RSL Victoria President Dr Robert Webster OAM to retire
After more than 35 years on the State Executive, RSL Victoria President Dr Robert Webster OAM has advised that he will not be seeking re-election in the role of State President at the forthcoming RSL Victoria Annual State Conference in July.
This will end the Vietnam veteran’s eight years as President where he has been the face and voice of the RSL in Victoria.
“It’s been a privilege to be involved with the RSL, going right back to first joining the Henley & Grange RSL Sub-Branch in South Australia, eventually joining the Victorian State Executive in 1989 and then being elected State President in 2017,” Dr Webster said.
“This is an organisation that exists to support veterans and their families, and I’m proud to say that has been my priority every day for those 35 years. But it is our volunteers, supported by the staff throughout our network, that makes that work possible.”
“Last year across Victoria volunteers contributed more than 300,000 hours of work to support the RSL and to help veterans and their families.”
“Thank you to all those volunteers who truly hold the RSL together.”
The upcoming ANZAC Day Dawn Service and March will be Dr Webster’s last as head of the organisation, his retirement officially taking effect when a new State President is elected at the Annual State Conference.
Dr Webster believes that the role of the RSL in Victoria is arriving at a crucial juncture.
“The outcome of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide gave us a reminder of just how much support will be required from the RSL in the coming years.”
“The mental and physical scars from service are becoming more prevalent and the RSL will continue to be the community’s pillar of support for veterans and their families in the future.”
“I’m confident of the ongoing commitment of the State Executive and senior staff to provide leadership to the organisation into the future. By working together with the network, the RSL will be ready to meet the complex challenges that lay ahead.”
Dr Robert Webster’s service to RSL Victoria
- 1989 – joined State Executive
- 1992 – appointed Deputy Treasurer
- 1994 – named State Treasurer
- 2001 – assumed a Vice Presidency role
- 2008 – elected Senior Vice President
- 2017 – elected President of RSL Victoria
