Lane Cove RSL Sub-Branch

An update from our national President. 'In the service of those who have served'

In his April newsletter, RSL National President Greg Melick talks about:

- What veterans need and deserve from an incoming government
- Anzac Day 2025
- Advocacy efforts via ESORT

🔗 Read the latest President's Newsletter: https://www.rslaustralia.org/presidents-newsletter

February marks the anniversary of a number of significant events in Australia's experience of the Boer War including Pink Hill, Kimberley in the Orange Free State and Paardeburg.

At Pink Hill, a famous action was fought between Australian (and British) troops and a Boer force on 12 February 1900 some thirteen kilometres north-west of Colesberg in central Cape Colony. The engagement occurred after the Boers, realising the weakness of the column of 6,600 men under Major General Clements which opposed them about Colesberg, moved to drive in the British flanks and force a retreat back down the railway line towards Naauwpoort. Clements' left flank rested on a low rocky ridge known as Pink Hill, which was held by 75 men of the Victorian Mounted Rifles, 20 South Australians and 100 British regulars. The action resulted in the deaths of six Australians and the wounding of 22 others.

The relief of Kimberley, on the 14th of February, was a major operation undertaken to break the Boer siege of the town. 500 Australians of the Queensland Mounted Infantry, New South Wales Mounted Rifles and New South Wales Lancers were involved in the breaking of the siege as part of the cavalry division commanded by Lieutenant-General John French. Famous Australian poet Banjo Patterson was present as a war correspondent.

A few days later, on the17th of February at the Battle of Paardeburg, men of the New South Wales Mounted Rifles were involved in the the surrender of 4,000 Boers under General Piet Cronje.

Although, the details of the Boer War are not as familar with us as more recent conflicts, it is important that we honour all our servicepeople's scrifice.

February 15, 1942: One of Australia's darkest wartime days.

Singapore fell, and over 15,000 Australian soldiers became POWs, with more than 7,000 never returning home. This defeat also marked a turning point, leading to Australia's vital alliance with the US.

We remember their sacrifice and the lives forever changed. Lest we forget.

Photo: Australian troops disembarking at Singapore, August 1941

Today we honour Australia’s National Servicemen – affectionately known as ‘Nashos’.

Between 1951 and 1972, over 287,000 young men, from plumbers to footballers to musicians, answered the call to serve in the Navy, Army, and Air Force. They served in Vietnam, Malaysia, Borneo, and Papua New Guinea, with 212 losing their lives - two in Borneo and 210 in Vietnam. More than 1200 were wounded.

We will never forget the service and sacrifice of our Nashos who stepped up to serve our nation.



Photos
1959: Group portrait of National Servicemen of C Company, 13th National Service Battalion, Bardia Barracks, Ingleburn, 1959. Australian War Memorial
2025: Group portrait of National Servicemen at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on 9 February 2025.

📢 The Bill has passed! 🎉

The RSL welcomes the passing of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 to simplify veteran compensation and entitlements. This is a massive step forward in supporting our veterans and their families. The new legislation consolidates complex processes, making it easier to access vital support.

RSL National President Greg Melick praised the cross-party support and emphasised the importance of ensuring veterans' voices are heard as the legislation is implemented. The RSL calls for urgent and transparent consultation with the veteran community regarding the newly established Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission (DVSC). It's crucial that the DVSC truly reflects the needs and concerns of veterans and their families.

Read the media release: www.rslaustralia.org/latest-news/support-for-veteran-compensation-entitlements-legislation-welcomed

25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste Seminar. In 2024, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) marked the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste. On 17 September, a seminar was held at t...

Feel like escaping to some peace and quiet? Set on 22 acres in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Diggers Rest is a retreat just for Defence members, veterans and their families.

With comfortable cabins and plenty of space to camp under the stars, it’s the perfect spot to relax, reset and reconnect 🌄

As part of our support for Diggers Rest, it’s free to stay for veterans and their families.

Learn more - https://rslqld.social/4gdhP9d

| Diggers Rest - 'A Soldiers Retreat'

Do you know a Year 10 or Year 11 student who loves History?

Applications are now open for the 2025 Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarship!

The Scholarship gives NSW high school History students the opportunity to travel on a study tour to the Republic of Korea and Singapore to discover the history of Australians at war.

Accompanied by a military historian, the tour will visit significant historical sites to learn about and commemorate the service of Australian men and women. Plus, there are plenty of fun activities and the chance to make friends from across NSW along the way.

➡️ Click here for more info and details on how to apply with applications closing on 9 March: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/pams

Applications close 9 March.⏳