I apologise for the delay in circulating last week’s update and hope that all your hard work in organising your Remembrance Day events culminated in good attendances this morning.  The Marketing team are currently proofing Edition 4 of RSL News and for your Remembrance Day photos to be included in this edition, please could you email them to us by Friday 15 November.

 

It was great to see so many Delegates attend Thursday’s Council meeting and we hope they found John Hardgrave’s presentation on the Model Constitution and the Clause 5.2 process helpful.  There was also an urgent please to galvanise members to attend our Governance training sessions next week at Yeronga Dutton Park as we are struggling to reach the minimum number of attendees.  We would be grateful if you could do your best to encourage your Executives members, especially, to attend as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer prior to your 2025 AGMs.

 

Hopefully your King’s portraits have now been safely delivered to you via your Delegate and thank you for your patience with the delivery of these.  Any remaining portraits, Christmas hampers (where relevant) and 2025 diaries will be available for collection at December’s Council meeting on Thursday, 5 December.

 

Membership Renewals

SED has 1686 members to be renewed.  Sub Branches will receive a remittance from Memberships and payments will be transferred as follows:

• December payments on 09/01/2025.
• January payments on 13/02/2025.
• February payments on 20/03/2025.

If your Sub Branch bank details have changed since last year’s renewal process, please complete and return the attached ‘New Vendor Details’ form.

 

TRAINING

We still have several places available at the following sessions:

1. Governance Training (1.5 days): 8.00am-3.30pm on Monday 18 November and 8.00am-11.30am on Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  This is highly recommended for all new and current District Board Members and Sub Branch Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer prior to 2025 AGMs.   Lunch will be provided on both days.  Deadline for RSVPs is Monday 11 November.
2. Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November at SED.  The target audience of this crucial workshop is Wellbeing Advocates, Wellbeing Support Officers and interested Sub Branch Committee members from SED and surrounding districts.  (Brisbane Legacy have expressed their interest in attending.)  Lunch will be provided.  It will be similar in format to the Advocacy Workshop held in May and the program includes experienced, high-quality speakers:
   1. Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager: RSL Queensland Wellbeing Services.
   2. Hannah Axford: RSL Queensland Partner Program.
   3. Kirsten Wells: RSL Queensland Be Well Program.
   4. Dani Hall, Community Support Advisor Queensland: DVA Community Support. Deadline for RSVPs is Monday 18 November.
3. First Aid & CPR Courses (via your Sub Branch Secretary):
   1. Select a First Aid or CPR course on the St John’s website.
   2. Enter personal details.
   3. Once at the payment screen, enter the promo code (supplied by District Secretary) ensuring that the dollar value is $0.
   4. Booking cancellations should be emailed to St John’s at least 10 days before the commencement of the training (if relevant).

 

Adecco Australia

With the festive season approaching, Adecco are offering experienced candidates to help with temporary admin or casual labour for a couple of weeks.   They have recently supported Beenleigh Sub Branch.  If interested, please contact Cecilia Costa, Business Development Manager on: 07 3718 1200 or 0497 204 526 or Cecilia.Costa@adecco.com.au .  Their website for more information is: www.adecco.com.au .

 

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• SED President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am on Wednesday 27 November at the Officer’s Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive.  Dress: Lounge suit or female equivalent, with no decorations or medals
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.  Deadline is today.
• Ashgrove Bardon Veterans Fun Day at 1.00pm onwards at Bardon Bowls Club, 69 Bowman Parade, Bardon on Sunday 17 November.
• SED Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November at SED, 42 Oxlade Drive, New Farm QLD 4005 and there is still space available.  Speakers will be Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager, Wellbeing Services; Hannah Axford – Partnerships Program; Kirsten Wells – Be Well program and Dani Hall – DVA Community Support Advisor Qld.  Deadline is Friday 22 November.
• 2025 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards: Nominations close: 11.59pm, Friday 22 November for presentations to finalists in January 2025.  Email: events@redland.qld.gov.au or phone: 07 3829 8288.
• Membership Renewals Window: opens on Sunday 1 December and you can use the membership renewals checklist to ensure your Sub Branch are informed and prepared.
• SED Presidents & Delegates’ Meeting & Christmas Drinks: 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 5 December at SED, followed by drinks & nibbles.
• Modern Veterans Forum Meeting (chaired by Heath Fulton): will take place at 6.00pm on Wednesday 11 December at Manly Lota Sub Branch.  Please encourage all your younger veterans to attend.
• Job Vacancies for Veterans and Veteran/Defence Partners: Current Roles | Find Help | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .  If you would like to advertise any Sub Branch Executive position vacancies on this Jobs Board, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• Volunteer Log Books: are available to be collected from SED.  For those who prefer to record your volunteer hours for AGM reporting on an Excel spreadsheet, please download the template from SKIP: Volunteer Hours and Activity Log Books (sharepoint.com) .

 

Have a great week.

 

Kind regards

Julia

Julia Taunton-Burnet

District Secretary

(07) 3358 3155 / 0458 806 944

Good afternoon Sub Branch members,

We are quickly crescendo-ing to the end of the year and it is hard to believe it is the first day of November already.  There are a few important ‘gentle reminders’ to highlight please:

 

• The Merchandise Portal for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November.  More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.
• As you are all aware, we look forward to receiving all President’s & Life Members Luncheon returns before Friday 8 November.
• Governance Training is highly recommended for all new and current District Board Members and Sub Branch Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer prior to 2025 AGMs.  The next opportunity is Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November (1.5 days) at Yeronga Services Club and more information can be found below under ‘Training’.   URGENT ACTION is required to reach a minimum of 4 people, and your support would be greatly appreciated please.
• Likewise, the Wellbeing Workshop is highly recommended for Wellbeing Advocates, Wellbeing Support Officers and interested Sub Branch Committee members and more information can be found under ‘Training’.
• Please ensure that your Remembrance Day events are listed on the RSL Qld website (see link under ‘Gentle Reminders’ or ring this office for assistance).

 

Attachment 1: Recent photo of George Churchward (who turned 101 yesterday) & Dan Baldwin, Forest Lake & Districts.

Attachment 2: Photo of Garry Alternator OAM from the Transitions Seminar on Tuesday 29 October.

Attachment 3: Ashgrove Bardon Family Day Flyer for Sunday 17 November (live entertainment provided by the 1 Regt Pep Band – please RSVP using QR code).

Attachment 4: Banka Island Medalion (please contact Defence Service Nurses Sub Branch for further details).

 

TRAINING

We still have several places available at the following sessions:

1. Governance Training (1.5 days): 8.00am-3.30pm on Monday 18 November and 8.00am-11.30am on Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days.  Deadline for RSVPs is Monday 11 November.
2. Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November at SED.  The target audience of this crucial workshop is Wellbeing Advocates, Wellbeing Support Officers and interested Sub Branch Committee members from SED and surrounding districts.  (Brisbane Legacy have expressed their interest in attending.)  Lunch will be provided.  It will be similar in format to the Advocacy Workshop held in May and the program includes experienced, high-quality speakers:
   1. Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager: RSL Queensland Wellbeing Services.
   2. Hannah Axford: RSL Queensland Partner Program.
   3. Kirsten Wells: RSL Queensland Be Well Program.
   4. Dani Hall, Community Support Advisor Queensland: DVA Community Support. Deadline for RSVPs is Monday 18 November.
3. First Aid & CPR Courses (via your Sub Branch Secretary):
   1. Select a First Aid or CPR course on the St John’s website.
   2. Enter personal details.
   3. Once at the payment screen, enter the promo code (supplied by District Secretary) ensuring that the dollar value is $0.
   4. Booking cancellations should be emailed to St John’s at least 10 days before the commencement of the training (if relevant).

 

Updates

• King’s portraits are expected to arrive at SED next week.
• Christmas hampers will be available for collection from SED between Friday 15 November and Thursday 5 December.  Preferred option please is prior to 6.00pm on Thursday 5 December so as to avoid collections at the President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon.
• The last edition of the 2024 Member Update will be circulated on Wednesday 18 December.
• The first edition of the 2025 Member Update will be circulated on Wednesday 22 January.
• Cadet Guidelines for Sub Branches is a current work in progress.
• If any of your Members have any feedback on the Dream Home Art Union since it was launched in mid-October, please let us know.
• Sub Branch event resources and templates: Sub Branch event resources and templates .
• This is a good website to keep scam savvy: Home | Scamwatch .
• Loads of information, tools and resources to help people develop emergency plans for storms: Home | Get Ready Queensland
• Please see Branch Bulletin for important articles on:
  • SCDP Talking Points from their October meeting.
  • Membership Renewals 2025.
  • MMS Training Guides on SKIP: MMS Training .
  • State Secretary Update & Kings Portrait Update.
  • Remembrance Day Sub Branch Resources: Remembrance Day Sub Branch Resources 2024 .
  • Draw to Remember: Draw to Remember 2024 (and please email your photos to this office to forward onto the Marketing team).
  • Reboot Trauma Recovery Course.
  • Adding Events to RSL Qld website via SKIP (further information below).
  • Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
  • Important Dates.

 

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Remembrance Day Media Story Ideas

Jazz’s team are still looking for Remembrance Day stories please and here are some ideas:

• Veteran with an interesting or emotive war story and/or a WWII veteran.
• Veteran and grandchild (Brisbane-based if possible) for the Pop-up activation.
• Memorabilia story – medals/ something passed down.
• Younger veteran remembering in their workplace – how will they commemorate on a work-day.
• Artsy story: Sub Branch or member planting poppies/knitting/crafts, etc.

• Please add Remembrance Day events onto the SKIP page: Events (sharepoint.com) .

There are now two buttons to select on this page: one to create a new event and another to copy an event.  Please refer to the Branch Bulletin article and the training video on the SKIP page, if required.  (Currently 116 events on the listing.)

• Merchandise Portal: for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November. More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.

