RSL Victoria President Dr Robert Webster Resigns

RSL Victoria President Dr Robert Webster OAM announced his resignation today at a meeting of the RSL’s State Executive.

“After 35 years on the State Executive, recent bouts of ill health have led to my doctor’s advice to finish work and resign,” Dr Webster said.

“I am confident that RSL Victoria is in a strong position to continue assisting veterans and their families in the future, just like it has done for more than a century.”

An election for a new State President will take place at the RSL Victoria Annual State Conference on 12 July.

Over the next six weeks, Senior Vice President Des Callaghan will take on the role of Acting State President to assist with the transition prior to a new President commencing.

“I would like to thank Dr Webster for everything he has done for Victoria’s veteran community and wish he and his family the best over the next period,” Mr Callaghan said.

“I am honoured to take on the Acting State Presidency role until 12 July.  My focus will be delivering essential RSL Victoria matters during the period and allow major policy initiatives and decisions to be overseen by the incoming State President post-12 July.”

Dr Webster again paid tribute to the volunteers that are the lifeblood of the RSL.

“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 volunteers across Victoria 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.”

Dr Robert Webster OAM’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