City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch
Newsletter 6th October 2021
Members welcome to our October Newsletter.
Sub-Branch Office:
The executive will be back in the office from Monday 11th October.
Thank you
Thank you to those members who attended the September Zoom meeting. A special thank you to Dr Gus Pusic for his time and informative talk on mental wellbeing and to David Ingram – President of the FWMDC, for his contribution.
October General Meeting:
Our October 20th General Meeting will be held in the Macquarie Room, the meeting will also be zoomed as a “Virtual Meeting” to our members that are unable to attend. Zoom details will be sent via a separate email.
It is planned that Mr Jonathon Black the CEO of RSL NSW will be attending to discuss the “Strategic Plan” followed by a Q & A session. If you have any questions for Mr Black or his team please submit them to the sub-Branch executive by Monday the 18th of October as all questions will be via the chair due to the restrictions of time and members attending via zoom.
Mr Black will be accompanied by State Secretary Jeff O’Brien and Nicki Young EGM Veteran Services (LifeCare)
All attendees are required to be double vaccinated to gain access to the RSL Club with proof of vaccination being required.
Covid19 Vaccination
Your executive suggest that you consider having the Covid19 Jab, if in doubt please discuss it with your medical practitioner.
Remembrance Day 2021
At this time and with the uncertainty surrounding the Lockdown, the 2021 the “Remembrance Day Ceremony” is being planned as a “Private Wreath Laying” event
The FWMDC is holding a Remembrance Day Veterans Golf event, details attached.
Appreciation Luncheon
The “Appreciation Dinner” has been postponed to a date to be determined
Christmas Luncheon
The Members’ Christmas Luncheon (Covid19 restrictions permitting) is planned for Sunday 28th November. The lunch will commence at 12pm directly following the monthly members meeting which starts at 11am.
Veteran Mates or Neighbours
Don’t throw your newsletter away, why not pass it onto a Veteran neighbour or friend that may not be a member of the sub-Branch! If you’re a current serving member please pass it onto a serving colleague.
Member’s Welfare:
If you become aware of a fellow member that is not coping with the current Lockdown or is need of any form of assistance, including those that may be admitted to hospital, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the executive on the numbers listed at the bottom of this notice.
Veterans’ Health Week
Veterans’ Health Week is 16th-24th October 2021. The theme this year is “Get Moving” (physical activity).
While members have been encouraged to undertake a physical activity, such as yoga, in place during lockdown it is time to consider outdoor activities.
With COVID lockdown restrictions about to be lifted in the Greater Sydney Area, members should consider undertaking a more physical activity, something as simple as a walk along the Nepean Riverbank.
Within the sub-Branch the Guitars 4 Veterans program which is run in conjunction with Noro, is continuing & members should consider joining in, it is great therapy & even if you have limited or no musical talent, there are those in the group who can help you.
Defence & Veteran Suicide Royal Commission
The independent review by the interim National Commissioner, Bernadette Boss CSC, was provided to Government during September. Members will recall that ESOs continued to press for a Royal Commission into Defence & Veteran Suicides. This action resulted in the Terms of Reference for Dr Boss being amended, she provided a report & a Royal Commission was established comprising Mr Nick Kaldas APM, the Hon James Douglas QC & Dr Peggy Brown AO. The Commissioners are well qualified to address the issues.
Mental Wellbeing
With the ongoing restrictions due to COVID 19, it is important that members continue to look after themselves & their colleagues. Jeff Townsend & Ian Lamont have done a great job in contacting members using the RU OK theme. Additionally, Jeff has been instrumental in supplying hampers to our members. If I am eligible Jeff, I am happy to have Moscato, Cienna, Dolcetto, (preferably Brown Brothers but any brand will do) & of course a good Spanish Sangria. Oh Wait! It’s not that type of hamper I’m told.
Seriously members if you are feeling down in any way or just want somebody to talk to, do not hesitate to contact:
- Open Arms 1800 011 046
- Safe Zone Support 1800 142 072
The Counsellors are trained to address issues of concern to Serving ADF personnel & ex-serving members both male & female.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Sub-Branch office – 4728 5225 or subbranch@penrithrsl.com.au
Peter Ward – 0408 015 117 or peter@penrithrsl.com.au
Brian Cartwright – 0488 411 222 or brianc@penrithrsl.com.au