Eamon Hale blends a combination of personal experience, international research and practical application to demonstrate the benefits of an adjusted role for the reserve RAAC. An interesting read even if you aren't in the RAAC. #PME cove.army.gov.au/article/lig…

An advert which celebrates dads & teenage boys. Quietly radical stuff from John Lewis

As the photo of the 1955 Sydney march (or other photos of the era across Australia) show. When the RSL was bigger in every way. When the RSL across Australia was full of both older and young veterans (and their families). When the RSL was led at every level by proven leaders, or emerging ones, often former senior officers, former warrant officers and former senior sailors/NCOs, and generally those with busy and well-rounded lives elsewhere as well. When RSL facilities and services looked after veterans as their first responsibility (and Australia maintaining effective defence capabilities as their second). When people didn't automatically associate the RSL with poker machines. When there was little or no organisational or individual corruption, careerism and leadership deadwood. When the RSL enjoyed both broad community support and veterans generally enjoyed broad community understanding. When the RSL was predominantly led and managed by veterans in their 30s to 50s who were still advancing in their professional, corporate or commercial civil careers. When the RSL was thus able to better balance democracy, accountability, experience and talent in producing its leaders. When only the RSL was needed to champion and help veterans, assist affiliated and other specialist organisations (eg. TPIs, limb-less veterans), hold governments to account, and generally represent all veterans effectively. When other organisations representing, or purporting to represent, veterans didn't multiply like rabbits because the RSL dropped the ball so often. RSL renewal is necessary and achievable. But only with organisational and accountability reform at every level from sub-branch to the national Board, greater governance/corporate-management nous, and proven leaders with all or most no older than their 50s. Including re-branding with a phase-out of pokies, more and sustainable allocation of available resources to veteran welfare and well-being, and changing the brand so "RSL" clubs (and largely deserted or quiet sub-branch buildings elsewhere) aren't what most Australians think the RSL is or has become.

Renovations Demolition Part 1/3 Vice President Eamon takes you through some of the work done at the sub-branch today. Some really huge work has been done to return the Sub-Branch to its former glory. We’re very excited to share it! #australianveterans #HawthornRSL

Calling all Veterans! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025 RSL Veterans Ball! Put it in your calendar and get your tickets early! This will be a phenomenal gathering of veterans from all ages, sex, and service! trybooking.com/CYINK