• Council Meeting for Delegates: 6.00pm on Thursday 7 November commencing with a League Services’ presentation by John Hardgrave, Head of League Development, RSL Qld.  The Council pack was circulated today.
• SED President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am on Wednesday 27 November at the Officer’s Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive.  No responses will be excepted after the RSVP deadline of Friday 8 November.
• 2025 Membership Renewals Letter Opt-Out Form: Further to the email circulated last week, the deadline for completing the ‘opt-out’ form: HERE is Friday 8 November.  (This is only if you wish to ‘opt-out’ of your Service Members receiving the 2025 Membership Renewals Letter (via the post) from RSL Qld.  Please note that you will need to indicate whether you would like to opt-out of this year’s letter, regardless of your decision last year.
• Veterans Lawn Bowls, Enoggera Bowls Club: 9.15am on Sunday 10 November (enquiries/registration: Martin Abbey: mabbey174@gmail.com or 0400 544 062).
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.  Deadline is Monday 11 November.
• Ashgrove Bardon Veterans Fun Day at 1.00pm onwards at Bardon Bowls Club, 69 Bowman Parade, Bardon on Sunday 17 November.
• SED Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November at SED, 42 Oxlade Drive, New Farm QLD 4005 and there is still space available.  Speakers will be Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager, Wellbeing Services; Hannah Axford – Partnerships Program; Kirsten Wells – Be Well program and Dani Hall – DVA Community Support Advisor Qld.  Deadline is Friday 22 November.
• 2025 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards: Nominations close: 11.59pm, Friday 22 November for presentations to finalists in January 2025.  Email: events@redland.qld.gov.au or phone: 07 3829 8288.
• Membership Renewals Window: opens on Sunday 1 December and you can use the membership renewals checklist to ensure your Sub Branch are informed and prepared.
• SED Presidents & Delegates’ Meeting & Christmas Drinks: 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 5 December at SED.
• Modern Veterans Forum Meeting (chaired by Heath Fulton): will take place at 6.00pm on Wednesday 11 December at Manly Lota Sub Branch.  Please encourage all your younger veterans to attend.
• Job Vacancies for Veterans and Veteran/Defence Partners: Current Roles | Find Help | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .  If you would like to advertise any Sub Branch Executive position vacancies on this Jobs Board, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• Volunteer Log Books: are expected anytime soon and can be collected from SED.  For those who prefer to record your volunteer hours for AGM reporting on an Excel spreadsheet, please download the template from SKIP: Volunteer Hours and Activity Log Books (sharepoint.com) (this was used as a sample template in the recent MIT training).

 

Vale Report: 24-31 October 2024

Member ID

Name

Service Number

Sub Branch

1544610

James Hughes

23097469

Coorparoo

1017738

Jens Schroeder

2795662/3795662

Glasshouse Country

1558296

John Amos

R58202

Greenbank

 

All the very best for your Remembrance Day preparations and have a wonderful weekend.

 

Kind regards

Julia

 

Julia Taunton-Burnet

District Secretary

(07) 3358 3155 / 0458 806 944

Good afternoon Sub Branch members,

Thank you to all those who attended and were involved in organising our Charitable Objects Fund (COF) & Grant Writing Information Day last Friday which was kindly hosted by Manly Lota Sub Branch.  It was very informative and well attended and we are grateful to Debby Scott-Ranson and Dean Malseed for their presentations.  Dean’s COF presentation was circulated to Sub Branches last Friday 18 October and Debby’s Grant Writing presentation was circulated on Monday.  If you would like further copies of these, please let us know.

 

Congratulations to Defence Service Nurses Sub Branch for their successful Cocktail Party on Friday evening at Officers Mess to celebrate 125 years of nursing in the ADF.  There is a photo in attachment 3.

 

Also, thank you also to those who attended our second Managed IT training session on Wednesday and we have received some great feedback.  It is important both the pre and post surveys are completed by attendees please and we hope it might be possible to hold more of these sessions in the future.  Training guidelines from the two sessions will be circulated as soon as we receive them.

 

Attachment 1: Photo from Managed IT session on Wednesday16 October.

Attachment 2: Photo from COF & Grant Writing session on Wednesday16 October.

Attachment 3: Photo from Managed IT session on Wednesday 23 October.

Attachment 4: Photo from Defence Service Nurses’ Cocktail Party to celebrate 125 years of nursing in the ADF.

Attachment 5: Que Dynamics embroidery services.

 

Modern Veterans Forum

The next meeting of the Modern Veterans Forum (chaired by Heath Fulton) will take place at 6.00pm on Wednesday 11 December at Manly Lota Sub Branch.  Please encourage all your younger veterans to attend.

 

TRAINING

There are still places at the following sessions:

1. Governance Training (1.5 days): 8.00am-3.30pm on Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days.  Deadline for RSVPs is Monday 11 November.
2. Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November at SED.  The target audience of this crucial workshop is Wellbeing Advocates, Wellbeing Support Officers and interested Sub Branch Committee members from SED and surrounding districts.  (Brisbane Legacy have expressed their interest in attending.)  It will be similar in format to the Advocacy Workshop held in May and the program includes experienced, high-quality speakers:
   1. Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager: RSL Queensland Wellbeing Services.
   2. Hannah Axford: RSL Queensland Partner Program.
   3. Kirsten Wells: RSL Queensland Be Well Program.
   4. Dani Hall, Community Support Advisor Queensland: DVA Community Support.

Deadline for RSVPs is Monday 18 November.

 

Embroidery

Please consider contacting Rex McCoombes based at Manly Lota Sub Branch for all your embroidery requirements.  Fun Fact: Rex has recently embroidered the aprons for Officers Mess.  Email: rex@quedynamics.com or mobile: 0435 780 892.  Please see Attachment 5 for more information.

 

50^th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War Medallion

If you have any Vietnam Veterans who have not yet received their 50^th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War medallion, please let us know as we have 4 medallions available at SED.

 

Rec Connect: Kayak, Abseiling and Lunch

This is included in the ‘Gentle Reminders’ section below and the Marketing team are keen to find a District or Sub Branch representative for this event: https://www.rslqld.org/whats-on/rec-connect-kayaking-abseiling-nov24 on Saturday 9 November at Kangaroo Point Cliffs.   RSVP deadline: Friday 1 November.

 

Updates

• Workplace Health & Safety pamphlet for Sub Branches is a current work in progress.
• An editable electronic Christmas card is also a current work in progress.
• King’s portraits are expected to arrive at SED at the end of the month.
• Christmas hampers will be available for collection from SED after Thursday 14 November unless you specified delivery to your Sub Branch.

 

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Remembrance Day Media Story Ideas

Jazz’s team are looking for Remembrance Day stories please and here are some ideas:

• Veteran with an interesting or emotive war story and/or a WWII veteran.
• Veteran and grandchild (Brisbane-based if possible) for the Pop-up activation.
• Memorabilia story – medals/ something passed down.
• Younger veteran remembering in their workplace – how will they commemorate on a work-day.
• Artsy story: Sub Branch or member planting poppies/knitting/crafts, etc.

• Please add Remembrance Day events onto the SKIP page: Events (sharepoint.com) .

There are now two buttons to select on this page: one to create a new event and another to copy an event.  Please see the training video on the SKIP page, if required.

• Council Meeting for Delegates: 6.00pm on Thursday 7 November commencing with a League Services’ presentation by John Hardgrave, Head of League Development, RSL Qld.  October’s Minutes and Action Items were circulated on Tuesday 22 October.  Deadline for agenda items; and Sub Branch reports and newsletters for November’s meeting is Wednesday, 30 October.
• Defence Partners Employment Information Session: 10.00am-12 noon on Wednesday 30 October at RSL Queensland Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre: Level 1, 274 Stafford Road Stafford QLD 4053.  This will be relevant to partners of current and ex-serving Defence members who are looking for a role in a new location, finding a new career, or re-entering the workforce.  Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/partner-employment-information-session-tickets-845532359047?aff=oddtdtcreator .  While the workshop will be targeted at the specific experiences of partners, veterans are also welcome to take part.  Please refer to email circulated to Sub Branch Secretaries yesterday for more information.
• Rec Connect: Kayak, Abseiling and Lunch: https://www.rslqld.org/whats-on/rec-connect-kayaking-abseiling-nov24 on Saturday 9 November at Kangaroo Point Cliffs.   RSVP deadline: Friday 1 November (also mentioned above).
• Merchandise Portal: for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November. More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.
• SED President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am on Wednesday 27 November at the Officer’s Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive.  No responses will be excepted after the RSVP deadline of Friday 8 November.
• 2025 Membership Renewals Letter Opt-Out Form: Further to the email circulated last week, the deadline for completing the ‘opt-out’ form: HERE is Friday 8 November.  (This is only if you wish to ‘opt-out’ of your Service Members receiving the 2025 Membership Renewals Letter (via the post) from RSL Qld.  Please note that you will need to indicate whether you would like to opt-out of this year’s letter, regardless of your decision last year.
• Veterans Lawn Bowls, Enoggera Bowls Club: 9.15am on Sunday 10 November (enquiries/registration: Martin Abbey: mabbey174@gmail.com or 0400 544 062).
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.  Deadline is Monday 11 November.
• Ashgrove Bardon Veterans Fun Day at Bardon Bowls Club on Sunday 17 November.
• SED Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November at SED, 42 Oxlade Drive, New Farm QLD 4005 and there is still space available.  Speakers will be Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager, Wellbeing Services; Hannah Axford – Partnerships Program; Kirsten Wells – Be Well program and Dani Hall – DVA Community Support Advisor Qld.  Deadline is Friday 22 November.
• 2025 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards: Nominations close: 11.59pm, Friday 22 November for presentations to finalists in January 2025.  Email: events@redland.qld.gov.au or phone: 07 3829 8288.
• SED Presidents & Delegates’ Meeting & Christmas Drinks: 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 5 December at SED.
• Job Vacancies for Veterans and Veteran/Defence Partners: Current Roles | Find Help | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .  If you would like to advertise any Sub Branch Executive position vacancies on this Jobs Board, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• Volunteer Log Books: are expected anytime soon and can be collected from SED.  For those who prefer to record your volunteer hours for AGM reporting on an Excel spreadsheet, please download the template from SKIP: Volunteer Hours and Activity Log Books (sharepoint.com) (this was used as a sample template in the recent MIT training.

 

Vale Report: 17-24 October 2024

Member ID	First Name		Last Name		Service Number		Sub Branch
1571017	Patrick	Zegenhagen			R94154		Ashgrove-Bardon
1513922	Allan	Prowse		R53037		Forest Lake
1558296	John	Amos		R58202		Greenbank

 

We wish Kilcoy all the best for their ADF Past and Present Veteran’s Golf Day tomorrow; and we look forward to receiving all President’s & Life Members Luncheon returns before Friday 8 November as there will be no wriggle room.

 

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

Kind regards

Julia

Annie is back in the office 😊

 

Thank you to all those who attended our first Managed IT training session yesterday and we hope you found it useful and learnt something new, like me!  We look forward to seeing most of you, plus a few more, again next Wednesday at 10.00am at SED.  Just a quick reminder on scams:

• Update your devices regularly.
• Use 2 factor authentication.
• Use smart passwords or a password manager (eg Dashland or 1Password which are usually free for basic functionality).
• Limit what you share on social media.
• Back up your data on an external hard drive and/or cloud storage.
• Onedrive can be logged into anywhere (part of Microsoft 365).
• Free Australia Reverse phone lookup service: Reverse Phone Lookup – Reverse Australia for checking numbers you believe might be scam callers.

 

Attachment 1: Photo from Middle East and Peacekeepers Day held at Greenbank Sub Branch.

 

Clause 5.2

Please see this helpful SKIP page: Clause 5.2 (sharepoint.com) for all procedure requirements under clause 5.2 of the Sub Branch Model constitution for RSL Qld approval.

