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
Proposed – Wellebing / Social – Australian War Memorial Tour
23/06/2026
Approved Funding, details yet TBC. Approved subsidised funding.
Cuppa & Chat
24/06/2026
0930-1030 – ‘The Gather Café’, Penrith RSL Club – every Wednesday
Cuppa & Chat
01/07/2026
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!
As a younger Veteran and Executive Member of my local sub-Branch I often hear issues
regarding the recruiting of younger Veterans and their families. For over 50 years, some sub-Branches have disregarded younger Veterans or those that did not match the “War” criteria set by individuals. We must make changes if we are to expect different results.
The inclusion of younger Veterans and their families is critical to the RSL remaining relevant and sustainable. All sub-Branches must embrace, but first of all respect the service of all Veterans and their families. Unfortunately this is still not always the case and actions are far greater than words, saying that you are inviting young members at major commemorations is not likely to attract them. The actual inclusion and participation of younger Veterans in your Defence Community will take time, but it is achievable if you are genuinely willing, and enact progressive initiatives.
Many sub-Branches have become a social group for the older Veteran and their commonly united crowds over many years, many younger Veterans have been turned away because they did not serve in a “real War, they are National Servicemen, Women, Reservists, Peacekeepers or just medically discharged too early”
We must first respect and accommodate the needs, of younger Veterans before demanding or reasonably expecting that they will just take over the RSL legacy, locally. We the people must make systemic changes to actually meet the objectives of the RSL.
Recommending;
1. Maintain an inclusive social media presence by sharing opportunities available to all Members locally. If your sub-Branch is not using social media with a weekly inclusive presence, you are not reaching your full membership potential.
2. Make upgrades to any local memorabilia / museums to reflect all service, particularly after Vietnam. Invite younger commmunity Veterans to be part of this project.
3. Conduct commemorations and respect the service & sacrifices of younger Veterans and their famillies (eg Rwanda, Somalia, East Timor, Peacekeepers, the Middle East area of Operations etc).
4. Organise activities after 6:00pm during the week and on weekends that appeal to the younger ones who may work and have younger family commitments. (Alcohol, lawn bowls, darts and bingo are not great for people with young children).
5. Discuss a change of words and the desire to attract young Veterans and their families into your sub-Branch with all Members. Everyone must be ready to embrace and respect the younger ones collectively. It only takes one fool to disrespect someone or speak out of turn and subsequently turn people away for a lifetime.
6. Hold General Meetings at night, after 6pm when younger Veterans could attend. If you hold your General Meetings during the week day to suit your current Members you maybe cutting of your younger Veterans.
My honest opinions and thoughts for the consideration of any sub-Branch. I wil always be happy to discuss my thoughts if anyone wants to reach out.
Anthony Eddie
President
City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch
I know people who have completed the Kokoda Trek through this program and they stated that is was really worthwhile. Don't hold back, you are the right Veteran and you can do it!
See all of the details below and on their link for applications to participate, requirements etc.
St Marys RSL Sub Branch
St Marys Outpost
Blaxland-Glenbrook RSL sub-Branch
Defence and Emergency Services Veterans Shed
Women Veterans Network Australia - WVNA
Women Veterans Australia✌️
Our monthly General Meeting is on tonight and will start at 6:00pm sharp, it will be finished with plenty of time to watch the Sate Of Origin.
Gather at 5:30pm for a social refreshment and then mozy on up to the Functions At Eight Meeting room by 6:00pm.
