RSL Victoria

Community Benefits Report

2009-2010

SUPPORTINGLOCAL

COMMUNITIES

© RSL Victorian Branch

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the RSL Victorian Branch. Requests can be addressed to:

Marketing & Events ManagerRSL Victorian BranchANZAC House 4 Collins StreetMELBOURNE VIC 3000

or via email to rslvic@rslvic.com.au

I am proud to present our fourth report outlining contributions made to Victorian communities by RSL Sub-Branches during the 2009-2010 financial year. Following a period of global financial crisis and rebuilding from the Black Saturday Bushfires the RSL has remained strong and relevant to the community.

By visiting your local RSL you are supporting an organisation that supports your community and that’s something that can make every Victorian proud.

In the following pages we provide to you an outline of some of the great RSL projects and initiatives that have come together during the reporting period.

I am sure you will be impressed, as I was, by the ongoing dedication and remarkable contributions by the RSL network and our band of volunteers. We sincerely hope to be able to continue to improve on these results in coming years.

Kind regards,

Major General David McLachlan AO (Retd)State PresidentRSL Victoria

WELCOME

1

Introduction 4

Supporting Our Youth 6

Manager Mentors 8

Multipurpose Community Venues 10

Transport Assistance 14

Linking the Past and the Future 15

Veteran Care and Support 16

Home & Hospital Visiting 17

Membership 18

RSL Sub-Branches by Local Government Area 21

With Thanks 24

CONTENTS

2

The RSL – A Community Spirited Organisation

3

Box Hill RSL Sub-Branch

RSL Ethos

The RSL has been embedded in our communities since 1916. A place initially established to support ex-servicemen upon their return from war has now developed into a true community hub. The RSL still ensures that serving and ex-servicemen and women of the ADF and their families are cared for, as is their mission, but the goals have broadened and now provide a welcoming place for fun, activities, support, volunteering, entertainment, information and advice.

In addition to caring for the serving and ex-service men and women, the RSL feels it is important to support the wider community. That’s where you will see your local RSL providing support to local sporting groups and schools, community projects, scouts and guides groups, plus many local not for profits that are looking for a home, and getting involved wherever they can.

Our volunteers

Across Victoria there is an army of volunteers going about their important work within the community. Look deeper into your local area and you will find your RSL, one of the strengths of any community providing not only a place for people to gather, socialise and get to know one another. It’s a place of opportunity where many unsung heroes work day in and day out to ensure that their community is a better place.

Community presence

The core value of the RSL is to provide assistance and support to the serving and ex-service men and women of the ADF and their families. What cannot go unnoticed (although is usually not promoted) is the level of assistance, particularly financial, that is provided to the wider community. The RSL will always be there for servicemen and women but today and into the future, the focus is more generally – community.

What does community mean and is it alive today? The RSL aims to keep the notion of community alive across the country. Visit your local RSL and you may be surprised at the number of activities you can become involved in. Projects which, in turn, will make your community a better place.

The following pages outline the contributions (financial and physical) that the RSL as an organisation has made to communities across the State and demonstrates that even after 94 years, the need for our volunteers, services and representation is stronger than ever.

INTRODUCTION

4

Our volunteer numbers and contribution remains strong with RSL volunteers throughout Victoria providing 1.11 million hours to the veteran and wider community equating to $22.28 million in volunteered time.

SNAP SHOT : 2009-2010

Donations

$252,518 to educational and assistance to the young

$1.17m provided to sporting clubs and maintenance of sporting facilities within Sub-Branches

$990,075 in advice, support and services to serving and ex-service personnel and their families by RSL Sub-Branches

$3.27m was provided in subsidies (food, beverage, functions, entertainment, room hire, special events)

2007 saw the RSL network contribute $76.23 million in cash, kind and time to communities across Victoria through a variety of welfare and support activities.

5

$1.36 million was donated in financial assistance to non veteran related charitable or local organisations in 2009-2010.

Volunteers7700

Volunteer hours1,114,032

Equating to $22.28m (based on rate of $20 per hour)

Providing fun for the kids

For several years now the Keilor East RSL has run a Kids Christmas Party for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of members. The party includes rides, games, giant slide, prizes, plenty of food and, of course, a visit and present from Santa. Costing $24,000 to stage and catering for over 650 local children, the party is completed funded by a weekly raffle at the RSL and by the hard work of many volunteers enlists the assistance of other locals such as the Police and Fire Brigade. A great example of an RSL gathering the community together and providing an experience that otherwise would not exist.