 

Remembrance Day Media Story Ideas

Jazz’s team are looking for Remembrance Day stories.  If you have any to share, please send them into us and the following are just ideas:

• Veteran with an interesting or emotive war story and/or a WWII veteran.
• Veteran and grandchild (Brisbane-based if we can) for the Pop-up activation.
• Memorabilia story – medals/ something passed down.
• Younger veteran remembering in their workplace – how will they commemorate on a work-day.
• Artsy story: Sub Branch or member planting poppies/knitting/crafts, etc.

 

Bello Vetro

Bello Vetro is family run and owned architectural art company which specialises in the creation, restoration/repair and preservation of stained glass leadlights.  If interested, please contact Craig or Dale on: 0435 569670 or email: bellovetro@outlook.com .

 

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Please send in your Draw to Remember and Veterans’ Health Week photos which we will pass onto the Marketing team.  The Remember to Remember campaign will start on Sunday 20 October: Remembrance Day 2024 | RSL | Remember to Remember .
• Please add your events onto the SKIP page: Events (sharepoint.com) .  There are now two buttons to select on this page: one to create a new event and another to copy an event.  Please see the training video on that page.
• SKIP training is available again with Zac Xenitopoulos.  If you would like to organise a training session, please let us know.
• Career Connect Series | Careers In Digital Event (free): 6.00-9.00pm on Thursday 17 October at RSL Queensland Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre Brisbane, Level 1, 274 Stafford Road, Stafford.  Places are limited, so REGISTER NOW
• Veterans’ Health Week:  Sunday 13-Sunday 20 October, but events can be held from 1-31 October inclusive.
• Managed IT Training: 10.00am-4.00pm on Wednesday 23 October at SED.
• Volunteer Log Books: are available for collection around Friday 25 October at SED.  For those who prefer to record your volunteer hours for AGM reporting on an Excel spreadsheet, please download the template from SKIP: Volunteer Hours and Activity Log Books (sharepoint.com) .
• Kilcoy ADF Past and Present Veteran’s Golf Day on Saturday 26 October.  Please see their flyer attached to last week’s update for further details.
• Rec Connect: Kayak, Abseiling and Lunch: Saturday 9 November at Kangaroo Point Cliffs.  RSVP deadline: Friday 1 November.
• Merchandise Portal: for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November. More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.
• Council Meeting for Delegates: 6.00pm on Thursday 7 November commencing with a League Services’ presentation by John Hardgrave, Head of League Development, RSL Qld.
• SED President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am on Wednesday 27 November at the Officer’s Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive.  No responses will be excepted after the RSVP deadline of Friday 8 November.
• 2025 Membership Renewals Letter Opt-Out Form: Further to the email circulated last week, the deadline for completing the ‘opt-out’ form: HERE is Friday 8 November.  (This is only if you wish to ‘opt-out’ of your Service Members receiving the 2025 Membership Renewals Letter (via the post) from RSL Qld.  Please note that you will need to indicate whether you would like to opt-out of this year’s letter, regardless of your decision last year.
• Veterans Lawn Bowls, Enoggera Bowls Club: 9.15am on Sunday 10 November (enquiries/registration: Martin Abbey: mabbey174@gmail.com or 0400 544 062).
• Ashgrove Bardon Veterans Fun Day at Bardon Bowls Club on Sunday 17 November
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.  Deadline is Monday 11 November.
• SED Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November at SED, 42 Oxlade Drive, New Farm QLD 4005 and there is still space available.  Speakers will be Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager, Wellbeing Services; Hannah Axford – Partnerships Program; Kirsten Wells – Be Well program and Dani Hall – DVA Community Support Advisor Qld.  Deadline is Friday 22 November.
• SED Presidents & Delegates’ Meeting & Christmas Drinks: 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 5 December at SED.
• Job Vacancies for Veterans and Veteran/Defence Partners: Current Roles | Find Help | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .  If you would like to advertise any Sub Branch Executive position vacancies on this Jobs Board, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .

 

Vale Report: 11-17 October 2024

Member ID	First Name		Last Name	Service Number	Sub Branch
1564994	Kenneth	Padey		214255	Redlands

 

We look forward to seeing some of you tomorrow for the Charitable Objects Fund (COF) & Grant Writing Information Day at 8.30am-12.15pm and a big thank you to Manly Lota Sub Branch for kindly hosting it.  This is a great opportunity to learn from experts, discover new funding opportunities and network with like-minded professionals.

 

We also wish the Defence Service Nurses Sub Branch all the best with their Cocktail Party tomorrow evening at Officers Mess to celebrate 125 years of nursing in the ADF.  The jacarandas are looking fabulous.

 

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

Kind regards

Julia

Good afternoon Sub Branch members,

Thank you for your patience this week and I will continue to respond to all requests as soon as possible.  As it’s a particularly busy time for training, I would appreciate all your support in confirming attendance at the following sessions please:

 

• Managed IT Training: two separate sessions to be held at SED:
  • 10.00am-2.00pm on Wednesday 16 October (deadline is Monday 7 October)
  • 10.00am-4.00pm on Wednesday 23 October (deadline is Monday 14 October)
• Charitable Objects Fund (COF) & Grant Writing Information Day: 8.30am-12.15pm on Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch, 184 Melville Terrace, Manly, QLD 4179 with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.   There is still space available for this important topic (deadline is Monday 7 October).  Jenna is the RSL Qld COF expert and this funding is crucial to carrying out our Objects; and Debby has brought in over $1.8M in funding for Qld Sub Branches over the last 12 months and can provide insights into what is needed to be successful with grants.

 

Thank you too for all your Christmas hamper nominations and SED managed to reach a grand total of 71!  These will be available to collect from SED after 14 November and if you have any queries regarding collection, please let me know before Friday, 18 October.

 

Attachment 1: An article in the Beaudesert Bulletin has shared that Beaudesert RSL Sub Branch has shifted their location for improved visibility and accessibility which has caused an increase in people accessing their wellbeing and welfare services.

Attachment 2: Kilcoy ADF Past and Present Veteran’s Golf Day on Saturday 26 October (more information below).

Attachment 3: Defence Service Nurses invitation to their Cocktail Party at 5.30-8.30pm on Friday 18 October to celebrate 125 years of Nursing in the ADF.

Attachment 4: Defence Service Nurses Raffle Flyer.

 

Kilcoy ADF Past and Present Veteran’s Golf Day

Kilcoy plan to hold their Kilcoy ADF Past and Present Veteran’s Golf Day on Saturday 26 October.  Please could you circulate their flyer (attachment 4) to your golf-playing members as Kilcoy Sub Branch are hoping to have a full turnout on the day.

 

Ashgrove Bardon

Ashgrove Bardon plan to hold a Veterans Fun Day at Bardon Bowls Club on Sunday 17 November and hope to encourage some of the diggers to attend who are based at Enoggera and living in their catchment area.

 

Volunteer Log Books

For those of you who prefer recording your volunteer hours for AGM reporting in the log books (rather than the spreadsheet on SKIP), we are expecting a new delivery of Volunteer Log Books around Friday 25 October.

 

Updates

• Please send us your Draw to Remember photos which we will pass onto the Marketing team.
• Thank you for adding your Remembrance Day and other events onto the SKIP page: Events (sharepoint.com) and for any reoccurring events, please enter the details once and the Marketing team will repeat the details for future events.
• Please send any interesting photography ideas to Jazz.

 

Good Home Required for an Electric Wheelchair

If you know of anyone wanting a Pride electric wheelchair, please contact Roslyn Lim on: 0412 089735 or email: roslimcareers@gmail.com .  It is 6 years old, in good working order and just requires a few repairs on one of the arm rests and a foot-rest strap.

 

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Veterans’ Health Week:  Sunday 13-Sunday 20 October, but events can be held from 1-31 October inclusive.
• Managed IT Training: two separate sessions to be held at SED:
  • 10.00am-2.00pm on Wednesday 16 October (deadline is Monday 7 October)
  • 10.00am-4.00pm on Wednesday 23 October (deadline is Monday 14 October)
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: 8.30am-12.15pm on Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  This training is being conducted at Manly Lota Sub Branch, 184 Melville Terrace,  Manly, QLD 4179 (Tel: 07 3348 2572) and there is still space available (deadline is Monday 7 October).
• Career Connect Series | Careers In Digital Event: 6.00-9.00pm on Thursday 17 October at RSL Queensland Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre Brisbane, Level 1, 274 Stafford Road, Stafford.  Places are limited, so REGISTER NOW
• Rec Connect: Kayak, Abseiling and Lunch: Saturday 9 November at Kangaroo Point Cliffs.  RSVP deadline: Friday 1 November.
• Merchandise Portal: for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November. More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.
• Council Meeting for Delegates: 6.00pm on Thursday 7 November commencing with a League Services’ presentation by John Hardgrave, Head of League Development, RSL Qld.
• SED President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am on Wednesday 27 November at the Officer’s Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive.  No responses will be excepted after the RSVP deadline of Friday 8 November.
• 2025 Membership Renewals Letter Opt-Out Form: Further to the email circulated today, the deadline for completing the ‘opt-out’ form: HERE is Friday 8 November.  (This is only if you wish to ‘opt-out’ of your Service Members receiving the 2025 Membership Renewals Letter (via the post) from RSL Qld.  Please note that you will need to indicate whether you would like to opt-out of this year’s letter, regardless of your decision last year.
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.  Deadline is Monday 11 November.
• SED Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November at SED, 42 Oxlade Drive, New Farm QLD 4005 and there is still space available.  Speakers will be Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager, Wellbeing Services; Hannah Axford – Partnerships Program; Kirsten Wells – Be Well program and Dani Hall – DVA Community Support Advisor Qld.  Deadline is Friday 22 November.
• SKIP training will be available again at the end of November with Zac Xenitopoulos.  If you would like to organise a training session, please let us know.
• SED Presidents & Delegates’ Meeting & Christmas Drinks: 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 5 December at SED.
• Job Vacancies for Veterans and Veteran/Defence Partners: Current Roles | Find Help | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .  If you would like to advertise any Sub Branch Executive position vacancies on this Jobs Board, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .

 

All the best to Springwood Tri Services for their Community Family BBQ this Sunday; and to all Sub Branches which are holding events for Veterans’ Health Week.

 

Finally, I expect I’m not the only one looking forward to Annie’s return to the office on Thursday 17 October.

 

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

Kind regards

Julia

Good afternoon Sub Branch members,

We look forward to seeing the Delegates for the meeting later today and unfortunately it is not possible to collect the King’s portraits.  We are now expecting them at the end of the month so, all being well, they should be available to collect at November’s Council meeting.

The Christmas hamper nomination deadline has been extended until COB tomorrow, Friday 4 October.  Annie has been kindly ringing around those Sub Branches who have not yet submitted a nomination.  The link to the form for any last-minute nominations can be found on this SKIP page.

Attachment 1 & 2: Photos from the RSL Community Family Day held at Toowong last Saturday and a huge thank you to all those who supported this event.

Attachment 4: Defence Service Nurses invitation to their Cocktail Party at 5.30-8.30pm on Friday 18 October to celebrate 125 years of Nursing in the ADF.

