RSL Victoria asks, can you help keep the spirit of the ANZACs alive?
Each year, the Returned & Services League (RSL) in Victoria hosts over 600 commemorative services and events across the state, including the ANZAC Day Dawn service and march in Melbourne, which is attended by more than 40,000 Victorians annually.
These commemorative events offer the community an important connection to Australia’s shared history of service and sacrifice, educate future generations, and help connect veterans and their families.
It is the RSL’s privilege to be the leader of commemoration in Victoria, and with ANZAC Day fast approaching, the RSL in Victoria is calling on all Victorians to show their support.
State President of the Victorian Branch of the RSL (RSL Victoria), Dr Robert Webster OAM, said, “Our commemorative activities are at the core of what the RSL stands for. It is our mission that every Victorian veteran and their families are respected and supported.”
“RSL Victoria would never walk away from either these commemorations or the important role we play in educating future generations about service and sacrifice. However, our commemorative activities are a substantial financial burden for the RSL in Victoria, and in addition to the significant cost, they require the efforts of thousands of volunteers.
This year, the RSL in Victoria is asking the community to get involved with ANZAC Day.
“To help support our commemoration activities, in particular ANZAC Day, the RSL in Victoria is launching a public appeal to raise funds for annual commemoration services, including the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and march in Melbourne’s CBD,” Dr Webster said.
Funds raised through the Lone Pine Appeal will support the delivery of commemorative services right across the state, as well as education about the service and sacrifice of Australian veterans and their families.
“We are appealing to the community to help keep the solemn promise of ‘Lest We Forget’ alive and well into the future,” Dr. Webster said.
Along with holding commemorative services, RSL Victoria and its Sub-Branches support more than 22,000 veterans in Victoria. The Lone Pine Appeal will help alleviate funding pressures on RSL Victoria from the increasing demand of support for veterans highlighted through the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
“The veterans’ community needs the RSL’s support more than ever before,” Dr Webster said.
For more information about the Lone Pine Appeal or to make a donation please visit: Lone Pine Appeal
If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran in need of support RSL Victoria is here to help. Please contact 1300 MILVET (1300 645 838).
1300 MILVET is staffed by RSL Victoria, our team will work directly with you to find and link you to supports that are available. This might be within RSL programs, our Ex-Service Organisation community in Australia, or help navigating the DVA system or Commonwealth aged care system.
For all media enquiries or to request an interview please contact Shannon Gill, Senior Manager Communications and Engagement at RSL Victoria. Via mobile: 0460295364 | email: sg***@rs****.au
Author
RSL Victoria
First established in 1916, RSL Victoria’s primary objectives are to provide support to veterans and their families, acknowledge Australian Defence Force service and perpetuate its patriotic duty whilst encouraging conversation and mateship between those who have served and their communities. A crucial role of the RSL is also to appropriately commemorate those who have suffered and died in service of our nation or its allies.
