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
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!
Our first General Meeting for 2026 is on Wednesday 18 Feb. Meet at the Grid Restaurant at 5:30pm for a refreshment & a chat and then move into the new function rooms for the meeting by 6pm.
Afterwards, all Members in attendance are invited to join us for dinner at the “Star Buffet”
Mr Peter Ward, the Honorable Secretary, returned the medals to Mrs Melzer in the sub-Branch Military Museum on Friday 13th February 2026. Mrs Melzer was extremely pleased to receive her late husband's lost medals and thanked the sub-Branch for taking care of them as they meant a lot to late Reverand. Mrs Melzer explained that the family had no idea what had happened to the very precious and coveted family medals, she explained that the family had been looking for the medals and they had no idea of their whereabouts, the best conclusion that they had was that the medals may have been in some furniture that had been donated prior to her moving to Springwood.
Peter explained that he found the medals in Tindale St outside of the RSL Club LTD in 2023. At the time an exhaustive search of available records was conducted without success. In 2025, Peter again started a search through the "Honours and Awards" Office. Lt The Office immediately responded with contact details of the medals owner, the widow of the late Reverand Melzer. Acting on behalf of the sub-Branch, Peter contacted Mrs Melzer arranged for the safe return.
The picture is of Peter Returning the lost medals to Mrs Melzer in the City of Penrith Sub-Branch Military Museum.
Great job Peter Ward!
Between 1951 and 1972, more than 280,000 young men were called up for National Service. Over 200 died on active service overseas, and others died while serving in Australia.
Respect!
Photos needed!