Attachment 5: Defence Service Nurses Raffle Flyer.

Managed IT

Thank you for completing the survey post September’s Council meeting.  RSL Qld are collating the feedback and there will be an update before the Christmas break.

Upgrade to Windows 11 for RSL Qld Provisioned Laptops

As mentioned in the Branch Bulletin, there will be an automatic upgrade to Windows 11 for all RSL provisioned laptops from Monday 7 October to Friday 18 October.  This will happen behind the scenes and will not have an impact when using your laptops.  This is due to Microsoft support for Windows 10 being turned off next year and Windows 11 has better security.)  Please have your laptops turned on and connected to the internet as usual and, if you have any queries, please contact this office or email: Helpdesk@rslqld.org for technical assistance.

RSL Qld Updates

• Remembrance Day photographers will be sent to 2-3 locations across Queensland.  If you have a unique story which may interest to the media, please let us know.
• Current number of Service Members is 34,336.
• Grants to the value of $1.9m have been achieved so far in 2024.
• $670,000 worth of subsidies have been acquitted for ANZAC Day 2024.

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Job Vacancies for Veterans and Veteran/Defence Partners: Current Roles | Find Help | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .  If you would like to advertise any Sub Branch Executive position vacancies on this Jobs Board, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• Christmas Hampers: Closing date for nominations has been extended to Friday 4 October.
• Veteran Volunteers required by DVA for 2025 Anzac Day commemorative services in France and Türkiye: Applications close at 11:59pm on Friday 4 October: Department of Veterans’ Affairs – 2025 Anzac Day Veteran and Family Delivery Pool – International Commemorative Services (nga.net.au).
• Modern Veteran Forum Meeting: 6.00pm on Wednesday 9 October in the Gallipoli Room at Redlands Sub Branch.  Please RSVP to Annie for catering purposes.
• Veterans’ Health Week: Thank you to those Sub Branches who have organised events for Veteran’s Health Week which is officially from Sunday 13-Sunday 20 October, but events can be held from 1-31 October inclusive.  (Applications’ closing date was 30 August and the theme is ‘Keep Connected’.)
• Managed IT Training: two separate sessions to be held at SED:
  • 10.00am-2.00pm on Wednesday 16 October (deadline is Monday 7 October)
  • 10.00am-4.00pm on Wednesday 23 October (deadline is Monday 14 October)
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: 8.30am-12.15pm on Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  This training is being conducted at Manly Lota Sub Branch, 184 Melville Terrace,  Manly, QLD 4179 (Tel: 07 3348 2572) and there is still space available.
• Rec Connect: Kayak, Abseiling and Lunch: Saturday 9 November at Kangaroo Point Cliffs.  RSVP deadline: Friday 1 November.
• Merchandise Portal: for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November. More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.
• Council Meeting for Delegates: 6.00pm on Thursday 7 November commencing with a League Services’ presentation by John Hardgrave, Head of League Development, RSL Qld.
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.
• SED President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am on Wednesday 27 November at the Officer’s Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive.
• SED Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November at SED, 42 Oxlade Drive, New Farm QLD 4005 and there is still space available.  Speakers will be Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager, Wellbeing Services; Hannah Axford – Partnerships Program; Kirsten Wells – Be Well program and Dani Hall – DVA Community Support Advisor Qld.
• SKIP training will be available again at the end of November with Zac Xenitopoulos.  If you would like to organise a training session, please let us know.
• SED Presidents & Delegates’ Meeting & Christmas Drinks: 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 5 December at SED.

Vale Report: 26 September – 3 October

Member ID	First Name	Last Name	Service Number	Sub Branch
1012785	Bernard	Hoy	1704523	Wynnum
2406406	Paul	King	2/759891	Wynnum

Annie will be on annual leave from mid-day tomorrow, Friday 4 October and will be back in the office on Thursday 17 October and I will respond to all requests as soon as possible.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Thank you for all your Christmas hamper nominations and this is just a gentle reminder that tomorrow, Friday 27 September is the closing date.  The link to the form for any last-minute nominations can be found on this SKIP page.

Attachment 1: Article from The Sunday Mail reporting that prisoners of the Japanese at Sandakan will be remembered at a ceremony held today hosted by the Naval Association of Australia with an address by Major General Stephen Day DSC AM.

Attachment 2: Program for Grants Writing and Charitable Objects Fund Information Day on Friday 18 October at Manly Lota.

Attachment 3: Program for the upcoming SED Wellbeing Workshop on Thursday 28 November at SED.

Veteran’s Health Week

Thanks also go to those Sub Branches who have organised events for Veteran’s Health Week which is officially from Sunday 13-Sunday 20 October, but events can be held from 1-31 October inclusive.  (Applications’ closing date was 30 August.)

TRAINING

Grant Writing/Charitable Objects Fund Information Day

Please see Attachment 2 for the Grant Writing and Charitable Objects Fund Information Day program for Friday 18 October.  This training is being conducted at Manly Lota Sub Branch, 184 Melville Terrace,  Manly, QLD 4179 (Tel: 07 3348 2572) and there is still space available.

Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-2.00pm – Thursday 28 November

Please see Attachment 3 for the program for the upcoming SED Wellbeing Workshop on Thursday 28 November at SED, 42 Oxlade Drive, New Farm QLD 4005 and there is still space available.  Speakers will be Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager, Wellbeing Services; Hannah Axford – Partnerships Program; Kirsten Wells – Be Well program and Dani Hall – DVA Community Support Advisor Qld.

Updates

• SKIP training will be available again at the end of November with Zac Xenitopoulos.  If you would like to organise a training session, please let us know.
• Remembrance Day photographers will be sent to 2-3 locations across Queensland.  If you have a unique story which may interest to the media, please let us know.
• As you may be aware the 3G network is shutting down and will officially cease operating on Monday 28 October.  This will affect Telstra and Optus customers who are still using older mobile phone technology.  The link gives more information.

Solace Financial – DVA and Veteran Financial Advice Services

Solace Financial provide specialised DVA and Veteran Financial Advice Services.  They are currently assisting a few advocates within RSL Sub Branches, providing tailored financial advice to support veterans with their DVA claims and payouts.  They are keen to support RSL members and veterans.  If you would like to organize a seminar at your Sub Branch to ensure your members have access to valuable financial insights and advice, please visit their website for more information: https://solacefinancial.com.au/financial-advisor-for-veterans/ .

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Job Vacancies for Veterans and Veteran/Defence Partners: Current Roles | Find Help | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .  If you would like to advertise any Sub Branch Executive position vacancies on this Jobs Board, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• Christmas Hampers: Closing date for nominations is Friday 27 September.
• SED RSL Community Family Day: 3.00-8.00pm on Saturday 28 September at Western Districts Rugby Football Club, Sylvan Road, Toowong.
• Council Meeting for Delegates: 5.30pm on Thursday 3 October commencing with presentations from Yeronga Dutton Park Sub Branch and Springwood Tri Services Sub Branch.
• Veteran Volunteers required by DVA for 2025 Anzac Day commemorative services in France and Türkiye: Applications close at 11:59pm on Friday 4 October: Department of Veterans’ Affairs – 2025 Anzac Day Veteran and Family Delivery Pool – International Commemorative Services (nga.net.au).
• Modern Veteran Forum Meeting: 6.00pm on Wednesday 9 October in the Gallipoli Room at Redlands Sub Branch.  Please RSVP to Annie for catering purposes.
• 2024 Veterans’ Health Week: Sunday 13-Sunday 20 October and the theme is ‘Keep Connected’.
• Managed IT Training: two separate sessions to be held at SED:
  • 10.00am-2.00pm on Wednesday 16 October (deadline is Monday 7 October)
  • 10.00am-4.00pm on Wednesday 23 October (deadline is Monday 14 October)
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.
• Rec Connect: Kayak, Abseiling and Lunch: Saturday 9 November at Kangaroo Point Cliffs.  RSVP deadline: Friday 1 November.
• Merchandise Portal: for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November. More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.
• Council Meeting for Delegates: 6.00pm on Thursday 7 November commencing with a League Services’ presentation by John Hardgrave, Head of League Development, RSL Qld.
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.
• SED President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am on Wednesday 27 November at the Officer’s Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive.  Invitations to Sub Branches will be circulated ASAP.
• SED Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November at SED.
• SED Presidents & Delegates’ Meeting & Christmas Drinks: 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 5 December at SED.

Vale Report: 19 September – 26 September

Member ID	First Name	Last Name	Service Number	Sub Branch
1734014	John	Quane	1732773	Coorparoo
1028514	Robert	Byrne	1028514	Redlands
1570595	Owen	Kopelke	111379	Wynnum
1532728	Brian	Page	36023	Yeronga Dutton Park

We look forward to seeing as many Delegates as possible at the next Council meeting on Thursday 3 October.  This meeting will commence at 5.30pm with two separate presentations from Yeronga Dutton Park and Springwood Tri Services Sub Branches.  Unlike last month, there will be an opportunity for Delegates to attend on-line if they are unable to attend in person and a Team’s invitation will be circulated shortly.  The delivery of the King’s portraits has not yet been confirmed but we are still hoping they might be available for collection at this meeting.

Finally, a big thank you to Toowong Sub Branch for all their hard work in preparing the Community Family Day taking place on Saturday and to all those who have supported in many other ways, such as displaying and circulating the flyer.  We hope for a dry and successful day 😊

Have a wonderful weekend.

Attachment: Sunnybank’s Games Day: Thursday 26 September (more details in ‘Gentle Reminders’ below).

Thank you to those who gave up their time to attend the Wellbeing Support Officer (WSO) Information Day on Wednesday at Sunnybank.  We hope you have found it useful and certificates of attendance will be circulated next week.

Thank you too for responding to the call for help to increase the number of attendees for both our Managed IT (MIT) training sessions on Wednesday 16 and 23 October.  There has been a noticeable increase in attendees and space is still available.

Recent Policy Document	Information Source
Public Benevolent Institution (PBI)	Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) (sharepoint.com) If you have any queries, please let us know, or specific questions about PBI can be directed to: LeagueServices@rslqld.org .

Christmas Hampers

Thank you for your nominations and as there are still 14 unallocated hampers for SED, please continue to nominate any veterans who may be experiencing hardship or loss.  In the State President’s words, this may include:

• someone who has had a challenging year
• someone who is spending Christmas away from their family
• someone who may have lost a family member this year
• someone who may be struggling financially
• someone who may just need to be reminded that someone is thinking of them at Christmas time.

This criteria is about further demonstrating the care component of our strategy.  The hampers will be filled with products from a range of veteran-owned businesses, businesses with a connection to the Defence community and other local businesses.  They will be packed on Thursday 14 November for delivery to SED in late-November to December and should make a small difference to the veterans and their families who are nominated.  The closing date for nominations is Friday 27 September and the link to the form can be found on this SKIP page.

