Who We Are
Our efforts are focused on the veterans who struggle, every day, with the acute challenges of transitioning into civilian life.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
ABOUT RSL VICtoria
RSL Victoria is a registered charity and member-based organisation. We are the Victorian branch of the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL Australia).
We dedicate ourselves to providing exceptional support and services to veterans and their families at all stages of the transition into civilian life.
Our efforts are wide-ranging, with a strong focus on veterans who, on a frequent if not daily basis, face acute challenges – including physical and mental health difficulties, financial vulnerability, and homelessness.
Vision and mission
Our Vision:
Every veteran in Victoria is respected and supported, together with their families.
Our Mission:
To provide the best possible support and services to all generations of veterans and their families in Victoria.
Our Role
Support and services near you
Although our core mission has never changed, the RSL’s role has evolved over the past century and continues to evolve today.
- Deliver, lead and facilitate high-quality veteran services
- Advocate for veterans to get the entitlements they deserve
- Support our Sub-Branches and members, as well as provide advice to the network
- Present and support commemoration activities
- Engage the community through two major fundraising appeals, the ANZAC Appeal and the Poppy Appeal
- Promote and shape the reputation and public perceptions of veterans
- Provide governance, compliance and risk management leadership
- Provide leadership in living the values and culture of the League
- Develop policy and public advocacy on behalf of the Returned & Services League (the League) and our members.
To achieve these objectives, RSL Victoria delivers a range of programs, services and initiatives directly and has 263 Sub-Branches
throughout Victoria. Most major towns and suburbs across the state have an RSL Sub-Branch, including those that have established significant facilities for local members and their communities.
Throughout the state each year, thousands of dedicated volunteers, over 187,000 members and many more Victorians directly support or participate in achieving the aims of RSL Victoria.
Administration and Governance
RSL Victoria is committed to strong and ethical governance in accordance with best practice standards. Read more about the administration of RSL Victoria as well as our corporate governance practices including information on our Committee of Management.
Membership
RSL Victoria and our Sub-Branches provide an entry point for past and present service personnel. A warm welcome and support is extended to all veterans and their families, regardless of membership status. But we find membership is the greatest expression of our mission and values.
As an RSL member, you will find community, conversation, camaraderie and a sense of belonging with people who share your interests. For veterans especially, the value of these connections cannot be overstated. They illustrate the power of mateship through both good and tough times.
Find out more about becoming a member.
RSL Victoria has members across three categories, including veterans (Service Members), relatives of veterans (Affiliate Members), and supportive community members (Social Members). Membership and eligibility are covered by Clauses 5 of the Rules.
If you’d like to reach out, contact us via our website enquiry form. Alternatively, you can find us at a nearby Sub-Branch.
State Executives
The Board of RSL Victoria is established by and referred to via the Rules (link to rules) as the State Executive. RSL Victoria’s voting members are its Sub-Branches and it is these members that elect the State Executive.
The State President is the Chair of the State Executive.
The strategy, performance, corporate governance and risk appetite of RSL Victoria are the responsibility, and are managed under the direction of the State Executive.
OUR COMMITTEE (STATE EXECUTIVE) INCLUDES:
Dr Robert Webster OAM FCPA FAPI FRICS
State President
Mr Desmond (Des) Callaghan OAM BJ JP
State Senior Vice President
Mr Terence (Terry) Makings AM
State Vice President
Mr Timothy Holden FCA RITP GAICD MICM
State Honorary Treasurer
Mr David Martin OAM
Executive Member
Mr John Beslee
Executive Member
Mr Lindsay Guerin
Executive Member
Mr Ange Kenos JP
Executive Member
Mr Peter Swandale
Executive Member
Mr Warrick McDonald
Executive Member
Executive Leadership Team
RSL Victoria’s Executive Leadership Team directs the organisation’s day-to-day operations, ensuring business activities meet strategic objectives.
OUR EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM INCLUDES:
Sue Cattermole
Chief Executive Officer
Jack Crawford
Chief Financial Officer
Clint Brewster
Chief Operations Officer
Benjamin Webb
Chief of Veteran Services
Kyle Prasser
Executive General Manager
Strategy, Governance & Policy
Rebecca Berg
Executive General Manager
Fundraising, Marketing and Communications
