2024 – The Year That’s Been
It’s been a busy and rewarding year for RSL Victoria, with many important moments recognised and commemorated. Let’s look at the year gone by.
March – International Women’s Day
RSL Victoria marked International Women’s Day (IWD) with a first-ever event to celebrate the many and varied contributions that women have made in service to the country.
On 8 March, RSL Victoria’s Chief Executive Officer Sue Cattermole moderated a conversation with three guest speakers, Colonel Jan McCarthy ARRC Retd., Lieutenant Colonel Andrea McMahon and Dr Kirsty Harris shared their stories of service and experiences in the Australian Defence Force.
The morning tea and panel discussion also aimed to highlight the importance of female participation in all aspects of the workforce, especially across the RSL Victoria network. Women make up over 84,000 of RSL Victoria membership and hold multiple important and impactful positions within our ex-service organisation, from volunteering to senior leadership.
April – ANZAC Day
A strong crowd of over 40,000 gathered at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance for the annual ANZAC Day dawn service on 25 April.
In and amongst the crowd were men and women, old and young, each with their own story of why ANZAC Day is important to them.
Kenneth Pomphrey was there with his four children. The Army Reservist said it’s important for his children understand the history and sacrifice that underpins this special day.
Leading Aircraftwoman Paris Rigney from the Royal Australian Air Force said ANZAC Day is the perfect opportunity for her to reflect on those who came before her and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The Freeman Family said how important ANZAC Day is to them, with the day being commemorated for several generations.
Some, like Ben Maxwell, who served in the Army between 2000-2004, said mateship was the best part of his service years and ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the mates he lost along the way.
April – Beyond the Barracks
In April, RSL Victoria was proud to launch Beyond the Barracks – our first ever podcast.
Each of the nine episodes of Beyond the Barracks unveils real, unfiltered stories of veteran courage, mateship, triumph and resilience during transition from service to civilian life.
Some episodes also share the stories of veterans’ families, and the impact that service has on them.
Peacekeepers
Throughout 2024, RSL Victoria highlighted peacekeepers, recognising their important work throughout Australia’s history.
Australians have served in peacekeeping roles since 1947, with tens of thousands of Australians having served as members of a peacekeeping force including in East Timor, Solomon Islands and Ethiopia.
The risk of peacekeeping operations is sometimes underestimated, with situations often precarious and confronting.
May – National Volunteer Week
For yet another year, volunteers were out in force for RSL Victoria, with many of them behind the scenes making a significant contribution.
RSL Victoria recognised the incredible efforts of its volunteers by hosting a thank you function during National Volunteer Week (NVW), which ran from 20-26 May.
This year’s NVW theme “Something for Everyone” showcased the benefits and flexibility of volunteering, while highlighted the varying volunteer roles.
RSL Victoria is so proud of and grateful for our volunteers, with over 300,000 volunteer hours recorded in 2023 alone.
Volunteers allow for critical roles to be filled and services to be delivered, with great benefit not only to the organisation, but to the individual volunteers themselves.
May/June – National Reconciliation Week
With National Reconciliation Week (NRW) an opportunity to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, RSL Victoria highlighted the contribution of Indigenous Australians to our country’s military service from 27 May-3 June.
RSL Victoria shared the stories of Private Mack Miller and Captain Reg Saunders and each of their incredible contributions to Australia’s military history.
In a statement, RSL Victoria said it “recognises and honours the service and sacrifice of First Nations communities and their ongoing contribution to the Australian Defence Force.”
June – Pride Month
To mark Pride Month, RSL Victoria shared the story of Warrant Officer Class Two Kelly Plaister.
Kelly recounted how life-changing her service years have been, including having met her life-partner Alex, whom she called her wife.
The pair navigated their path to parenthood, welcoming their biological daughter 12 years ago, followed by a foster child, who they now have permanent care of.
Kelly said she’s pleased to see the efforts made within the ADF to become more inclusive and accepting of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community.
July – NAIDOC Week
In recognition of the service and sacrifice of our First Nations people, RSL Victoria told some of their remarkable stories during NAIDOC week, 7-14 July.
Private John Brenell who enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force in 1916, and Kathleen Walker who enlisted in the Australian Women’s Army Service in 1942, are just two of many who made their mark on Australia’s Defence history.
September – Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Shortly before the Final Report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was handed down this year, RSL Victoria spoke with one of the three Commissioners appointed to the Royal Commission, Dr Peggy Brown AO.
Dr Brown unpacked content from Shining a Light: Stories of Trauma & Tragedy, Hope & Healing by Patrick Lindsay AM – the lived experience report which was tabled in Parliament.
She covered the five common themes: suicide and suicidal behaviour; ADF culture, governance and accountability; mental illness; Department of Veterans’ Affairs claims and compensation and ADF mental health support and responses.
RSL Victoria is committed to collaborating with governments, Defence, and other ex-service organisations to ensure the timely and effective implementation of all the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
October – Veterans’ Health Week
As part of Veterans’ Health Week (VHW) and the many and varied events and activities RSL Victorian Sub-Branches hosted throughout the month, we brought you part of an interview with Commissioner Dr Peggy Brown AO.
Dr Brown shared her insights into some of the best ways to “Keep Connected”, as per the theme of this year’s VHW.
She addressed the role of ex-service organisations, like the RSL, can play in keeping veterans connected, and their contribution to better mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
RSL Victoria CEO Sue Cattermole said, “Veterans’ Health Week is an invaluable opportunity for our veteran community to stay active, connected, and supported. This year’s theme of ‘Keep Connected’ is a timely reminder to veterans of all ages to prioritise their own health and wellbeing, as well as that of their families and mates.”
November – Poppy Appeal
As part of the annual Poppy Appeal, RSL Victoria highlighted the critical and ongoing work of our organisation.
A diverse range of veterans generously shared stories of their service and the impact the RSL has had on their lives.
RSL Victoria was also able to share insights from one of its own Wellbeing Navigators, who opened up about his rewarding work and how he and his team could support those who needed it most.
Each story provided firsthand experiences of the often life-changing support RSL Victoria offers veterans and their families, and with much of it possible thanks to the funds raised throughout the Appeal.
