The RSL’s community work changing lives in the Philippines
Written by Dr Mark Schröffel, State President RSL Victoria
Ahead of attending the upcoming Veterans’ Mental Health and Veterans’ Services Conference in London, hosted through the Centre of Evidence for Veterans and associated with the Forces in Mind Trust and King’s College London, I took the opportunity while travelling on behalf of RSL Australia to visit the Angeles City RSL Sub-Branch and the Subic Bay RSL Sub-Branch.
The visit provided an important opportunity to reconnect directly with two overseas Sub-Branches and to recognise the significant work being undertaken by Australian and allied veterans in the region. The Angeles City Sub-Branch, led by President Gary Barnes and his Committee, provided an extremely informative briefing on the scale and breadth of their activities. The Sub-Branch has built strong relationships within the local community and undertakes a range of practical welfare and humanitarian initiatives, including medical missions, support for veterans and expatriates, DVA claims assistance, funeral support, and aid for vulnerable local families.
A particular highlight was witnessing the wheelchair fitting program for children with disabilities. Volunteers worked together with impressive efficiency and professionalism to construct and fit wheelchairs from kits shipped from Australia. Through longstanding relationships with Defence personnel and embassy contacts, the Sub-Branch has been able to arrange periodic pallet shipments aboard Royal Australian Air Force transport flights into Clark, significantly reducing freight costs and helping ensure that critical supplies reach the local community efficiently.
The visit also highlighted the strong camaraderie within the Sub-Branch and the positive relationships between Australian, allied, and local military communities in the Angeles and Clark area.
While the Philippines remains as energetic and chaotic as ever, it is encouraging to see veterans working together in such a practical and community-focused way.