SED Council Meeting Minutes and Action Items  – Thursday 3 October

I would be grateful if you could email any agenda items; and Sub Branch reports and newsletters by Wednesday 25 September for inclusion in this meeting and there will be an opportunity to attend on-line if you are unable to attend in person.  A Team’s invitation will be circulated shortly.

King’s Portraits

Unfortunately, it is only possible to receive one framed portrait per Sub Branch but any Sub Branch which requested additional framed portraits will receive an additional printed copy.  A link to a digital copy will be available in the next Branch Bulletin.

Request for Re-Possession of Family Medals

The grandson of a veteran, Ronald Rawson Alcock from Mudgeeraba, would like to locate and gain possession of some family medals that are believed to have been donated to RSL Qld many years ago.  It’s a complete long-shot but If anyone could assist with this request, please could they contact the Secretary of Bundaberg Sub Branch: secretary@mudgeeraba.rslqld.net.au .

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Sunnybank’s Games Day: Thursday 26 September (see attached flyer and email circulated on 11 September).  You are encouraged to put a team together for a morning of fun games and prizes followed by lunch.  It is also possible for individuals to be included in another team and they will be up against Annie who has been tasked to bring back the trophy so it can be proudly displayed at SED!

• Christmas Hampers: Closing date for nominations is Friday 27 September.  Please see section above for further details.

• SED RSL Community Family Day: 3.00-8.00pm on Saturday 28 September at Western Districts Rugby Football Club, Sylvan Road, Toowong.
• Council Meeting for Delegates: 5.30pm on Thursday 3 October commencing with presentations from Yeronga Dutton Park Sub Branch and Springwood Tri Services Sub Branch.
• Veteran Volunteers required by DVA for 2025 Anzac Day commemorative services in France and Türkiye: Applications close at 11:59pm on Friday 4 October: Department of Veterans’ Affairs – 2025 Anzac Day Veteran and Family Delivery Pool – International Commemorative Services (nga.net.au).
• Modern Veteran Forum Meeting: 6.00pm on Wednesday 9 October in the Gallipoli Room at Redlands Sub Branch.  Please RSVP to Annie for catering purposes.
• 2024 Veterans’ Health Week: Sunday 13-Sunday 20 October and the theme is ‘Keep Connected’.  All information, including how to apply for the $1000 funding for an event, can be found here: Veterans’ Health Week – 13 October to 20 October 2024 (sharepoint.com) and events can be held from 1-31 October 2024 inclusive.
• Managed IT Training: two separate sessions to be held at SED:
  • 10.00am-2.00pm on Wednesday 16 October (deadline is Monday 7 October)
  • 10.00am-4.00pm on Wednesday 23 October (deadline is Monday 14 October)
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.
• Rec Connect: Kayak, Abseiling and Lunch: Saturday 9 November at Kangaroo Point Cliffs.  RSVP deadline: Friday 1 November.
• Merchandise Portal: for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November. More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.
• Council Meeting for Delegates: 6.00pm on Thursday 7 November commencing with a League Services’ presentation by John Hardgraves, Head of League Development, RSL Qld.
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.
• SED President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am on Wednesday 27 November at the Officer’s Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive.
• SED Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November at SED.
• SED Presidents & Delegates’ Meeting & Christmas Drinks: 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 5 December at SED.

Vale Report: 12 September – 19 September

Member ID	First Name	Last Name	Service Number	Sub Branch
2488814	Geoffrey	Robson	A116033	Redlands
1030418	Kevin	Davis	15375	Yeronga Dutton Park

Finally, in addition to the Sub Branches who are already involved with the SED RSL Community Family Day between 3.00pm and 8.00pm on Saturday 28 September at Western Districts Rugby Football Club, Sylvan Road, Toowong, we look forward to welcoming any of your members who are able to attend.

Thank you to all the Presidents, Delegates and Visitors who attended the combined Poppy Service training, Managed IT presentation and Council meeting in the new training room layout on Thursday 5 September.  It was great to see these sessions so well attended and to put some names to new faces.  With regards to poppy services, we are particularly grateful to two Sub Branch Presidents who kindly conducted poppy services on Tuesday for members of other Sub Branches.  We would welcome any members within the District who would be willing to conduct poppy services and please encourage them to contact Garry Alterator OAM on: 0488 261 916.

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

As you may know, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s final report was handed to the Governor General and then later tabled in Parliament on Monday.  It is now public for the community to read, and if you receive questions from your members, the following information may help:

• The Australian Government will take it’s time to review and provide its official response to the recommendation.  It has not been advised how long this will take.
• The RSL Qld Government Relations team will continue to advocate for high level outcomes, such as an enduring implementation body.
• The Veteran Services leadership team will be doing a detailed analysis of service specific/ ESO environment/ veteran support access i.e. any commentary on compensation or an ESO peak body.
• Suggested wording for a response to any questions about the Royal Commission: “The handing down of the final report is a significant milestone for the Royal Commission.  RSL Queensland will be taking time to review the report and recommendations in full and will continue to advocate for veterans and their families across the state.”
• Another update will be provided once the Australian Government releases its response to the final report, including its position on each of the 122 recommendations.
• If anyone needs wellbeing support, these contact numbers may be helpful:

• • Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046.
  • Lifeline Queensland Crisis Support: 13 11 14.

Managed IT Training

As reiterated at the Council meeting, there are two separate Managed IT Training sessions being held at SED and we welcome as many people as these sessions as possible please so that we are able to acquit the grant received for it.  We currently require a further 3 people to reach the minimum attendance across the two days, so would appreciate any help to achieve this please.

• Wednesday 16 October (booking deadline is Monday 7 October)
  • Scams and staying safe online.  This presentation will explore helpful strategies, useful tools and basic guides to arm you with the information required to identify a fraudulent call, text, social media post or email; protect and keep your personal details secure online and manage passwords on your devices to keep one step ahead of scammers.
  • MS Outlook: Accessing & Managing Email.  This small group session covers understanding personal vs business accounts and basics of using Outlook (read, send, reply, forward, cc & bcc, folders & filing, searching, junk & attachments).
  • MS Calendar: Accessing & Managing an Electronic Calendar.  This small group session covers understanding personal vs business accounts & basics of using an electronic calendar (scheduling meetings, invitations, availability, time zones, location, recurring appointments, attachments and categorisation).
• Wednesday 23 October (booking deadline is Monday 14 October)
  • Microsoft Teams: The Basics.  This small group session covers the basics of Teams (scheduling a Teams meeting, chat, calls, searching, accessing files & communication via Channels).
  • Microsoft Word: The Basics.   This small group session covers the basics of Word (creating a document, naming conventions, saving, fonts & styles, inserting images & shapes, tables, spellcheck, preview, printing & duplicating documents).

Microsoft Excel: The Basics.  This small group session covers the basics of Excel (creating a spreadsheet, naming conventions, saving, formatting, cells, columns & rows, using formula, preview, printing & duplicating spreadsheets).

• Setting up a new smartphone &/or tablet.  Understanding personal vs business accounts, downloading apps, installation of up-to-date software, logging in, backup & security.

Christmas Hampers

There has been a noticeable increase in Christmas Hamper nominations so thank you for actioning those.  There are still 21 unallocated hampers for the District so please continue to nominate any worthy recipients amongst your membership.  The closing date for nominations is Friday 27 September and the link to the form can be found in the ‘Gentle Reminder’ section below.

Beaudesert Sub Branch

With effect from Monday 2 September, Beaudesert Sub Branch has moved to new premises: 17 William Street, Beaudesert QLD 4285.  If you are visiting, easier access and parking is available at the rear of building, via Brayford Street.  Their office hours are Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 1.00pm.

RSL News

Edition 3 of the 2024 RSL News should have landed in your mailboxes this week and it is great to see SED feature in several articles, including a two-page spread on the Veteran Wellbeing Coordination Centre at Greenslopes Private Hospital.  The content deadline for Edition 4 is Monday 30 September (or Friday 15 November for Remembrance Day photos and captions only).

Remembrance Day

Jazz from the Marketing team is interested in receiving stories for Remembrance Day on the following topics please:

• Veteran with an interesting or emotive war story and/or a WWII veteran.
• Veteran and grandchild: (Brisbane based if possible) for the Pop-up activation.
• Memorabilia Story: medals/ something passed down.
• Younger veteran remembering in their workplace: how will they commemorate on a work day.
• Artsy story: Sub Branch or member planting poppies/knitting/ crafts, etc.

Rec Connect: Kayak, Abseiling and Lunch

Please could we have your help in finding a willing Sub Branch volunteer to attend the Rec Connect’s (formerly known as Active Lifestyles) Kayak, Abseiling and Lunch to connect with participants with the hope to convert them to members.  The details are as follows:

• Time: TBC
• Date: 9 November 2024
• Location: Kangaroo Point Cliffs
• RSVP deadline: Friday 1 November
• Participants will complete either the kayak or abseiling activity
• Business cards to be handed out on the day, if possible

Bob Maher

Many of you who know Bob Maher may be interested in his online story.  Please click on this link:

https://www.rslqld.org/news/latest-news/beaudesert-veteran-shares-passion-for-learning

50^th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War Medallions

Please let us know if you have any Vietnam Veterans who didn’t apply to DVA last year and therefore didn’t receive their 50^th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War Medallion.  We have just received a limited supply at SED which will be given out on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

Cyclone Tracy 50^th Anniversary

Some of your members may be interested in the 50^th Anniversary of Cyclone Tracy on 25 December this year.  More information can be found on this website: Cyclone Tracy – Remembering Cyclone Tracy, fifty years later .

Sub Branch Governance Guides

Some office bearers may already be aware of this new SKIP page: Sub Branch Governance Guides (sharepoint.com) which includes downloadable standard templates for policies such as Code of Conduct, Bullying and Harassment and Risk Assessment Logbook.  We would be grateful for any feedback on these at the next Council meeting on Thursday 3 October.

The old ‘Board Survival Kit’ is still being reworked and its new name will be Governance Essential Kit.  RSL Qld also plan to produce helpful aide memoir pocketbooks for the roles of President, Secretary and President.  More information on all these to follow once received.

Veteran Dependant Scholarships

These are still available and provide scholarships for the children and grandchildren of ex-serving Defence members.  They are managed through RSL Qld’s Partnerships team with the Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT).  Applications are currently open and will close on Thursday 31 October.  To find out more, please visit AVCAT’s website: Scholarships | Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (avcat.org.au) .

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Middle East Peacekeepers Day Service: 1100hrs on Saturday 14 September at Memorial Gardens, Greenbank Services Club.
• Wellbeing Support Officer Information Day: 8.30am-12 noon on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch (morning tea provided).
• Christmas Hampers: Closing date for nominations is Friday 27 September.  If you haven’t already done so, this is just a gentle nudge to submit your nominations: Christmas Hampers 2024 (sharepoint.com) .  Hardship comes in many guises, but we know from the various Vale lists that there are Veterans or their partners who will possibly experience a different Christmas this year.  Hampers will be packed on Thursday 14 November for delivery in late-November to December.