Rosebud RSL also put on a Kids Christmas party catering for around 450 local children per year and creating a fantastic community experience. Staging the Christmas party costs in the vicinity of $12,000 and by generating funds through raffles and donation of goods the Rosebud RSL are able to return this goodwill to the community.

Bairnsdale Promotes Healthy Eating with Schools

As a show of support to local students and to promote health and wellbeing, the Bairnsdale RSL Sub-Branch provides fruit to six locals schools for the after school activities program, helping keep children healthy and active in individual and team building exercises. Bairnsdale Sub-Branch also supply milk to local schools for breakfast to help nourish children that unfortunately do not always receive breakfast at home. The cost of these two programs is approximately $10,000 per year.

Scholarships Continue

In the past few editions we have reported on the large number of Sub-Branches providing scholarship support to local students. This trend continues throughout the network such as Seaford RSLs ‘Wally Mott Memorial Scholarship’ which provides a child, grandchild or relation of a local ex-serviceperson assistance with year 11 and 12 educational expenses.

This is just one example of many levels of assistance provided to students and schools in local areas with over $252,000 donated by RSLs to educational and young persons programs throughout the state.

Educational initiatives

Almost all Sub-Branches across Victoria are involved with their local primary and secondary schools from providing memorial services during ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day periods, visit a veteran programs and tours of the Sub-Branch operations and memorabilia. Greensborough RSL has taken this one step further by developing a digital presentation package on ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans Day. The package is available to be sent out to schools and youth clubs to assist the teachers and leaders in providing students with the relevant information on these conflicts. The package is also available for members and volunteers to take with them when presenting at local schools.

SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH

6

Over $252,000 donated by RSLs to educational and young persons programs throughout Victoria

7

Top: Bairnsdale RSL school support programsBottom: Keilor East RSL Kids Christmas Party

Over 65 RSL Sub-Branches in Victoria have managers in place to oversee operations. Many of the managers have been involved in the RSL network for a long time with 8 years being the average employment tenure, and a number for a much longer period.

It’s this commitment from individuals that continues to strengthen our network and ensure that the RSL values are carried throughout the organisation, not only through the important commemoration and volunteering aspects. The RSL network in Victoria is as strong as it is due to a unified approach by Sub-Branch Committee, Management, Volunteers and Staff all working towards the same goal of ensuring the strength of the organisation and providing continuing support to our veterans.

Barry Thompson, CEO Greensborough RSL and winner of the inaugural Kokoda Foundation Award in 2005 (awarded to a members of the Licensed Sub-Branch Association who displays outstanding leadership qualities to the network)

“Coming from a hotel background, when I started working at the RSL I had very little knowledge of how much work the RSL network was doing behind the scenes to assist not only our veterans and their families but the community that I was now a part of. The Sub-Branch I have the responsibility of managing has been around for 80 odd years and as well as being a meeting place it is a well respected and relied upon venue. Running a successful Sub-Branch is rewarding as it really does give you the feeling that you are continuing all of the hard work of the people before you. It’s also important for me to provide leadership and guidance to my staff, the people that will take this Sub-Branch onto bigger and better things in the future to continue to help, assist and promote the RSL ethos.”

Training

Training continues throughout the Licensed Sub-Branch network to ensure the introduction of high levels of professionalism and process to the Sub-Branches in turn ensuring a successful operation. The key is to developing quality people working within the RSL network to continue to go from strength to strength and deliver on the commitment of an increasing level of offer in facilities and services to our members.

With over 2200 staff in the Victorian RSL network we are proud to provide employment opportunities and career development through training, mentoring and a supportive network group.

Achievements Recognised

The Licensed Sub-Branch Association of Victoria honours its hardworking teams at an annual awards ceremony. In the 10 years the awards program has been running there has been a total of 173 awards presented and the evening duly highlights the strength of the network and its achievements including the unique ability to link commemoration and tradition with running a successful commercial arm to support the future of the organisation as a whole.

2009 Licensed Sub-Branch Association Award Winners

SUB-BRANCH OF THE YEARLeongatha RSL

GROUP 1 COMMENDATION AWARD (SMALL)Seaford RSL

GROUP 2 COMMENDATION AWARD (MEDIUM)Mildura RSL

GROUP 3 COMMENDATION AWARD (LARGE)Dandenong Cranbourne RSL

MANAGER OF THE YEARMike Grills – Seaford RSL

ACHIEVEMENT & RECOGNITIONKelly Mann – Horsham RSLKristina Freeman – Box Hill RSLDeryl Moloney – Healesville RSLJill Passeri – Greensborough RSLBelinda Pywell – Rosebud RSLDavid Nelson – Watsonia RSLCindy Florent – Dandenong Cranbourne RSLHeather Tranter – Dandenong Cranbourne RSL

HALL OF FAMENoel Hopper – Horsham RSLJohn Lee – Mentone RSLRod Cameron – Leongatha RSLFred Rossborough – Rosebud RSLJohn Laughton – Dandenong Cranbourne RSLKen Myers – Dromana Red Hill RSL

MANAGER MENTORS

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The six Hall of Fame inductees for 2009 boasted 196 years of service to the RSL between them

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Over $66,000 invested in training and further development in 2009-2010.

