Region 1 Sub-Branches - RSL Victoria

This Remembrance Day the RSL Doncaster Subbranch cordially invites you to join them for their service, commencing at 1030hrs at the Doncaster RSL.

A really important commemoration.

Great work by Hawthorn RSL Sub Branch and BOX HILL RSL to collaborate and ensure this significant event not just went ahead but was a great success.

This Monday morning, commencing at 10am!

*Lest We Forget*

Region 1 Meeting – Spotlight on Army Cadets

On Wednesday afternoon, our Region 1 representatives were privileged to hear from Major Lachlan Poppins, the ADF Liaison Officer for Australian Army Cadets - Victoria Brigade, and a service member of Hawthorn RSL Sub Branch.

Lachlan’s presentation gave us an up-to-date look at today’s Army Cadets, challenging old misconceptions and showing how in 2025 they are very much a pathway into Defence.

He spoke about the “Circle of Service”; RSLs supporting Cadets, Cadets moving into Defence, Defence members joining the RSL, and continuing the wheel.

Key points from Lachlan’s update:

- Not just a youth development program, the mission of Army Cadets is to conduct an Army-like youth program to develop young, resilient leaders for Australia.

- Support from the RSL through volunteers and funding is critical. Cadets need help funding activities and the RSL can assist.
- Want to continue serving in uniform after the ADF? Join the Cadets as an instructor and help shape the next generation.

- Cadets can also support RSLs ceremonially and in Appeals, helping connect and inspire the next generation to service and assisting previous generations who have served.

If you’d like a copy of Major Poppins’ presentation, please email [email protected]

RSL Victoria RSL Australia

For veterans and members of the public in the Whittlesea area, we’d encourage you to join with the Whittlesea Rsl for their Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration on Sunday 18 August.

Guests are asked to arrive at 4:45pm

Let’s continue to honour their service.

From RSL Victoria:
The nominees for RSL Australia National President with their CVs and further information from RSL Victoria State President Dr Mark Schröffel, including RSL Victoria's support for Peter Tinley AM.

The candidates are:
- The Hon Peter Tinley AM (WA)
- Kerry Gallagher AM (QLD)
- Ray James OAM (NSW)

Your views are sought.

Upcoming Region 1 Meeting
13 Aug 25 at Box Hill RSL

MAJ Lachlan Poppins will provide an introduction of the Australian Army Cadets to Region 1 this Wednesday.

The mission of Army Cadets is to conduct an Army-like youth program to develop young, resilient leaders for Australia.

Sub-Branch representatives are encouraged to attend the session and canvas their members to consider a role as an Army Cadet Staff member.

When: Wed 13 August 2025, from 4:30pm

RSL Victoria Richmond RSL Victoria 3121 Epping RSL Sub Branch Inc Victoria RSL Doncaster Subbranch Doreen RSL Sub-Branch Camberwell Pompey Elliott RSL Sub-Branch BOX HILL RSL Montmorency Eltham RSL Prahran RSL Reservoir RSL Hawthorn RSL Sub Branch Greensborough RSL Watsonia RSL Hurstbridge RSL Sub-Branch Blackburn RSL Darebin RSL Hellenic Rsl RSL on Bell Whittlesea Rsl

Has your sub-branch been made aware of who the candidates are for RSL Australia National President?
What sort of leader does the RSL need for National President?

RSL Australia National President Elections -
The RSL is Changing. Leadership at RSL Australia Must Change With It

Generational change is occurring across the RSL at state level, with strong leaders taking the baton from the remarkable generation who served during the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Now we believe it is RSL Australia’s turn.

This isn’t a ‘Changing of the Guard’, it’s about showing what sort of organisation we want the national RSL to be: future focused, proactive and energetic in its lobbying and advocacy to government, strong in its political stances, and fearless in its representation of Australian veterans.

We’re fortunate to have great leaders from across all eras and types of services. The best person should have the job, but importantly this election is an opportunity to unite behind a candidate who can guide the league through one of its hardest periods by not just regaining relevancy, building trust, and re-establishing us as a powerful political lobby, but also leading an RSL that can bring disconnected contemporary generations into it.

All the candidates are impressive and a credit to the veteran community, but we believe that Peter Tinley AM is the best candidate to achieve the above.
Now is the time to publicly signal change, and we encourage veterans of all eras and generations to lend their skills, knowledge, and experience to supporting new leadership and new direction for RSL Australia.

Let’s take this opportunity and look forward, not back.

It was fantastic to see so many great sub-branches represented in this meeting and such a positive atmosphere.
Well done to all those from Region 1 who attended! We look forward to discussing this at our upcoming Region 1 Meeting.

One that will be of interest to Veterans across the state and country.

Great to see so many Region 1 members represented and recognised for their outstanding work!