About the Returned & Services League

 

SYMBOLISM OF THE R.S.L. BADGE

  

 

The wattle is symbolic of Australia.

The leek, the rose, the thistle, and the shamrock are symbolic of and represent the link with Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively.

The badge is a symbol of a readiness at all times to render to the Queen and country and to former comrades. It is a time-honour emblem – one that has been worn with a deep sense of pride by the most revered in our land and one that glorifies the forms of dress of all privileged to wear it.

No wealth or influence can purchase the badge which may be worn only by those who have served their country.

Your attention is drawn to the three colours in the badge. The red represents the blood of war. White stands for the purity of motive in joining the league – to render service without thought of personal gain or ambition. The blue indicates willingness to render that service to a comrade anywhere under the blue sky – wherever he may be.

Depicted in the centre of the badge, and encircled by the name of the organisation, you will see a sailor, soldier, airman and servicewoman marching together with their arms linked in friendship. This is to show within the circle of the league, all services and all ranks, march together in unity and comradeship.

 

Mission statement

To ensure that programs are in place for the well-being, care, compensation and commemoration of serving and ex-service Defence Force members and their dependants; and promote Government and community awareness of the need for a secure, stable and progressive Australia.

 

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

To serve the interests of its members, veterans, the ex-service community and members of the Australian Defence Force, the RSL executes its role by effectively implementing the following objectives which are in accord with the League's Mission Statement:

  • Welfare.

  • Advocacy and Representation.

  • Assistance to all veterans and ex-service men and women regardless of their membership in the League.

  • Commemoration and Remembrance.

  • Participation in employment Programs for veterans, ex-service members and their dependants.

  • Commitment to democratic principles and practices.

  • Provision of a means for members to enjoy camaraderie and mateship.

  • Provision of effective and efficient management of RSL assets and resources for the benefit of its members and serving members of the ADF.

  • Act as an effective lobby group to Government and its departments.

  • Provision of moral and active support for the ADF.

  • Provision of a respected and meaningful voice within the community and Australian society.

  • Promotion of loyalty and pride which the League has for the Nation, its people, the Crown and the Flag.

 

History of the RSL

The RSL evolved as a direct result of the camaraderie, concern and mateship shown by the "Diggers" for the welfare of their mates during and after the 1914 - 1918 War. That ethos of compassion and service remains today the motivating influence of the League.

Some key historical dates in the history of the League are:

June 1916
Conference of Returned Soldiers' Association recommended formation of The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA)

September 1916
First RSSILA Congress (delegates from QLD, SA, TAS and VIC)

March 1917
NSW admitted to the League

March 1918
WA admitted to the League

1927
Formation of the ACT Branch

November 1940
Name changed to the Returned Sailors' Soldiers' and Airmens Imperial League of Australia (RSSAILA)

October 1965
Name changed to Returned Services League of Australia (RSL)

September 1983
Name changed to Returned Services League of Australia Limited (RSL)

September 1990
Name changed to Returned & Services League of Australia Limited (RSL)

 

The ideals and objectives which had characterised the initiation of the first state associations in 1916 were correlated and finally adopted, in the following form, as the aims and objectives of the League:

  • To perpetuate the close ties of friendship created by mutual service in the Australian Defence Force or allied forces, to maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour among all past and present serving members of the Defence Force and to set an example of public spirit and noble hearted endeavour;

  • To preserve the memory and records of those who suffered and died for Australia;

  • To provide for the sick and wounded and needy among those who have served and their dependents including pensions, medical attention, homes and suitable employment;

  • To inculcate loyalty to the Nation, to guard the good name and preserve the interests and standing of members of the Defence Force; and

  • To promote our policy on national questions, particularly:

  • The unity of the Commonwealth of Nations.

  • The Defence of Australia.

  • The maintenance of a sustainable and selective immigration policy.

  • The development of a national Defence infrastructure and Defence industry.

  • The promotion and proper employment of the nation's natural resources.

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