• SED RSL Community Family Day: 3.00-8.00pm on Saturday 28 September at Western Districts Rugby Football Club, Sylvan Road, Toowong.  Sub Branches are very much encouraged to attend with or without their marquee and pop-up banner as this is a great family event to share with your grandchildren.

• Council Meeting for Delegates: 5.30pm on Thursday 3 October commencing with presentations from Yeronga Dutton Park Sub Branch and Springwood Tri Services Sub Branch.
• Modern Veteran Forum Meeting: 6.00pm on Wednesday 9 October in the Gallipoli Room at Redlands Sub Branch.  Please RSVP to Annie for catering purposes.
• 2024 Veterans’ Health Week: Sunday 13-Sunday 20 October and the theme is ‘Keep Connected’.  All information, including how to apply for the $1000 funding for an event, can be found here: Veterans’ Health Week – 13 October to 20 October 2024 (sharepoint.com) and events can be held from 1-31 October 2024 inclusive.
• Managed IT Training: two separate sessions to be held at SED:
  • 10.00am-2.00pm on Wednesday 16 October.
  • 10.00am-4.00pm on Wednesday 23 October.
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.
• Merchandise Portal: for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November. More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.
• Council Meeting for Delegates: 6.00pm on Thursday 7 November commencing with a League Services’ presentation by John Hardgraves, Head of League Development, RSL Qld.
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.
• SED President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am on Wednesday 27 November at the Officer’s Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive.
• SED Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November, venue SED.
• SED Presidents & Delegates’ Meeting & Christmas Drinks: 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 5 December at SED.

Vale Report: 5 September – 12 September

Member ID	First Name	Last Name	Service Number	Sub Branch
1035561	Malcolm	Minney	4/1736	Greenbank
1558792	John	Tomkins	1/00214	Greenbank
2402394	Michael	Kent	1733343	Greenbank
1020346	Marian	Ptasznik	1434	Holland Park Mt Gravatt
1550722	Denis	Bowman	116712	Redlands

Bob Ikin looks forward to meeting those attending the Wellbeing Support Officer Information Day at 8.30am-12.00pm on Wednesday 18 September and we are very grateful to Sunnybank Sub Branch for hosting this session.

Apologies that this update didn’t arrive in your inboxes on Thursday, RU OK? Day.  As you are aware, this is an initiative that focuses on encouraging meaningful personal connections and informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress.  It reminds us that change is made in the little steps and actions we make every day; and checking in with someone may seem small to us, but to that person it could mean the world.  This is a powerful video which we thought was worth sharing: Check in on those around you | #WorldMentalHealthDay 💛💚 #youarenotalone (youtube.com) .

Have a wonderful weekend.

I hope this finds you all well and a big thank you to Annie for holding the fort this week while I have been flattened with a nasty bug.  Apologies that this update is slightly delayed and the biggest change this week is the SED forecourt wall has disappeared!  The first attachment shows Raymond and his son dismantling it brick by brick.

As you will see from the gentle reminder section, today is the last day for RSVPs please for the following:

1.Presidents & Delegates attending the Council meeting on Thursday 5 September to ensure that there are enough sandwiches.  The End of WWII commemorative medallions will be available for collection at this meeting, but the King’s portraits will take 4-5 weeks to be delivered, so hopefully they will be available for collection at the Council meeting on Thursday 3 October.

2.Sub Branches who would like to be involved with the SED RSL Community Family Day on Saturday 28 September.  There is so much variety in our District and this is the perfect opportunity to bring your marquee, pop-up banner and show case all the good that you do amongst the Defence community.  Currently, there is growing interest from the younger veteran community and we have received a lot of support from the Modern Veteran Forum which is very encouraging.  We would be grateful if you could show your support too.

Attachment 1: Dismantling of the SED forecourt wall.

Attachment 2: Vietnam Veteran Members of Beaudesert Sub Branch at their commemorative service held on Sunday 18 August.

Attachment 3 & 4: Presentation of Jans & Gea Beurskens’ personal donation of the Bangka Island commemoration medal to Defence Service Nurses Sub Branch on Friday 16 August.

Attachment 5: Defence Service Nurses’ Flyer to celebrate 125 years of nursing in the ADF.

Compensation Advocate at SED

Due to some staff turnover, RSL Qld are unable to provide a Compensation Advocate from the Brisbane team to attend SED each month.  Therefore, there will be no opportunity to make appointments for next Tuesday, 3 September and for the remainder of the year, until further notice.  Once RSL Qld have recruited and trained new team members, it is hoped that Compensation Advocates will, once again, be able to attend SED for client appointments.

Christmas Hampers

As you are aware, the District, has the opportunity to distribute 40 Christmas hampers this year, but we are reliant on Sub Branches to nominate worthy recipients.  Thank you for all those who have already submitted their nominations but, if you haven’t already done so, this is just a gentle nudge to please visit the link in the ‘Gentle Reminders’ section below.  Hardship comes in many guises, but we know from the various Vale lists that there are Veterans who will possibly experience Christmas on their own for the first time this year.  This is not about judgement but making a small, positive difference to a Veteran’s life, or the lives of their families, for whatever the reason.

Volunteer Log Books

We mentioned last week that these are available from Colour Chiefs but there is also a small supply at SED.  Please let us know if you would like some put aside for your Sub Branch to collect.

Defence & Veteran Suicide

The book, Shining a Light: Stories of Trauma & Tragedy, Hope & Healing by journalist Patrick Lindsay AM maybe of interest to some of your members and is available to order on this link:

Shining a Light | Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and the PDF copy is available for download too.

Update

• Poppy Service Flyer: this new communication tool is waiting approval from the SCDP.

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Board Approval and COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 2 September for Board Meeting on Tuesday 10 September.  (Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org ) .
• Wellbeing Support Officer Information Day: 8.30am-12 noon on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch (morning tea provided).  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.
• Council Meeting (Presidents & Delegates): 5.30pm start on Thursday 5 September at SED.  Deadline for RSVPs: TODAY.
• 2025 Premier’s ANZAC Prize: applications close on Friday 6 September.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.
• Draw to Remember: Registrations close on Wednesday 11 September.  More information can be found here: Draw to Remember 2024 (sharepoint.com) and please ensure that the number of schools and the number of classes participating is confirmed before registering and each Sub Branch is to place just one order).  NB: One Draw to Remember pack will contain enough supplies for 30 students (1 class).
• Middle East Peacekeepers Day Service: 1100hrs on Saturday 14 September Memorial Gardens, Greenbank Services Club.
• Christmas Hampers: Closing date for nominations is Friday 27 September: Christmas Hampers 2024 (sharepoint.com) .  This is a chance to give someone, who maybe finding it tough, a bit of sunshine.  Hampers will be packed on Thursday 14 November for delivery in late-November to December.
• SED RSL Community Family Day: 3.00-8.00pm on Saturday 28 September at Western Districts Rugby Football Club, Sylvan Road, Toowong.  Sub Branches are very much encouraged to attend with their marquee and pop-up banner to sell merchandise or just talk to the community.  Please add this to your diaries and encourage as many of your members to attend as possible as this is a fun day for all the family.  Deadline for RSVPs: TODAY.
• Council Meeting for Delegates: 5.30pm on Thursday 3 October commencing with presentations from Yeronga Dutton Park Sub Branch and Springwood Tri Services Sub Branch.
• 2024 Veterans’ Health Week: Sunday 13-Sunday 20 October and the theme is ‘Keep Connected’.  Closing date for applications is TODAY, Friday 30 August.  All information, including how to apply for the $1000 funding for an event, can be found here: Veterans’ Health Week – 13 October to 20 October 2024 (sharepoint.com) and events can be held from 1-31 October 2024 inclusive.
• Managed IT Training: two separate sessions to be held at SED:
  • 10.00am-2.00pm on Wednesday 16 October.
  • 10.00am-4.00pm on Wednesday 23 October.
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.
• Merchandise Portal: for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November.  More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.
• Council Meeting for Delegates: 6.00pm on Thursday 7 November commencing with a League Services’ presentation by John Hardgraves, Head of League Development, RSL Qld.
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.
• SED President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am on Wednesday 27 November at the Officer’s Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive.
• SED Wellbeing Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Thursday 28 November, venue TBA.
• SED Presidents & Delegates’ Meeting & Christmas Drinks: 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 5 December at SED.

Vale Report: 22 August – 29 August

Member ID	First Name	Last Name	Service Number	Sub Branch
1023846	Margaret	Rowan	W/308428	Foret Lake & Districts

We hope you find this helpful and we wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Good afternoon Sub Branch members,

As you may be aware, this week is Brain Injury Awareness Week (19–25 August) and more information can be found here.

Thank you for your quick responses regarding your preferred option regarding the King’s portrait and we are hoping these will be available for collection before 5.30pm on Thursday 5 September at the joint President and Delegates’ Council meeting.  To ensure there are enough sandwiches, we would be grateful if you could let us know the attendance details by Friday 30 August.

Attachment 1 & 2: Photos of Redlands’ Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemorative service held on Sunday 18 August.

Middle East Peacekeepers Day Service

A commemoration service will be hosted by the Greenbank Sub Branch and the details are as follows:

• Time: 1100hrs
• When: Saturday 14 September
• Where: Memorial Gardens, Greenbank Services Club

Volunteer Log Books

These are available at Colour Chiefs along with other items, such as the following:

Defence & Veteran Suicide

Further to an email circulated to all Sub Branch Secretaries on15 August, Judy, Annie & Julia attended Mindframe’s training session on Tuesday on communicating about suicide & mental health concerns.  We all found it useful and Mindframe’s website has a suite of resources that you may find helpful: Communicating about suicide – Mindframe and Veteran and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel – Mindframe.

• Guidance for communicating about defence and veteran suicide
• Our Words Matter
• Images Matter: Mindframe guidelines for image use
• Images Matter – database
• Summaries of Mindframe guidance for specific topics: Quick reference guides – Mindframe
• Mindframe help-seeking cards

Please contact: mindframe@health.nsw.gov.au if you have any questions and we highly recommend their next session at 1.00pm-2.00pm on Wednesday 28 August.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day

Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs announced the Federal Government is opening the 2025 Long Tan Bursary.  Eligible children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans can now apply for up to $12,000 to assist with the cost of their tertiary education.  More information can be found: here.

Rats of Tobruk

Former Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove has paid tribute to the last of the famous Rats of Tobruk who passed away earlier this month.  Sir Peter Cosgrove is urging the government to keep the Rat spirit alive by helping to fund the memorial hall belonging to The Rats of Tobruk Association.  A quote from Sir Peter Cosgrove: “It used to be a place for people. It now is a place for ideals, ideas and memories. It’s precious.”

Scams

Please be aware that there is a Docusign scam circulating.  If you are expecting an email requesting a signature, please verify the email’s source before signing the document.

