Wauchope RSL Sub-Branch to return to its original core purpose under a plan by new president Michael Brownlow

Mr Brownlow outlined the plan to revive the sustainability of the RSL sub-Branch during a RSL NSW Strategic Plan 2020 to 2025 presentation at the annual general meeting.

RSL NSW acting branch president Ray James and chief executive Jon Black also spoke at the meeting on Febraury 21.

Mr Brownlow said the sub-Branch needs to return to the original core purpose of why the Returned Services Leagues were established after the Great War.

"It was all about addressing the lack of facilities and services available to those returning from service and this included looking out for the families of those comrades who did not return," he said.

New focus will be placed on being inclusion towards veterans who served in Vietnam and Afghanistan to encourage unity.

"A veteran has offered their life for their country as soon as they signed on the dotted line," said Mr Brownlow.

"We want all veterans to know their local sub-branch is driving a change increasing its capacity to offer support and assistance.

"Future fundraising for the RSL will stay with the sub-branch to enable us to do this, so we have created an auxiliary to assist us with this goal.

"Most importantly, we need veterans and their families to let us know who they are and where they are and to help us become more relevant to them.

"We can't know what we don't know. We need their input to make the necessary changes.

"But most of all, we want everyone to be drawn by an increased sense of camaraderie, connection, compassion and unified purpose toward every veteran's health and happiness.

"They have given their service, now it's time for the RSL sub-branch to service them."

Mr Brownlow also said public awareness about the RSL had slipped and needed to be clarified.

"Many of the public have no idea of the difference between an RSL club and the co-located RSL sub-Branch," he said.

"They are two completely different entities. RSL NSW does not own a registered club or operate poker machines or receive funds from them, although meetings can be held within an RSL club.

"RSL sub-branches, however, are a registered charity chartered to assist veterans and their families who are in need. This is the core service I want our Wauchope RSL sub-Branch to strengthen."

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