PRESIDENT’S UPDATE - FEBRUARY 2024
It is hard to believe that we are already into February 2024!
Things, as always, have been busy for the RSL SA/NT State Branch. I am proud to see tangible changes in how we better support our Sub-Branches and how our Sub-Branches feel we are better able to support them. The relationship between our Sub-Branches and the State Branch is a critical one that needs to be strong, respectful and understanding of the diverse needs of our Sub-Branches across SA, Broken Hill and the NT. We are looking forward to making some announcements in the coming weeks that will demonstrate to the Sub-Branch network our commitment to better support our members and our Sub-Branches.
ASBC: 18 May 2024. With the Annual Sub-Branch Conference (ASBC) rapidly approaching, I am able to advise that the format of the 2024 ASBC will be significantly different to previous years based on the feedback of many of our Sub-Branches. Whilst we are still required to undertake the AGM component of the day in a formal manner, the remainder of the ASBC will be a conference format where information, ideas and views will be able to be collaboratively shared and discussed amongst our members, our Sub-Branches and State Branch. We are seeking to use the ASBC to better align ourselves on the day to day business of the RSL SA/NT, prevent friction and enhance our ways of working together. Breakout sessions, workshops and training will occur throughout the day on a variety of topics - Membership, Finances, Social Media, ACNC compliance etc - and we will conclude with the AGM component.
Formal written notice will be provided shortly but we will be holding the ASBC at the Torrens Parade Ground on the 18th May 2024 commencing at 10am and concluding around 4pm.
Financial Membership. The election of State Branch Officers will also commence as part of the ASBC process, and we look forward to ensuring all financial RSL SA/NT members are able to directly vote for their preferred leadership of the RSL here in SA/NT. If you are not financial for 2024, time is running out for you to renew your membership or perhaps getting your mates to join the RSL for the very first time.
An independent Returning Office has already been appointed and we will use the same external voting organisation as per last year. Nominations for State Branch Officers will open on 29th March 2024 and voting will commence on 30th April 2024.
The voting process is considerably cheaper, and easier, if we are able to maximise participation via electronic voting vs postal voting. We encourage Members and Sub-Branches to assist in this process by having all our members email address available to State Branch.
Purpose of the RSL. RSL SA is an incorporated not-for-profit organisation which is established to be, and to continue as, an Ex-Service Organisation charity in support of serving and ex-serving men and women of the ADF and their dependants. It is frustrating to see and hear that some parts of the RSL are fundraising for other organisations whilst our own organisation is in dire need of funds to continue and/or expand our support to serving and ex-serving men or women and their families. The RSL should be principally fundraising to enable the work of the RSL to better support serving and ex-serving men and women of the ADF and their dependants.
An example of how diverting funds from the RSL to other organisations is having a tangible impact is that RSL SA/NT is the only State Branch in Australia to not have any professional Compensation or Wellbeing Advocates. With only modest funds being pooled together across SA/NT, we would be better able to serve our serving and ex-serving men and women of the ADF and their dependents with professional Compensation and Wellbeing Advocates. Often our first point of contact with a veteran, and a future potential member, is via a Compensation or Wellbeing Advocate.
The next few months will go by in a blink of an eye! Before we know it, we will be busy commemorating ANZAC Day and then joining together to discuss key issues for the veteran community when we meet in mid-May.
As always, we ask that our Members and Sub-Branches reach out, engage with and support all of RSL SA/NT to best support our serving and ex-serving men and women of the ADF and their dependants.
Ubique
Dave Petersen
State President