RSL & Services Clubs Association (RSL & SCA) is hoping for unity when it comes to supporting veterans and their families, following comments made by RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge calling for licensed clubs to drop the RSL letters from their names.
The Returned and Services League of Australia separated from licensed clubs during the 1970s when liquor laws were reformed. As part of the separation, the two entities operate as different businesses.
“The real RSL – the veteran support not-for-profit – is about care and welfare, and we would like to see our name protected. It’s time for clubs to change the name that they adopted 60 years ago; frankly, it must be returned,” The Sydney Morning Herald first reported Bainbridge saying.
In a separate interview with A Current Affairs, Bainbridge claimed licensed clubs do not provide charitable support to veterans, leading to public confusion.
“There is a lot of confusion in the community about who is the RSL, and I’m certain many people out there probably believe by going to their club they’re supporting their veterans when, in fact, they’re not,” he said.
The comments come off the back of a landmark inquiry into defence and veteran suicide. The Royal Commission’s final report found 3,000 service personnel died unnecessarily over the last three decades, and recommended a new, independent agency be established to help veterans adjust to civilian life and be specifically responsible for preventing suicide of serving and ex-serving members.
RSL & SCA chairman Dean Thomas has said he confused by RSL NSW’s claims.
“RSL and Services Clubs have a long history of supporting veterans and their families, serving as vital places of community connection and care,” he told Club Management.
“Across NSW, these clubs consistently offer much-needed assistance — not only through financial donations to organisations like Disaster Relief Australia, Defence Community Dogs, and RSL LifeCare — but also by providing a welcoming space for veterans to gather, especially on important days of commemoration such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. In addition, clubs offer up their facilities and meeting rooms free of charge to veterans’ groups.”
In 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was established between RSL & SCA, RSL NSW, and ClubsNSW with the intent to “restore the mutual connection between RSL sub-Branches and clubs” to deliver the best outcomes for veterans, their families, and local communities.
“This framework enables us to amplify our support for veterans in tangible ways. From invitations to RSL NSW to speak at our conferences, to providing platforms for initiatives like the RSL NSW Sport and Recreation Program and promoting year-round veteran engagement, we ensure that our efforts make a difference where it counts,” Thomas said.
At the time of signing the MoU, RSL NSW also highlighted that “clubs continue to play an important role in our communities as they provide a place to connect and enjoy entertainment and provide generous ClubGRANTS and other programs”.
Thomas acknowledged, however, “there is always room for improvement”.
“We look forward to working with stakeholders — including RSL NSW — to better serve veterans and their families, particularly in light of the recent release of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report,” he said.
“It is a reminder of the vital role clubs play in the wellbeing of veterans and is a prompter that there is always room to grow. We are committed to working alongside RSL NSW and other stakeholders to build on our strengths, foster unity, and find new ways to better serve veterans and their families.”