Top: Greensborough CEO Barry Thompson with his teamBottom: Hall of Fame award winners 2009

Your local RSL Sub-Branch may be seen as the local watering hole or social space purely for veterans of war. Sixty years ago this may have been the case, but certainly not today. Many Sub-Branches are proud to often be the social hub of their community housed in a multi purpose venue for all to enjoy with a range of entertainment and activity options on offer.

Redeveloping for the Future

Bentleigh RSL Sub-Branch spent $2.5 million in 2009 renovating their premises including a new look bistro, members bar and kids play area. President Ian Butcher believes this has done wonders for the Sub-Branch in the community, he says “The renovation has now opened us up to a whole new market of members and visitors with many additional families, mothers groups and local sporting groups enjoying our new facilities”.

Local RSLs are fulfilling an objective of providing the local community with an excellent range of family friendly facilities and a diverse program of events at affordable prices.

Subsidies

Local groups are drawn to their RSL Sub-Branches as they love the ability to meet somewhere local that has ample parking, a welcoming friendly atmosphere and a community focus. The majority of Victorian RSLs provide subsidies on room hire and food & beverage to local groups who utilise their facilities including War Widows, Legacy, Red Cross, View Clubs, Probus, and multiple local sporting groups.

Subsidies are also provided to contribute to entertainment, functions, day trips and activities for members, for example: morning melodies, commemoration services (and catering for such), Christmas lunches and regular day trips.

$3.27m was provided in subsidies (food, beverage, functions, entertainment, room hire, special events) in 2009-2010.

With the constant increases in the price of living, the subsidies provided by Sub-Branches can help and allow, for example, members to continue to visit the Sub-Branch on a social level and enjoy a meal with family and friends without the stress of breaking the budget.

MULTI PURPOSE COMMUNITY VENUES

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$6m was spent on redevelopments and facility improvements in 2010.

Top: Bentleigh RSL Sub-BranchBottom: Box Hill RSL Sub-Branch

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SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Lest We Forget

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The price of liberty is eternal vigilance

TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE

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Many senior members of the community, metropolitan or rural, encounter transportation difficulties. Whether they are not located close to public transport or are at the point where they are unable to drive, getting from place to place can be a challenge.

Many RSL Sub-Branches have incorporated a welfare / courtesy bus into their operations. Buses across the state in the RSL network cover over 5,300 kilometres per week and are in operation for over 280 hours per week.

These buses are used not only to bring people to the RSL but also to take members on day trips, provide visits to local aged care facilities or often loaned to other local community groups for their own needs.

For many senior members who visit their RSL, it is their only social outing. The importance this has to these individuals and the affect it has on them overall cannot be underestimated.

Wheels to Meals

Bairnsdale RSL are one such Sub-Branch assisting with transport in their local area by providing a Shop Assists program to local members. The program involves transportation of members in the Sub-Branch bus to the local retail outlets, assisting with their shopping requirements and ensuring they have access to fresh produce and other essential items for daily living.

Another transportation program provided by Bairnsdale RSL (in conjunction with Gippsland Community Health) is Wheels to Meals. This program was designed to enhance the current Meals on Wheels program and the new format brings the customer to the meal, not the other way around. The RSL bus picks up Wheels to Meals Customers and brings them to the RSL where they enjoy a hot meal and a day out. It’s not only ensuring veterans are fed a great meal but also that they have the opportunity to socialise and meet new people.

Buses across the state in the RSL network cover over 5,300 kilometres per week and are in operation for over 280 hours per week

Bairnsdale RSL Community Bus Team

LINKING THE PAST AND THE FUTURE

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This memorial honouring the fallen of WWI brings great pride to Mildura and a reminder of sacrifice for future generations

Monuments and memorials in local townships provide a place to reflect and remember, a link to our past for future generations to learn and pay their respects. The maintenance of longstanding memorials and implementation of new monuments is something that many RSLs are very proud to be at the forefront of.

On 11 November 2009, an official dedication of the WW1 Honour Roll and Samuel Pearse VC was held in Mildura. 1,449 local ex-servicemen and 7 women (nurses) who served between 1914 and 1918 have been honoured with their names being inscribed onto two magnificent granite walls. In addition to the Honour Roll a statue of Samuel Pearse VCMM was officially unveiled by his 90 year old daughter Victoria who was born six months after her father was killed. Mildura RSL contributed $15,000 to this project with additional funding from The Veterans Funds Council of Victoria, The Mildura Rural City Council, DVA, Mr K Wright, Mr L Andriske, Mr V Knight and Mr G Pearse.

In 2009 Greensborough established a Memorial Wall with 1200 places available ranging from Service, Family and Corporate Bricks. The wall adds history and depth to the Sub-Branch and again, the local link to past veterans. On ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans Day families often place a poppy on their brick as a sign of respect and many visitors stop to view the names as they enter the Sub-Branch. In addition to being a lasting monument to the fallen, the wall has so far raised approximately $20,000 towards welfare activities.

Commemoration

April 25, 2010 marked the 95th Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. Commemoration Services at the Shrine of Remembrance and across the state saw strong attendances by the public, in particular an increase in young people and families. The faciliation of commemoration services on ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Vietnam Veterans Day and a number of other anniversaries and days of significance is important to establish and maintain tradition, history, knowledge and reflection.

Almost 300,000 people attended a commemoration service either at the Shrine of Remembrance or through their local RSL Sub-Branch on 2009-2010. These services are generally organised entirely by volunteers who impart their time and expertise to ensure Dawn Services, ANZAC Day Marches and Commemorative Services are conducted appropriately in small and large towns across Victoria.

Top: Greensborough Memorial WallBottom: Samuel Pearse VCMM, Mildura

VETERAN CARE & SUPPORT

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It is through the kind generosity of the Victorian public who continually donate to the ANZAC and Poppy Appeals each year that the RSL can continue to deliver services to all those former serving members of the ADF who are now experiencing financial hardship or distress. The support and assistance provided to members of the ex-service community and their families by the Victorian RSL and its Sub-Branches is conducted in a caring, non-judgmental and confidential manner.

The requests for support or assistance through the RSL are consistent and varied but one thing is becoming quite obvious; it is getting tougher for older veterans and widows who are on a fixed income (aged pension) to meet their financial commitments. With the cost of living escalating from year to year due to increases in utility bills and increases to basic food items, many older Australians are battling.

At the other end of the scale the RSL now receives a number of requests for support or assistance from recent members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who have been discharged because of difficulties associated with their service. Most of the applicants are restricted from engaging in any form of remunerative employment at the present time. In the majority of cases they are young and have one or more dependants.

Health & Wellbeing

Overall health and wellbeing is an important topic for all ages these days however the senior community often do not have a lot of options when it comes to exercise. Many RSLs run Day Clubs and Pace Programs throughout their Sub-Branches providing a venue for safe, light exercise and conversation with friends. Waverley RSL has commenced a Balance and Mobility class to assist members with their balance, stretching and overall physical improvement. Facilitated by Sub-Branch volunteers the sessions attract around 50 members twice a week all of whom have noticed improved health benefits as well as new friendships.

Health and Wellbeing is also popular at the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch. In the past year they have held a DVA all round health expo, conducted monthly information sessions on various health issues with guest presenters and scheduled twice-weekly sessions of low impact exercise. This has proved invaluable for the members of the Morwell RSL in helping them keep fit, healthy and educated.

In 2009-2010 Victorian RSL Sub-Branches contributed $990,075 in advice, support and services to ex-service personnel

RSL home & hospital volunteers spend an average of 807 hours providing 644 home and hospital visits per month, visiting 1431 people and travelling almost 3,000km in the process.

Home & Hospital visits allow monitoring of the health and wellbeing of veterans and members and is particularly important for those who live alone. For those in need it’s the time spent, the kind word, listening ear and a smile that is looked forward to and can make all the difference to someone’s day.

The recent ANZAC Appeal Community Service Announcement that aired on the Nine Network highlighted the need for home and hospital volunteers and what a visit and some assistance from these people can do to brighten the day of a veteran.

The need to, and ability to support our younger serving and ex-service personnel and their families is possibly the biggest area of challenge that the RSL has faced over the past couple of years, and unfortunately it is an area that will most likely continue to be in demand in the future with servicemen and women returning from current deployments.

Volunteers are visiting more and more people living in residential aged care facilities than they have at any other time, a trend which is expected to continue with an ageing population requiring greater levels of care in the future.

Volunteers 7700

Volunteer hours 1,114,032

Equating to $22.28m (based on rate of $20 per hour)

Our sincere thanks goes to all of the hard-working and dedicated volunteer welfare and pensions officers throughout the RSL network in Victoria who continue to give freely of their time and energy to assist those in the ex-service and wider community who are in need.

HOME & HOSPITAL VISITING

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Traditionally the RSL was a club for those who had served in the Nations Defence Forces and our Allies. Today the RSL is open to all members of the community with several categories of membership to suit everyone.

ServiceService membership is open to all current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force and Allied Armed Forces personnel.

AffiliateAffiliate membership is open to relatives of past or present serving personnel eligible for RSL Service membership, keeping that family link to the RSL alive. Emergency services personnel (Fire Brigade, Ambulance, Police, SES) with six months service are also eligible to become Affiliate members.

SocialSocial membership is available for those that would like to be a part of their local RSL Sub-Branch on a social level. Social membership provides the same benefits as Service and Affiliate, however the right to vote on RSL matters does not apply.

The RSL believe the future of membership lies in community members becoming involved as Affiliates. Assistance is available at most Sub-Branches for the public to gather certification and information on a family member who has served in the ADF. The RSL Sub-Branches encourage the community to embrace this category of membership and become involved where they can at the Sub-Branch level.

Continual growth

Membership continues to grow throughout RSL Sub-Branches across Victoria in all categories. Sub-Branches work hard to improve their membership offering and spread the word throughout the community that all are welcome to become members.

At the 2010 State Conference several Sub-Branches were presented with certificates in recognition of their growth in membership. This is often simply through connecting with the community and interacting with particular local groups to encourage them to find out more about the RSL.

A growth in volunteers is just as important as a growth in our membership. Without the work that the RSL does in the community and the army of volunteers that makes that happen, the ability to achieve our mission would no longer exist.

View the following pages for the locations of RSL Sub-Branches throughout Victoria.

MEMBERSHIP

We have a range of membership options which not only focus on the Defence Force, but also embrace community members with a family connection to someone who served, as well as those who simply wish to enjoy the facilities or become a volunteer

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Key features of the new Defence Sub-Branch:

• Online National Membership renewal system to maintain your membership status wherever you are posted or deployed

• Membership FREE in the year you join

• National Card to access RSL Sub-Branches / Clubs Australia-wide

• Enquiry, advice and assistance hotline

• Wide range of RSL membership services, offers and discounts for you and your family.

PARTNERS IN SERVICE –

THE ADF AND THE RSLJOIN NOW AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS

Receive the support and continue the

tradition!

Go to www.rsldefencesubbranch.com.au

45005 RSL ADF A3 Poster.indd 1 10/11/10 5:44 PM

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In 2010 the RSL Defence Sub-Branch was launched providing a virtual Sub-Branch available to current serving personnel. Almost 3,000 members registered online providing a link and support for Defence Sub-Branch members to the RSL wherever they are deployed

SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY

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East WardNorth-West

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Seaford RSL

Frankston RSL

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Top: Local Government Areas - Victoria

20Bottom: Local Government Areas - Melbourne

21

1 Alpine Shire Council Bright RSL Sub-Branch Mount Beauty RSL Sub-Branch Myrtleford RSL Sub-Branch

2 Ararat Rural City Council Ararat RSL Sub-Branch Glenthompson RSL Sub-Branch Lake Bolac RSL Sub-Branch Willaura RSL Sub-Branch

3 Ballarat City Council Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Buninyong RSL Sub-Branch Sebastopol RSL Sub-Branch

4 Banyule City Council Greensborough RSL Sub-Branch Heidelberg RSL Sub-Branch Ivanhoe RSL Sub-Branch Montmorency RSL Sub-Branch Watsonia RSL Sub-Branch West Heidelberg RSL Sub-Branch

5 Bass Coast Shire Council Bass RSL Sub-Branch Inverloch RSL Sub-Branch Phillip Island RSL Sub-Branch Wonthaggi RSL Sub-Branch

6 Baw Baw Shire Council Drouin RSL Sub-Branch Longwarry RSL Sub-Branch Mirboo North RSL Sub-Branch Trafalgar/Thorpdale RSL Sub-Branch Warragul RSL Sub-Branch

7 Bayside City Council Beaumaris RSL Sub-Branch Hampton RSL Sub-Branch

8 Benalla Rural City Council Benalla RSL Sub-Branch

9 Boroondara City Council Balwyn RSL Sub-Branch Camberwell RSL Sub-Branch Hawthorn RSL Sub-Branch Kew RSL Sub-Branch North Balwyn RSL Sub-Branch

10 Brimbank City Council First Serbian RSL Sub-Branch Sunshine RSL Sub-Branch

11 Buloke Shire Council Birchip RSL Sub-Branch Charlton RSL Sub-Branch Donald RSL Sub-Branch Sea Lake RSL Sub-Branch Wycheproof RSL Sub-Branch

12 Campaspe Shire Council Echuca/Moama RSL Sub-Branch Inc. Girgarre RSL Sub-Branch Gunbower RSL Sub-Branch Kyabram RSL Sub-Branch Rochester RSL Sub-Branch Rushworth RSL Sub-Branch Stanhope RSL Sub-Branch Tongala RSL Sub-Branch

13 Cardinia Shire Council Bunyip RSL Sub-Branch Cockatoo RSL Sub-Branch Gembrook RSL Sub-Branch Koo Wee Rup RSL Sub-Branch Lang Lang RSL Sub-Branch Nar Nar Goon RSL Sub-Branch Pakenham RSL Sub-Branch Upper Beaconsfield RSL Sub-Branch

14 Casey City Council Berwick RSL Sub-Branch

15 Central Goldfields Shire Council Maryborough RSL Sub-Branch Talbot RSL Sub-Branch

16 Colac Otway Apollo Bay RSL Sub-Branch Birregurra RSL Sub-Branch Colac RSL Sub-Branch

17 Corangamite Shire Council Camperdown RSL Sub-Branch Cobden RSL Sub-Branch Derrinallum RSL Sub-Branch Skipton RSL Sub-Branch Terang RSL Sub-Branch

18 Darebin City Council Darebin RSL Sub-Branch Fairfield-Alphington RSL Sub-Branch Northcote RSL Sub-Branch Reservoir RSL Sub-Branch

19 East Gippsland Shire Council Bairnsdale RSL Sub-Branch Cann River RSL Sub-Branch Ensay/Swifts Creek RSL Sub-Branch Lakes Entrance RSL Sub-Branch Mallacoota RSL Sub-Branch Metung RSL Sub-Branch Omeo RSL Sub-Branch Orbost RSL Sub-Branch Paynesville RSL Sub-Branch

20 Frankston City Council Frankston RSL Sub-Branch Peninsula Exservicewomen RSL Sub-Branch Seaford RSL Sub-Branch

21 Gannawarra Shire Council Cohuna/Leitchville RSL Sub-Branch Kerang & District RSL Sub-Branch Koondrook RSL Sub-Branch

22 Glen Eira City Council Bentleigh RSL Sub Branch Caulfield RSL Sub-Branch

23 Glenelg Shire Council Casterton RSL Sub-Branch Heywood RSL Sub-Branch Portland RSL Sub-Branch

24 Golden Plains Shire Council Inverleigh RSL Sub-Branch Meredith RSL Sub-Branch Rokewood RSL Sub-Branch

25 Greater Bendigo City Council Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch Elmore RSL Sub-Branch Heathcote RSL Sub-Branch Kangaroo Flat RSL Sub-Branch

26 Greater Dandenong City Council Dandenong Cranbourne RSL Sub-Branch Noble Park RSL Sub-Branch Springvale RSL Sub-Branch

27 Greater Geelong City Council Barwon Heads RSL Sub-Branch Drysdale RSL Sub-Branch Geelong RSL Sub-Branch Lara RSL Sub-Branch Norlane RSL Sub-Branch Ocean Grove RSL Sub-Branch Port Arlington - St Leonards RSL Sub-Branch

Following is a list of Sub-Branches ordered by Local Government. Licensed Sub-Branches with gaming are highlighted in red.

RSL SUB-BRANCHES BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

RSL SUB-BRANCHES BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

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28 Greater Shepparton City Council Dookie RSL Sub-Branch Murchison RSL Sub-Branch Shepparton RSL Sub-Branch Tatura RSL Sub-Branch

29 Hepburn Shire Council Clunes RSL Sub-Branch Creswick/Smeaton RSL Sub-Branch Daylesford RSL Sub-Branch

30 Hindmarsh Shire Council Dimboola RSL Sub-Branch Jeparit RSL Sub-Branch Nhill RSL Sub-Branch Rainbow RSL Sub-Branch

31 Hobsons Bay City Council Altona RSL Sub-Branch Newport RSL Sub-Branch Spotswood/Kingsville RSL Sub-Branch Williamstown RSL Sub-Branch

32 Horsham Rural City Council Horsham RSL Sub-Branch Natimuk RSL Sub-Branch

33 Hume City Council Sunbury RSL Sub-Branch

34 Indigo Shire Council Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch Kiewa RSL Sub-Branch Rutherglen RSL Sub-Branch

35 Kingston City Council Aspendale Edithvale RSL Sub-Branch Chelsea RSL Sub-Branch Cheltenham-Moorabbin RSL Sub-Branch Highett RSL Sub-Branch Mentone RSL Sub-Branch

36 Knox City Council Bayswater RSL Sub-Branch Boronia RSL Sub-Branch

37 Latrobe City Council Moe RSL Sub-Branch Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Traralgon RSL Sub-Branch Yallourn/Newbrough RSL Sub-Branch

38 Loddon Shire Council Boort RSL Sub-Branch Dunolly/Bealiba RSL Sub-Branch Inglewood/Bridgewater RSL Sub-Branch Mitiamo RSL Sub-Branch Pyramid Hill RSL Sub-Branch

39 Macedon Ranges Shire Council Gisborne/Macedon Ranges RSL Sub-Branch Kyneton RSL Sub-Branch Romsey/Lancefield RSL Sub-Branch Woodend RSL Sub-Branch

40 Manningham City Council Doncaster RSL Sub-Branch Templestowe RSL Sub-Branch Warrandyte RSL Sub-Branch

41 Mansfield Shire Council Heyfield RSL Sub-Branch Mansfield RSL Sub-Branch

42 Maribyrnong City Council Footscray RSL Sub-Branch Republic of Vietnam RSL Sub-Branch Yarraville RSL Sub-Branch

43 Maroondah City Council Croydon RSL Sub-Branch Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch

44 Melbourne City Council BCOF RSL Sub-Branch Malta/George Cross RSL Sub-Branch Melbourne RSL Sub-Branch Merchant Navy RSL Sub-Branch New Zealand RSL Sub-Branch Returned Nurses RSL Sub-Branch Returned Servicewomen RSL Sub-Branch Victorian Chemists RSL Sub-Branch

45 Melton Shire Council Melton RSL Sub-Branch

46 Mildura Rural City Council Merbein RSL Sub-Branch Mildura RSL Sub-Branch Murrayvale RSL Sub-Branch Ouyen RSL Sub-Branch Red Cliffs/Irymple RSL Sub-Branch Underbool RSL Sub-Branch

47 Mitchell Shire Council Broadford RSL Sub-Branch Kilmore RSL Sub-Branch Seymour RSL Sub-Branch

48 Moira Shire Council Cobram Barooga RSL Sub-Branch Katunga RSL Sub-Branch Nathalia/Picola RSL Sub-Branch Numurkah RSL Sub-Branch Strathmerton RSL Sub-Branch Yarrawonga/Mulwala RSL Sub-Branch

49 Monash City Council Clayton RSL Sub-Branch Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL Sub-Branch Polish RSL Sub-Branch Red Shield RSL Sub-Branch Waverley RSL Sub-Branch

50 Moonee Valley City Council Essendon RSL Sub-Branch Flemington/Kensington RSL Sub-Branch Keilor East RSL Sub-Branch

51 Moorabool Shire Council Bacchus Marsh RSL Sub-Branch Ballan RSL Sub-Branch

52 Moreland City Council Coburg RSL Sub-Branch Fawkner RSL Sub-Branch Glenroy RSL Sub Branch Italian RSL Sub-Branch Pascoe Vale RSL Sub-Branch

53 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Crib Point RSL Sub-Branch Dromana Red Hill RSL Sub-Branch Flinders RSL Sub-Branch Hastings RSL Sub-Branch Mornington RSL Sub-Branch Rosebud RSL Sub-Branch Rye RSL Sub-Branch Sorrento/Portsea RSL Sub-Branch

54 Mount Alexander Shire Council Castlemaine RSL Sub-Branch Maldon RSL Sub-Branch

55 Moyne Shire Council Caramut RSL Sub-Branch Macarthur RSL Sub-Branch Mortlake RSL Sub-Branch Port Fairy RSL Sub-Branch

56 Murrindini Shire Council Alexandra RSL Sub-Branch Eildon RSL Sub-Branch Marysville RSL Sub-Branch Thornton RSL Sub-Branch Yea RSL Sub-Branch

57 Nillumbik Shire Council Diamond Creek RSL Sub-Branch Hurtsbridge RSL Sub-Branch Korea Veterans RSL Sub-Branch

58 Northern Grampians Shire Council St Arnaud RSL Sub-Branch Stawell RSL Sub-Branch

59 Port Philip City Council Elwood RSL Sub-Branch Hellenic RSL Sub-Branch St Kilda RSL Sub-Branch Turkish RSL Sub-Branch

60 Pyrenees Shire Council Avoca RSL Sub-Branch Ripon/Beaufort RSL Sub-Branch

61 Borough of Queenscliffe Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale RSL Sub-Branch

62 South Gippsland Shire Council Fish Creek RSL Sub-Branch Foster RSL Sub-Branch Korumburra RSL Sub-Branch Leongatha RSL Sub-Branch Meeniyan RSL Sub-Branch Tarwin Lower RSL Sub-Branch Toora RSL Sub-Branch