Embroidery for Shirts/Caps, etc

Rex Coombes, Senior Vice President at Manly Lota is an embroider and screen printer.  He has just embroidered the new uniforms for The Officer’s Mess next door and his details are as follows:

• QUE Dynamics (FIXSew P/L)
• Mobile: 0435 7808 92
• Email: rex@quedynamics.com

Branch Bulletin

Please see the latest edition for the following articles:

• Board Talking Points from August.
• The first of bi-monthly updates from the State Secretary and his blog articles will be available on SKIP.
• Draw to Remember: (half-way through ordering packs for schools).
• 25^th Anniversary of INTERFET: there’s a dedicated SKIP page for resources.
• Reminder to submit Ceremonial Support Requests for Remembrance Day.
• Reminder to add your events on SKIP (Veterans Health Week, Remembrance Day, etc).
• Reminder to submit your Christmas Hamper nominations (a chance to give someone, who maybe finding it tough, a bit of sunshine).
• Peer-led programs – Waves of Wellness.
• Reminder to get applications in for the Premier’s ANZAC Prize – a great opportunity to liaise with your local schools regarding commemoration.

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Sparrows of Kabul Tour Dates 2024: Tickets: events.humanitix.com

• MAJESTIC THEATRE
• Friday 23 August | Time: 7pm | Location: 3 Factory St, Pomona | Tickets: themajestictheatre.com.au
• COOLUM CIVIC CENTRE
• Saturday 24 August | Time: 7pm | Location: 2-4 Park St, Coolum Beach | Tickets: events.humanitix.com
• EUDLO HALL
• Sunday 25 August | Time: 4pm | Location: 19 Rosebed St, Eudlo | Tickets: events.humanitix.com

• Our Community Remembers: 11.00am on Sunday 25 August at Sunnybank.
• Scootaville Event: Wednesday 28 August and departing Brisbane on Friday 30 August.  More information can be found here: https://radschool.org.au/ScootavilleQld2023/Participate/ScootavilleParticipants.htm

• Board Approval and COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 2 September for Board Meeting on Tuesday 10 September.  (Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org ) .
• Wellbeing Support Officer Information Day: 8.30am-12 noon on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch (morning tea provided).  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.
• Compensation Advocate at SED: The next visit from an RSL Qld Advocate to SED to provide advocacy advice and assistance will be 10.00am-3.00pm on Tuesday 3 September.  Any veterans who would like to meet with an Advocate at SED should contact the RSL Qld Client Contact Team (CCT) on 134 775 and select Option 2 to book an appointment time. 
• Council Meeting (Presidents & Delegates): 5.30pm start on Thursday 5 September at SED. 
• 2025 Premier’s ANZAC Prize: applications close on Friday 6 September. 
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September. 
• Draw to Remember: Registrations close on Wednesday 11 September.  More information can be found here: Draw to Remember 2024 (sharepoint.com) and please ensure that the number of schools and the number of classes participating is confirmed before registering and each Sub Branch is to place just one order).  NB: One Draw to Remember pack will contain enough supplies for 30 students (1 class). 
• Christmas Hampers: Closing date for nominations is Friday 27 September: Christmas Hampers 2024 (sharepoint.com) ,  This is a chance to give someone, who maybe finding it tough, a bit of sunshine.  Hampers will be packed on Thursday 14 November for delivery in late-November to December. 
• SED RSL Family Fun Day: 3.00-8.00pm on Saturday 28 September at Western Districts Rugby Football Club, Sylvan Road, Toowong.  Sub Branches are very much encouraged to attend with their marquee and pop-up banner to sell merchandise or just talk to the community.  Please add this to your diaries and encourage as many of your members to attend as possible as this is a fun day for all the family. 
• 2024 Veterans’ Health Week: Sunday 13-Sunday 20 October and the theme is ‘Keep Connected’.  All information, including how to apply for the $1000 funding for an event, can be found here: Veterans’ Health Week – 13 October to 20 October 2024 (sharepoint.com) and events can be held from 1-31 October 2024 inclusive.
• Managed IT: two separate sessions to be held at SED:
  • 16 October
  • 23 October
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.
• Merchandise Portal: for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November.  More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.

Vale Report: 15 August – 22 August

 

Member ID	First Name	Last Name	Service Number	Sub Branch
1535629	Reginald	King	1535629	Greenbank
1500213	Jim	Bellas	Q266421	Hellenic
1034077	Harold	Levick	453081	Holland Park Mt Gravatt
1007346	Patricia	Palfery	NF454891	Sunnybank

We hope you find this helpful.

Last Saturday’s commemoration service for Victory in the Pacific at SED was well-attended by The Governor of Queensland (before opening the EKKA), the RSL State President, amongst others, and thank you to those Sub Branch members who were able to attend too.  Guests enjoyed morning tea afterwards beside the river and some photos are attached.

Attachment 1: Updated District Events Calendar: August-December 2024 to include important MIT training on 16 & 23 October.

Attachment 2 & 3: Photos of VP Day held on Saturday 10 August at New Farm.

Attachment 4: Sunnybank’s flier for their ‘Our Community Remembers’ event on at 11.00am Sunday 25 August.

Training (Managed IT has been highlighted and please look out for an important email)

• Wellbeing Support Officer Information Day: Wednesday 18 September at 8.30am-12 noon at Sunnybank Sub Branch (morning tea provided).  RSVP deadline: Monday 9 September (also included in Gentle Reminders below).
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.
• Managed IT (two separate sessions to be held at SED and please look out for an important email to be circulated shortly):
  • 16 October.
  • 23 October.
• Governance Training (1.5 days): Monday 18-Tuesday 19 November at Yeronga Services Club (face-face only) with Micheal Martin.  Lunch will be provided on both days and more information to follow.

As each Sub Branch Secretary has to be across so many subjects, please let us know if a training session would be helpful.  We are compiling a folder which may assist in this role.

Book: ‘Call Sign VAMPIRE’

This book gives the inside story of an Australian Field Hospital during the Vietnam War and more information can be found here: Call Sign VAMPIRE: The Inside Story of an Australian Field Hospital During … – Rod Searle, Denise Bell, Paul Danaher, Gregory Anderson – Google Books .  There are only 12 copies left and the book will not be reprinted.  If you are interested in purchasing a copy ($100 and $20 postage), please contact Rod Serle at:  redwinerod@yahoo.com.au (who plans to attend the Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemoration service at Canungra on Sunday if that helps with collection).

Other Updates

• 2025 RSL Dairies are in the planning stage and the information in the front of the current diary will be slightly reduced.
• The King’s portrait is currently being approved (more information to follow).
• If your Sub Branch is turning 100 in 2025, Jazz in the Marketing team would be pleased to hear from you.

 

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Modern Veterans Forum: 6.00pm on Wednesday 21 August (venue TBC).
• Council Agenda Items deadline: Wednesday 28 August (please note that this will be an abbreviated combined General Meeting – please see immediately below).
• Scootaville Event: Wednesday 28 August and departing Brisbane on Friday 30 August.  More information can be found here: https://radschool.org.au/ScootavilleQld2023/Participate/ScootavilleParticipants.htm

• Board Approval and COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 2 September for Board Meeting on Tuesday 10 September.  (Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org ) .
• Wellbeing Support Officer Information Day: 8.30am-12 noon on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.
• Compensation Advocate at SED: The next visit from an RSL Qld Advocate to SED to provide advocacy advice and assistance will be 10.00am-3.00pm on Tuesday 3 September.  Any veterans who would like to meet with an Advocate at SED should contact the RSL Qld Client Contact Team (CCT) on 134 775 and select Option 2 to book an appointment time.
• Council Meeting (Presidents & Delegates): 5.30pm start on Thursday 5 September at SED.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.
• Draw to Remember: Registrations close on Wednesday 11 September.  More information can be found here: Draw to Remember 2024 (sharepoint.com) and please ensure that the number of schools and the number of classes participating is confirmed before registering and each Sub Branch is to place just one order).  NB: One Draw to Remember pack will contain enough supplies for 30 students (1 class).
• Christmas Hampers: Nominations close on Friday 27 September.  More information and the nomination form can be found here: Christmas Hampers 2024 (sharepoint.com) and the nomination criteria is veterans who may be experiencing hardship or loss.  Hampers will be packed on Thursday 14 November for delivery in late-November to December.
• SED RSL Family Fun Day: 3.00-8.00pm on Saturday 28 September at Western Districts Rugby Football Club, Sylvan Road, Toowong.  Sub Branches are very much encouraged to attend with their marquee and pop-up banner to sell merchandise or just talk to the community.  Please add this to your diaries and encourage as many of your members to attend as possible as this is a fun day for all the family.
• 2024 Veterans’ Health Week: Sunday 13-20 October and the theme is ‘Keep Connected’.  All information, including how to apply for the $1000 funding for an event, can be found here: Veterans’ Health Week – 13 October to 20 October 2024 (sharepoint.com) and events can be held from 1-31 October 2024 inclusive.
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.
• Merchandise Portal: for Remembrance Day purchases closes on Monday 4 November.  More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com), if required.

Vale Report: 8 August – 15 August

Member ID	First Name	Last Name	Service Number	Sub Branch
2431417	Irene	Ling	F18272	Redlands

Please note the 5.30pm start for the joint Presidents and Delegates Council meeting on Thursday 5 September.  This is to cover Poppy Service Training (1730h – 1800h) followed by RSL Qld’s presentation on Managed IT (1800-1900h) which may require discussion and/or decisions made on site regarding the future of Managed IT for Sub Branches.

This will also be an opportunity to collect Commemorative Medallions (please refer to today’s email) and also RSL Qld ties & scarves (please refer to last week’s DS Update if we have received an email prior to the meeting).

Finally, as there will be 53 Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemoration services being held across Queensland this Sunday, we wish those Sub Branches who may be holding one of these services all the very best for a successful event.  Vietnam Veterans make up 5000 of the RSL membership and we recognise the importance they have had on society as a whole.

Julia and Annie

I am back from annual leave and many thanks to Annie for doing such a great job while I was away.

Attachment 1: Completed memorial walls at Jimboomba Sub Branch with left: Dan Casey, centre: Barrie Mann, right: Bill Malkin AM.

Attachment 2: Grant Opportunities for July.

Attachment 3: Tramways Centenary Lunch held on Monday 24 June at Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley Sub Branch with their eldest member Keven Hansen cutting the cake.

Presidents’ Meeting – Thursday 1 August

Further to Judy’s email dated Monday 22 July, please note that the Managed IT (MIT) Future Roll-Out presentation / consultation between 6.00-7.00pm on Thursday 1 August will include two options for the best way forward for MIT.  There will be an opportunity to hear all voices in a feedback survey which will be sent to each Sub Branch Executive after this consultation.  RSL Qld aim to finish this consultation period by mid-September after which a final decision will be made.  In the meantime, updates will be given in the fortnightly Branch Bulletin.  Please note that Poppy Service training at 5.30pm will precede this presentation.

