Another month gone, another month closer to Christmas. Our last newsletter for the year will go out the first week in December, so please get in early if you have anything to be put in. Hopefully many of you will share your Remembrance Day with us. The 2023 State Congress and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of RSL NSW will be held from 22nd—24th October 2023. And, of course, it will be covered in our November Newsletter.
As most of you already know, Ray James will retire from his position of RSL NSW State President at this Congress. RSL NSW Auxiliaries will be paying tribute to Ray in our November Newsletter, so if anyone would like to wish Ray well, share a memory, or a photograph, please email it to me at sueallen123@bigpond.com by the 1st November, 2023. We owe Ray a great debt — if not for him and Pauline fighting to save Auxiliaries, we would have been finished a few years ago. Instead we are growing and thriving.
We are absolutely delighted to have received 11 entries for the Lady Woodward Cup. I can not remember in my time having so many entries. Recently RSL NSW State Secretary Jeff O’Brien, Di Naylor, Pauline and I had an online meeting to select the winners. I can’t tell you who has won — the winner will be announced at Congress — but I have to say it was a hard decision, the scores were so close. With Auxiliaries being the fundraising arm of RSL NSW many assume that it will be the one who makes the most money that will be the winner, but…. I would like to take some time to go through the process with you. I believe some Auxiliaries don’t enter because they don’t think they have a chance. Well, let me tell you, that is incorrect. It is a very simple and fair process, unlike the previous horrendous equations where number of members were divided in to this and that. There are three parts to the Nomination form: • • •
Fundraising for Veteran Services, this is worth up to a 50% mark Supporting the local veteran community, this is worth up to a 25% mark Engaging with the local community, this is worth up to a 25% mark
It is the RSL Auxiliary that achieves the highest score across the three categories that wins the award.
Concerns have been raised on the fundraising element, regarding the fact that Auxiliaries no longer have bank accounts. This is not an issue. Sub Branch accounting procedures easily identify these deposits and in the final section on the nomination form, the sub-Branch Treasurer is required to confirm the amount raised by completing a declaration, which states: “I confirm that the amount raised by the Auxiliary is correct and has been banked with the sub-Branch for the provision of veteran services.” Without going into great detail, I am going to use some of the information from the entries to highlight what they have done and what you could do. Don’t panic! They haven’t all done everything on this list. Starting with Fundraising. Sale of ANZAC & Remembrance Day tokens etc. Apart from the tokens the sub-Branches can obtain, you can make your own for sale: • • • •
Luncheons
Raffles
There’s always an excuse for a lunch:
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• • • •
Anniversaries Christmas Lunch after a meeting Vietnam Veterans’ Day
Mother’s Day Father’s Day Easter ANZAC Day Christmas
poppies — knit, crochet, sew, even clay wreaths cards/bookmarks Scarves, etc
Christmas in July
Community Catering
Tombola
Obviously this is not possible for many Auxiliaries, but some are able to cater for funerals, events, etc Markets Stalls
Fashion Parades
Whist Night
Car Boot Sales
Used Book Sale
Local Stalls
Plant Sale
Donation Box
BBQ’s
How many of you see a donation box on a counter and drop your change in it? Then why not Auxiliaries? Have a donation box wherever you’re fundraising and maybe your club would let you have one on the bar. Can’t hurt to ask.
Bunnings have an amazing fundraising program with the Sausage Sizzles Click here for all information In Our Community Bunnings Australia
Supporting the local veteran community, this category does not include raising any money
Assisting sub-Branches with events and functions
Keeping in contact with non-active veterans
Assisting non-active veterans attend functions/ appointments
Supporting new widows
Hampers for widows/nonactive veterans
Assisting at ANZAC House
Assisting veterans and their families with a veterans memorial
Thank You For Your Service Quilts
Visit to RSL Homes, with items for residents/ performing in a choir and providing lunch
Visit and support the equine program
Attending RSL Day Clubs
Attending other Auxiliary functions
Attending courses that enables assisting veterans
Assisting in the sub-Branch office where possible
Sport & Recreation activities
Making poppies to hand out Knitting items for RSL Nursing Homes
Coffee Clubs
Contributing to the Auxiliary Newsletter
Attending veterans’ funerals and supporting their families
Engaging with the local community, this category does not include raising any money Speaking to locals
Community morning tea
Social media posts
Attending local schools regarding ANZAC and Remembrance Day
Networking with local businesses
Contributing to local newspapers
Attending expos and events to promote Veterans Services
Raffles at other venues than the club, i.e. local pub
Invitations to local politicians to events
Walking group
This certainly doesn’t cover everything, but hopefully this will give you an idea of what we can do as an Auxiliary. Before I finish, on behalf of all of us, a huge congratulations to the 11 Auxiliaries who nominated this year. I was blown away by your applications — you all deserve to win. Unfortunately we can only have one winner, but I assure you it was very close. As I said earlier, I can’t as yet tell you who has won, but what I can tell you is that between them, these 11 Auxiliaries raised a smidge over $150,000. How awesome is that? We really hope this will encourage more Auxiliaries to enter next year. Keep the award in mind when you are planning your activities for the coming year. The Nomination Form is posted on our webpage around August each year, the cut off date for entries is 30th September, and the winner is always announced at the following Congress.
Something we have needed for a long time is a simple explanation of who the RSL NSW Auxiliaries are and what we do. Last week, RSL NSW published a news article, which is perfect to direct to prospective members or any interested parties. Unfortunately I can’t reproduce it here but it’s up on the website, well worth a read. Check out this link: What is the RSL NSW Auxiliary and how does it support veterans? | RSL NSW
As many of you are aware, Ray James will retire as State President of RSL NSW at the 2023 Congress. It has been officially announced that the new President is Mick Bainbridge. A former Special Forces Commando, Mick is the youngest President to have been elected by members in a one-member-one-vote election across the state.
Mick joins the RSL NSW Board alongside three new directors – all younger veterans. All current directors seeking reappointment were also elected, indicating strong support for the current strategic direction of RSL NSW. Our congratulations to Mick, our new directors, Sarah Watson, Charles New and Paul James, and to the Board going forward. Also, RSL NSW CEO Jon Black is retiring this month and Giles Hurst has been appointed as the new CEO. Welcome, Giles, and best wishes in your retirement, Jon.
In our last newsletter, Pauline told you that five of our Auxiliary members have been awarded the Certificate of Merit and Gold Badge by RSL National. It is the highest award that can be made by the League to a person who is not a Service member, in recognition of outstanding honorary service rendered to the League, Ex-Service personnel or their dependants. The awards were presented to Ann-Marie Jacobs, Christine Frame, Kaye Brown, Jenny Leach and myself, by our Patron, Mr Dennis Wilson, at a function at Government House on Tuesday 17 th October, 2023. It was a very special and emotional day for all. Mr Wilson made a wonderful speech about our Auxiliaries and the great work each member does and how special we are to him, as we were his first patronage following his wife Margaret Beazley AC KC being appointed as Governor of NSW. He thanked all Auxiliary members for their dedication and commitment.
Ray James State President RSL NSW gave a short speech, this was one of the last official functions for him before stepping down at State Congress. Pauline then made the following speech: Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and honoured members of the Returned Services League Auxiliaries. I stand before you today with a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility, recognising the noble cause that binds us together — the unwavering support for our veterans and their families. Allow me to extend a heartfelt welcome to our official guests, including Mr Dennis Wilson, our Patron, and the husband of Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales. Before delving into the crux of our gathering, it is essential to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather today — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present, and emerging, and recognise the unique cultural heritage and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the land. Now, as we come together under the banner of the RSL Auxiliaries, our shared commitment to supporting those who have served our nation becomes more critical than ever. The RSL, with its longstanding tradition of service, has been a pillar of support for veterans, and the auxiliaries play a vital role in this mission. Fundraising, dear friends, is the lifeblood that ensures the RSL can continue to meet the evolving needs of veterans and their families. In the landscape of 2023, the challenges faced by our ex-service personnel are diverse and complex. From physical and mental health needs to the pursuit of fulfilling civilian lives, the demands on the RSL are vast and ever-expanding. To meet these challenges head-on, we must recognize the indispensable role that increased fundraising plays. It is not merely about gathering resources; it is about affirming our commitment to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Fundraising is a tangible expression of gratitude, a means by which we demonstrate our solidarity with the men and women who have defended our freedom. As we reflect on the RSL's mission to be the peak ex-service organisation, we understand that fundraising is not just about financial support. It is a powerful tool for community engagement and awareness. The funds we raise propel the RSL into the public consciousness, ensuring that the vital work being done resonates across every corner of our society.
In the year 2023, as we navigate an ever-changing world, the importance of promoting awareness cannot be overstated. It is through fundraising initiatives that we not only secure the resources needed but also foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility. When the community rallies behind the RSL, we send a powerful message — one of appreciation, understanding, and a collective commitment to the well-being of our veterans. I would like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the Governor of New South Wales, for her unwavering support of the RSL and the crucial role she plays in highlighting the issues facing our veterans. Mr. Dennis Wilson, as the Patron for the RSL Auxiliaries, exemplifies dedication to the cause, and we are fortunate to have his guidance. However, our task is far from complete. The challenges faced by our veterans persist, and it is our duty to ensure that the RSL has the means to address these challenges effectively. Therefore, I implore each one of you to not only contribute generously to our fundraising efforts but also to become ambassadors for the cause. Share the stories of resilience and sacrifice that define our veterans. Encourage your communities to participate actively in fundraising events. Let us make it known that the RSL and its auxiliaries are not isolated entities but integral parts of the social fabric, dedicated to the well-being of those who have served our nation. Today we will also see the highest award, for a non-Service member of the Returned Services League of Australia, being the Gold Merit given to Sue Allen, Jennifer Leech, Christine Frame, Kaye Brown and Anne -Maree Jacobs, whom I have known for almost 50 years. Well done ladies, you are worthy recipients of this great award that acknowledges your achievements. I would like to thank my husband and the soon to retire President of RSL New South Wales, Ray James OAM. You have done an amazing job with RSL NSW and next week you will hand over to the new President, Mick Bainbridge. My son, Paul-Raymond, will also join the Board of RSL NSW and continue your legacy. My thanks also goes to Jeff O’Brien, the State Secretary of RSL NSW, who has done an amazing job in assisting RSL Auxiliaries and I. Jeff has been a great supporter of our work and has provided great advice and guidance to our organisation. Thank you also to Jon Black and the staff at ANZAC House. Thanks for your continued assistance and support. In conclusion, let this gathering be a testament to the power of collective action. Our fundraising endeavours are not just transactions; they are investments in the future of our veterans. They are gestures of gratitude, respect, and a shared commitment to a brighter, more supportive future.
Thank you, one and all, for your presence, your dedication, and your unwavering support for the RSL Auxiliaries. Together, let us ensure that the flame of gratitude and support for our veterans continues to burn brightly across the landscapes of our communities in 2023 and beyond. Lest we Forget Now, a little note from me: on behalf of myself, Ann-Marie Jacobs, Christine Frame, Kaye Brown and Jenny Leach I would just like to say, thank you to those who nominated us for the Certificate of Merit and Gold Badge. How proud we are to receive this award, how humbled we are and how grateful we are to be a small part of such a wonderful organisation.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE QUILT. Pauline has been busy again this month presenting quilts to some very worthy recipients...
Paul Thomas, Secretary/Treasurer Parks sub-Branch, a Vietnam Veteran and the DC President of Western District
*Gary Spencer and Paul Brady from Port Macquarie sub-Branch
*More on Gary Spencer
Every recipient of our Thank You For Your Service Quilts is very worthy, but it’s not often I can tell you a little bit about the person. Today, with Gary Spencer, I can: Since joining the RSL sub-Branch on 19/12/1994, Gary Spencer has taken an active roll on Management Committees and with the Commemorative Services conducted by the sub-Branch. He has fulfilled the Honorary Secretary role at both Hornsby and Port Macquarie. Both sub-Branches have high membership numbers and the workload has been considerable. Gary has been involved in organising all commemorative Services at both sub-Branches. Hornsby subBranch held two ANZAC Day Services and Remembrance Day services each year, with up to 4,000 attendees. Gary liaised with local Council, Police Services and the local Cadet Unit. He acted as Parade Marshal for most of the time at Hornsby and occasionally ran the service. He was integral to parade training for these services with the Barker College Cadets and 2/17 UNSWR. Since moving to Port Macquarie n 2016, Gary has been an active sub-Branch member; being involved with the following activities: •
Honorary Secretary
•
Parade and Commemoration Services – Port Macquarie conducts seven Commemoration Services each year and Gary does most of the organisation, including liaising with Council, local emergency services, schools, Cadets. Gary also acts as Parade Marshal, and occasionally conducts the Services when the President is unavailable
•
Parade training – local Cadet Units
•
ANZAC Day Services. A number of local schools and nursing homes hold their own ANZAC Day Services. Gary conducts many of these services each year
•
Poppy Ceremonies – He conducts poppy ceremonies and attends funeral services for our fallen members
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Alternate Delegate – Attends LNCDC Meetings and RSL Congress
•
Veterans Health Week – Gary organises Veterans Health Week speakers and the BBQ function
•
Welfare Visits – Gary is involved with the elderly through visits and phone calls
•
RSL Auxiliary – Gary is very active with assisting the RSL Auxiliary, helping out with meetings, requests for assistance, selling merchandise etc
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Liaises with Port Panthers. The club provides our sub-Branch with office facilities and we hold our meetings and functions here. This requires a good working relationship with staff and Management and Gary certainly has a good rapport with both. Eg: Our ANZAC Day luncheons attract over 300 guests, and Gary’s involvement ensures smooth running of our functions
In future when nominating someone of a Thank You For Your Service Quilt, if you could add a little bio on them, please do. We love hearing about the work these great people do.
Laurence Blackmore the President of Jerilderie RSL subBranch and Vietnam Veteran
Chris Colvin President Orange sub-Branch
Berdene Oxley -Boyd, the Riverina DC President and the Secretary/Treasurer of Griffith sub-Branch
AROUND THE AUXILIARIES INGLEBURN AUXILIARY
Bev Oliver a very proud member of Ingleburn RSL sub-Branch Auxiliary. Bev has been very helpful in making poppies for the Poppy Ball. Bev is wheelchair bound and has been in a nursing home for several years now, and still loves helping us in our projects. Bev is a very special lady.
PORT MACQUARIE AUXILIARY
At our monthly BBQ Breakfast Coordinator Joan Rose welcomed two new male members Chris Roberts and Bruce Clarke to Port Macquarie Auxiliary. This brings our total male membership to four.
We celebrated 100 years of the RSL being in Port Macquarie on the 16th September with a military dinner. We had our pipe band for the formal part and a local band attend for after dinner dancing, it was a wonderful evening. There were 130 attendees, including Ray and Pauline James. Pauline presented Gary Spencer and Paul Brady with Thank You For Your Service Quilts, both men were very surprised and delighted with this gift. Everyone enjoyed being part of a formal military dinner as several attendees had never been to one. The tables were decorated by the Auxiliary ladies. Ray James made a speech and cut the cake with a Bayonet — very novel. Pauline explained how the quilts came about and the work that goes into making them.
CITY OF LISMORE AUXILIARY The wonderful members of the City of Lismore RSL sub-Branch Auxiliary are busy selling raffle tickets for this amazing quilt: Tickets are $2 each and the draw is on 11/11/2023 All funds raised go to supporting veterans and their families.
Sue Pagatto and Vicki Youngberry receiving their replacement certificates, which they lost in the 2022 flood. Thanks to RSL NSW.
TAREE AUXILIARY Taree RSL Auxiliary member, Jenny Farrell, helping out by taking Taree RSL sub-Branch members home in their bus after their monthly meeting.
A huge happy birthday to Taree RSL Auxiliary member, Bev Poole.
CASTLE HILL AUXILIARY The Auxiliary met for their October meeting and welcomed two new members which was fantastic. They made some of their famous red poppies, ready to use for the upcoming Remembrance Day Service on November 11th. The Auxiliary meet on the first Friday of every month.
HARRINGTON /CROWDY HEAD AUXILIARY
Had a wonderful visit from members of Taree Auxiliary...
Joshua Dyer (aged 14) was tasked at school to write a poem for Remembrance Day. An hour later (without any help) he produced this:
ONE THOUSAND MEN ARE WALKING One thousand men are walking Walking side by side Singing songs from home The spirit as their guide They walk toward the light milord, they walk towards the sun they smoke and laugh and smile together no foes to outrun. These men live on forever in the hearts of those they saved a nation truly grateful for the path of peace they paved.
They march as friends and comrades but they do not march for war step closer to salvation a tranquil steady corps the meadows lit with golden beams a beacon for the brave the emerald grass untrampled a reward for what they gave. They dream of those they left behind and know they dream of them forever in those poppy fields there walks one thousand men Joshua Dyer 2019 (aged 14) Lest we forget
CHALLENGE TIME The lovely and very talented Alison McKean from South West Rocks has come up with a challenge for us all, and I Iove it. It’s the 5-Minute Felt Poppy Challenge, I’ll let Alison explain...
This is one of the poppies finished. Isn’t it cute?
Not only has Alison written out the instructions, she has also sewn up step-by-step samples, which I have photographed and they are over the page. It would be wonderful if some of you would like to take up Alison’s challenge and I would love to add your photos in a future newsletter, so don’t forget to send them to me. Thank you so much Alison for taking the time to do this. As I said, I love it.
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To all our Auxiliary Members who are not feeling the best at the moment, we are thinking of you and sending our love and best wishes.
We were delighted when Kaye Brown was able to be with us at Government House as last week. She was in hospital after having back surgery. Ever the trouper, even then Kaye was binding a Thank You For Your Service Quilt . That’s dedication for you.
Earlier this month Pauline and Ray were up in Port Macquarie and dropped in to see the lovely Robyn McKinnon.
Our thoughts and prayers are with former CCWA Councillor Mavis Goodland, on the passing of her partner John. Senior Deputy Captain John Holmes of Mallanganee RFS Brigade. John was helping battle the Bean Creek Fire, approximately 15km north of Bonalbo (in the Kyogle LGA), when he suffered a fatal medical episode. Our deepest condolences to Mavis and John’s family.
The Poppy Ball is getting close, as I mentioned in the last newsletter. Tickets for the Ball have sold out. As you can imagine, Pauline is over the moon — she came up with the idea a very long time ago and to think it not only has come to fruition, but the response has been phenomenal. For anyone who couldn't get a ticket and would still like to help, there are ways:
To book tickets please click this link The Poppy Ball | TryBooking Australia
There are also a couple of other great fundraisers. Pauline went to school in Coonamble with Brian Fletcher the CEO of the Penrith Panthers and he has donated a Panthers signed jumper which has been framed, and is to be auctioned. Imagine getting this in the year that the Panthers were the first team in 40 years to win three consecutive premierships.
What an amazing Raffle prize!
For those of you who use Facebook, do you know that we have both a Facebook Page and a Facebook Group, why not pop over and join us?
Auxiliaries with Facebook Pages:
Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/163434587113422 Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/3455036824555520
Ingleburn
Battlefields of WWI , Gareth McCray OAM has regular posts, poems from Bill Charlton, so much more.
ANZAC House RSL NSW Auxiliary – St George
We are aware some Auxiliaries have their own Facebook Pages/ Groups, if you do, please let me know so that I can add the details to the next Newsletter and other members will be able to follow you.
Bundeena Heicke Keefe has set up a Facebook group for all of us crafters, Helping our Veterans Craft Group, pop over and join, some great ideas to help raise funds. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/3455036824555520
Leeton Port Macquarie Woonona Bulli Doyalson Wyee Toukley CONTACT DETAILS
auxiliaries@rslnsw.org.au
Pauline James: 0411 877 396
Susan Allen:
0409 608 901
ANZAC House is now located in Suite 11.02, Level 11, 175 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000