63 Southern Grampians Shire Council Balmoral RSL Sub-Branch Cavendish RSL Sub-Branch Coleraine RSL Sub-Branch Dunkeld RSL Sub-Branch Hamilton RSL Sub-Branch Penshurst RSL Sub-Branch

64 Stonnington City Council East Malvern RSL Sub-Branch Prahran RSL Sub-Branch Toorak RSL Sub-Branch

65 Strathbogie Shire Council Avenel RSL Sub-Branch Euroa RSL Sub-Branch Nagambie RSL Sub-Branch Violet Town RSL Sub-Branch

66 Surf Coast Shire Council Anglesea RSL Sub-Branch Lorne RSL Sub-Branch Torquay RSL Sub-Branch Winchelsea RSL Sub-Branch

67 Swan Hill Rural City Council Manangatang RSL Sub-Branch Piangil RSL Sub-Branch Robinvale RSL Sub-Branch Swan Hill RSL Sub-Branch Woorinen RSL Sub-Branch

68 Towong Shire Council Corryong RSL Sub-Branch Tallangatta RSL Sub-Branch

69 Wangaratta Rural City Council Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch Whitfield RSL Sub-Branch

70 Warrnambool City Council Warrnambool RSL Sub-Branch

71 Wellington Shire Council Briagolong RSL Sub-Branch Loch Sport RSL Sub-Branch Maffra RSL Sub-Branch Sale RSL Sub-Branch Stratford RSL Sub-Branch Yarram RSL Sub-Branch

72 West Wimmera Shire Council Edenhope RSL Sub-Branch Harrow RSL Sub-Branch Kaniva RSL Sub-Branch Langkoop/Apsley RSL Sub-Branch

73 Whitehorse City Council Blackburn RSL Sub-Branch Box Hill RSL Sub-Branch Burwood RSL Sub-Branch Mitcham RSL Sub-Branch

74 Whittlesea City Council Epping RSL Sub-Branch Whittlesea RSL Sub-Branch

75 Wodonga City Council Wodonga RSL Sub-Branch

76 Wyndham City Council Werribee RSL Sub-Branch

77 Yarra City Council Richmond RSL Sub-Branch Tramways/East Melb RSL Sub-Branch

78 Yarra Ranges Shire Council Dandenong Ranges RSL Sub-Branch Emerald RSL Sub-Branch Healesville RSL Sub-Branch Lilydale RSL Sub-Branch Monbulk RSL Sub-Branch Mount Evelyn RSL Sub-Branch Upper Yarra RSL Sub-Branch Upwey/Belgrave RSL Sub-Branch Warburton RSL Sub-Branch Wedderburn/Korongvale RSL Sub-Branch Yarra Glen RSL Sub-Branch

79 Yarriambiack Shire Council Hopetoun RSL Sub-Branch Minyip RSL Sub-Branch Murtoa RSL Sub-Branch Patchewollock RSL Sub-Branch Rupanyup RSL Sub-Branch Warracknabeal RSL Sub-Branch

23

For further information on your local Sub-Branch, visit www.rslvic.com.au

which features a full Sub-Branch directory complete with contact details.

24

The information provided in this document demonstrates the ongoing commitment to not only the serving and ex-service community but the community at large. RSL Sub-Branches are committed to maintaining a presence within their community now, and well into the future.

An increasing need for care of our ex-serving and senior community faces the RSL each year and all Victorian Sub-Branches should be congratulated for the manner in which they manage this need and deliver assistance via finances, resources or other to their communities.

We are determined to continue to deliver on the objectives of the League for many years to come.

The information and statistics presented have been compiled through a number of sources: Licensed Sub-Branches individual Community Benefits Statement Submissions, Departments of Property & Finance, Welfare Entitlements & Pensions Support, and the Licensed Sub-Branch Association. Many Sub-Branches have also assisted with completing individual surveys and great appreciation must go to those who participated in this survey providing data, case studies and images.

WITH THANKS

SUPPORTINGLOCAL

COMMUNITIES

RSL VictoriaCommunity

Benefits Report 2009-2010

SUPPORTING LOCAL

COMMUNITIESReturned & Services League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc.

ANZAC House4 Collins Street

Melbourne VIC 3000P: 03 9655 5555F: 03 9655 5500

E: rslvic@rslvic.com.auW: www.rslvic.com.au