RSL Victoria calls for stop to online company profiting from veteran sacrifice
RSL Victoria has called on online apparel company ‘Aussie Vibes’ to put an end to profiting from veteran sacrifice.
The company is selling apparel from their website www.aussievibes.co using the ANZAC name and Army Rising Sun Badge without authorisation, nor, it appears, any financial contribution to an ex-service organisation.
“It’s very disappointing that in a time when demand for veteran support exceeds what we can supply, that there are companies like this one profiting from that veteran sacrifice without giving anything back to those who need it,” said RSL Victoria president Dr. Rob Webster.
“RSL volunteers put in more than 300,000 hours in 2024 to help raise funds for veterans, this kind of activity is a slap in the face to veterans and volunteers.”
“To the casual observer the ‘Aussie Vibes’ website could look like a supporter of ANZAC Day. When you dig a little deeper there is no evidence that any support is given back to veterans, and as far as we can tell they have no authorisation to use the name and branding.”
“As online shopping grows, there has been a rise in this activity that we all need to be vigilant about.
“When it comes to ANZAC Day make sure your support goes to veterans, like RSL Victoria does with its ANZAC Appeal.”
Under laws that protect the use of ‘ANZAC’, there are limits to the use of the word and associated branding. Unauthorised usage of the word ANZAC or any word resembling it is punishable by up to 12 months in prison.
Additionally unauthorised use of the Army Rising Sun badge is a breach of the Copyright Act
RSL Victoria has alerted the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Army Brand Manager to review the website in the hope that appropriate action will be taken to preserve the sanctity of these treasured national symbols.
