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
Anzac Day
25/04/2026
0430 – 5.45am March – March and Dawn Service, fololwed by Veterans & Families Breakfast etc. Approved Funding.
Cuppa & Chat
29/04/2026
0930-1030 – ‘The Gather Café’, Penrith RSL Club – every Wednesday
Cuppa & Chat
06/05/2026
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!
Our utmost respect to all Veterans of the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, “Old Faithful” and supporting Forces who served and or supported those significant Operations on that day.
Sharing a special poem written by RSL NSW Life Member, LT COL (Rtd) Brian Vickery OAM.
Kapyong Day 24th April
I like to raise my glass, officially on Kapyong Day,
to pay my respects to ‘The Forgotten War’ in my special way,
many are not aware of Australia’s gallant efforts, into this Korean foray,
What is that? When was that, many have been heard to say!
It was a day in 1951 when Aussie courage was tested to the max,
standing beside the Canadians with NZ at our backs,
The British Hussars also complemented us with the manoeuvre of their tanks.
Whilst the Chinese attackers numbered thousands (multiplying) within their ranks.
27 Commonwealth brigade against a division, three to one you might calculate,
But none who stood in that defensive line were likely to capitulate,
‘let them come’ was the cry ‘and we will show them we are real,
‘let them come’ and try their best and get a taste of Commonwealth steel!
And come they did, in their thousands, day and night for two whole days,
the Commonwealth defenders held their ground, Chinese bodies formed a maze,
at last the Chinese exhausted their efforts and by morning of 25th were gone,
The commonwealth flag was raised again and another legend was born!
The Silent March will step off at 4:45am, all Veterans, descendants of Veterans wearing medals and children accompanied by Veterans are welcome.
The Dawn Service will start at 5:00am.
The Veterans silent March will begin at 4:45am. All Veterans and descendants wearing medals are invited to join, Children or Grandchildren of Veterans also welcome to accompany Veterans.
The Dawn Service will begin at 5:00am. All Community Members are invited to attend.
