging. It changes nothing else, family members are already part of our charitable purpose and welcomed to attend and participate in our sub-Branch offerings.
Digital membership does not include a sub-Branch voting right, or any new entitlements. Information, invitations, offerings and opportunities to be involved will remain the same, but reaching more of the target audience.
We have established a free local digital Family Membership for;
*Partners / Spouses
*Widows
*Parents
*Siblings
*Children
*Grandchildren
*Carers
*Family Supporting a Veteran
Applicants are required to send an application requesting digital membership including their name, email address, and the name and relationship to a local Veteran. Once approved, the sub-Branch will add them to the member’s distribution list and share our members news with the wider local Defence Family network.
Send applications to:
secretary@penrithrslsubbranch.org.au
Details required;
Applicant full name:
Applicant email address:
Name of local Veteran: Relationship to Veteran:
