Message from the State President – Victorian bushfire update
Over the past week, bushfires across Victoria have caused significant loss and disruption for many communities. My thoughts are with everyone affected, and particularly with those who are still living with uncertainty as conditions continue to change.
Members of our veteran community have been impacted directly.
We are aware of cases where veterans and their families have lost homes and property, and many more are facing the ongoing stress and dislocation that comes with fire warnings, evacuations, and disrupted services.
I want to acknowledge the work being done at the local level by our Sub-Branches and their volunteers. Across the state, Sub-Branches have been providing practical assistance, checking on people’s wellbeing, and helping connect veterans and families with local support. I am proud of the leadership and compassion being shown in these circumstances.
I also want to recognise the many veterans who are serving as volunteer firefighters and support personnel, including with the CFA. We are grateful for your service to your communities, and we recognise the demands and risks that this work involves.
RSL Victoria is not a first responder or a crisis agency, and in affected areas the direction of local authorities and emergency services must always come first. Our role is to help where we can, and to provide sustained support in the days and weeks ahead, particularly as communities move from immediate response into recovery.
If you have been affected and need assistance, our Veteran and Family Services Team can help you access available support, including emergency relief options, and can provide practical guidance and direct support where appropriate.
As at Monday morning, we understand that no RSL Sub-Branches have been structurally affected by the fires, although the situation remains fluid and some locations may be operating with limitations or closures.
We have also received offers of assistance from RSL New South Wales and RSL Australia. We are grateful for that support and will work with them on how best to apply it, particularly as longer-term recovery needs become clearer.
To every veteran and family member affected: you are not alone.
Please stay safe, follow official advice, and reach out if you need help.
Dr Mark Schröffel
RSL Victoria
State President
Who do i contact if i need support?
Please contact Veteran Central via 1800 MILVET (1800 645 838) or ve************@********om.au so we can best understand your situation and respond as quickly as possible.
Who can i contact if i cannot access my sub-branch?
If you are unable to access your local Sub-Branch, please contact RSL Victoria via 9655 5555 and we will help connect you with the most appropriate support.
how can your sub-branch support fire-affected areas?
We appreciate the expressions of interest we have already received about supporting the recovery efforts of Sub-Branches and their local communities in fire-affected areas.
RSL Victoria will update the network on potential ways to provide assistance as soon as possible.