Merchandise Portal

This exists to help Sub Branches with their welfare activities and to achieve our ‘care’ mission.  More information can be found here: Purchasing Merchandise (sharepoint.com) and the portal opening and closing dates are as follows:

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	4 Nov 2024

Honours and Awards Submissions and Constitution Submissions

With reference to July’s Council meeting minutes, please submit any award nominations and constitutional changes to this office by Monday 2 September for Board approval and SCDP approval at their October meeting.  (SCDP meetings in September, November and December have been cancelled.)

Eulogy Request Form

Information on the Eulogy Request form for ADF members can be found here: Personal information request form | About | Defence and the email is: information.access@defence.gov.au .

Christmas Hampers

Nominations opened on Monday 8 July and will close on Friday 27 September.  More information and the nomination form can be found here: Christmas Hampers 2024 (sharepoint.com) and the nomination criteria is veterans who may be experiencing hardship or loss.  Hampers will be packed on Thursday 14 November for delivery in late-November to December.

Changes to Teams Meetings

In case this might be relevant to your Sub Branch:

• From Monday 15 July, anyone trying to join a Teams meeting they’re not invited to will be directed to the meeting lobby, and only the organiser will be able to provide them access to the meeting.
• This change is part of our ongoing efforts to tighten up our data security and prevent unwanted people from accessing our information.
• The change applies to everyone, whether you’re an RSL Queensland employee, or a meeting guest.
• If anyone has any questions or concerns about these changes, please log a job with Helpdesk.

VITA Professional Indemnity Insurance for Advocates

Information, including the new Certificate of Currency, can be found here: VITA Professional Indemnity Insurance for Advocates (sharepoint.com) .  Sub Branches are covered through RSL National’s membership to the Veterans Indemnity and Training Association Inc.

Draw to Remember

Registrations opened on Monday 22 July and will close on Wednesday 11 September (the sooner you order, the sooner you’ll receive your packs).  More information can be found here: Draw to Remember 2024 (sharepoint.com).  Please ensure that the number of schools and the number of classes participating is confirmed before registering and each Sub Branch is to just place one order).  NB: One Draw to Remember pack will contain enough supplies for 30 students (1 class).  The Marketing team are sending a newsletter to Sub Branches this week via snail mail.

Branch Bulletin

If you are interested in the following Branch Bulletin articles, please request a copy from your Sub Branch Secretary:

• RSL Queensland support to Sub Branch Boards (via the RSL Qld jobs board).
• 2024 State Congress Gallery
• Vietnam Veterans’ Day Sub Branch Resources
• Please remember to add your events to the RSL Ald website via SKIP
• Queensland Remembers Grants Program
• 2024 Veterans’ Health Week
• Sub Branch Directory Listing – Website Update Form
• Important Dates

Other Updates

• The approved King’s portrait has been received and more information regarding delivery to Sub Branches is expected in the next couple of weeks.
• Korean Veterans Day events information can be found here: Korean Veterans’ Day | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org)
• Vietnam Veterans Day events information can be found here: Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2024 | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org)

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Board approval needs to be sought for any non-service members filling any Sub Branch executive positions until these Office Bearers are elected at your next AGM.

• COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 5 August for Board Meeting on Tuesday 13 August.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• Compensation Advocate at SED: The next visit from an RSL Qld Advocate to SED to provide advocacy advice and assistance will be 10.00am-3.00pm on Tuesday 6 August.  Any veterans who would like to meet with an Advocate at SED should contact the RSL Qld Client Contact Team (CCT) on 134 775 and select Option 2 to book an appointment time.

• Wellbeing Support Officer Information Day: 8.30aam-3.00pm on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.
• SED RSL Family Fun Day: 3.00-8.00pm on Saturday 28 September at Western Districts Rugby Football Club, Sylvan Road, Toowong.  There are 10 free spots up for grabs to put Sub Branch marquees from which members can sell or give away merchandise or just talk to the community.  Please add this to your diaries and encourage as many of your members to attend as possible as this is a fun day for all the family.  There will also be food trucks, military equipment displays, army band performances, an animal nursery and more.
• 2024 Veterans’ Health Week: Sunday 13-20 October and the theme is ‘Keep Connected’.  All information, including how to apply for the $1000 funding for an event, can be found here: Veterans’ Health Week – 13 October to 20 October 2024 (sharepoint.com) and events can be held from 1-31 October 2024 inclusive.
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.

 Vale Report: 27 June – 25 July

 

First Name	Last Name	Service Number	Sub Branch
Gary	Batty	1201334	Bayside South Sub Branch Inc.
Bevin	O’Shea*	16594	Greenbank Sub Branch Inc.
Ernest	Parsons	23584984	Macleay Island Sub Branch Inc.
William	Eggleton	R53280	Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
Desmond	Miscamble	13447	Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
Colin	Bell	1736755	Wynnum Sub Branch Inc.

 

We look forward to seeing as many Sub Branch Presidents as possible next Thursday 1 July for Poppy Service training at 5.30pm, followed by a League Services’ presentation on the Managed IT Future Roll-Out at 6.00pm.

As there was no DS update last week, I have tried to be as concise as possible with this week’s update.

Firstly, please be aware that a scam email is circulating.  If you receive an initial email mentioning that someone has Faryngitis (correct spelling ‘Pharyngitis’), we strongly advise that you do not open it.  If you do this email appears:

Email address: lesallen@gmail.com

Glad to hear from you! Sorry for the inconvenience,  I need to get an Apple gift card for my friend’s daughter who is diagnosed with Stage 3 metastasized breast cancer, She had lost both parents to the disease (COVID-19, It’s her birthday, but I can’t do this now, the stores around here are out of stock and all my effort purchasing it online proved abortive I was wondering if you could help me get it from any store around you and I’ll reimburse you.  

kindly let me know if you can handle this so i can tell you the amount and how to get it to me.

Thank you 

Les Allen

For all new Delegates and Replacement Delegates, please review the State Congress supplementary documentation which was circulated on Monday 10 June (please see attachment 4, pages 21-26 for helpful information, eg, precinct map and, for those requiring accommodation, a valid credit card is required for checking into Rydges Fortitude Valley).  Please also see ‘Gentle Reminder’ section below.

Attachment 1: Photo of National Servicemen’s Sub Branch President, Eric Beutel OAM (left) with the Sub Branch’s new Patron, Commander Rosemarie Apikotoa ADC RAN on HMAS Moreton Brisbane (centre); and National Servicemen’s Treasurer, John Bergmans (right).

Attachment 2: Photo of Brian Laing’s Life Membership Presentation at SED’s June Council meeting (left: Andy Dennis, Secretary, Bulimba District; centre: Brian Laing and right: Brian Daley OAM, President, Bulimba District).

Attachment 3: Photo of Jamie McLellan, President and other Sub Branch members of Springwood Tri Services on Friday 7 June, handing over 40 winter sleeping bags for the desperate living on the street to Fishers of Men, Rosies Friends of the Street and one other local Logan charity.  This was hosted and facilitated by their State Member, Mick de Brenni at his office and is one example of the Sub Branch stretching out and making its presence noticeable and relevant within the community.

Attachment 4: RSL Qld State Congress Supplement & Delegate Information 2024 (see original email)

Veteran Wellbeing Coordination Centre, Greenslopes Private Hospital

You may be aware that the RSL Qld Marketing team have recently produced a video of SED’s Veteran Wellbeing Coordination Centre, at Greenslopes, promoting that the Centre provides support to hospitalised veterans through care, empathy and advocacy.  Please click this link: South Eastern | Our Districts | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) which can also be found on the SED page of the RSL Qld website.

King’s Birthday 2024 Military Honours List

Governor-General David Hurley listed the King’s Birthday 2024 Military Honours award recipients last weekend.  This list (see original email) recognises and celebrates 737 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for conspicuous service.  Please see attachment 5 and congratulations to Kevin Hughes BM OAM on Macleay Island and Barbara Daley OAM who is Brian Daley OAM’s wife (pictured in attachment 2).

D-Day

A week late, but I thought some of you might be interested to see these articles of Jim Grebert, member of the Sandgate Sub Branch , “Ours was jungle warfare with no civilisation.  It was kill or be killed.”

Eighty years on from D-Day, two World War Two veterans come together to pay their respects | SBS News and D-Day 80th anniversary: Australia’s hidden role in Normandy landings | Daily Telegraph .

Sleep-Out Event

North Queensland District are keen to find out whether a Sub Branch has organised a sleep-out event as, in August, Townsville Sub Branch will be hosting a veteran off the street sleep out to be held at the RSL Thuringowa Club grounds.  If there are any SED Sub Branch members who could offer any assistance or ideas, please let us know and we will pass them on.

RSL Members: ‘Lost All Contact’

If you are wanting to find out which of your members have lost contact with your Sub Branch, please follow the below instructions on MMS:

1. Click on ‘Membership Management’.
2. Scroll across to the right of the screen to the 10^th title column: ‘Lost all Contact’.
3. Click the down arrow to the right of the title and select ‘Filter by’.  A menu will appear.  The top box should remain as ‘Equals’ and you will need to click the area in the bottom box and select ‘Yes’ and click ‘Apply’.
4. A list of all your ‘Lost All Contact’ members will appear.

Merchandise Portal Opens Again Soon

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	10 Nov 2024

Advocacy Support for Widow/Widowers

Further to Manly- Lota Sub Branch kindly conducting two poppy services this week, they enquired about welfare support for War Widows and Widowers.  The RSL Qld Wellbeing team has confirmed that once the widow or widower have consented to being contacted directly and information being shared, they can be referred to the following for support:

• Legacy Brisbane: 41 Merivale Street South, Brisbane QLD 4101; P: 07 30295600; E: admin@legacybrisbane.org.au; W: Contact Us | Brisbane Legacy
• Australian War Widows Queensland: 183 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, Brisbane QLD 4000; P: 07 3846 7706 | 1800 061 945; E |admin@warwidowsqld.org.au
• DVA Bereavement Team: 1800 624 608
• Wellbeing Team, RSL Queensland: 134 775 option 2 for Veteran Services

Other Updates / Actions

• Further to previous updates, the current format for Governance training will continue until 31 January 2025.  Please see ‘Training’ section below for the next session and we highly recommend the online ACNC modules in the meantime.
• More information is coming soon on the future version of ‘Board Success Kit’ which will include additional guides for the roles of Sub Branch President, Secretary and Treasurer, including how to identify risks and identifying solutions to mitigate those risks.
• If you require the Membership form QR Code for any Sub Branch publications, you can find it here: Sub Branch event resources and templates (sharepoint.com)
• Managed IT Update: the project team are focussing on transition planning and finding a support/funding model for Sub Branches.  More information can be found on the SKIP page: Managed IT (sharepoint.com) and a fun fact: 50% of RSL Qld laptops provided to Sub Branches have not been turned on over the last 90 days.  There is a similar high percentage of mobile phones not being used.  Please let us know if you have any unused RSL Qld IT equipment and these will be transferred to Sub Branches that need them.
• The Marketing team are keen to receive interesting stories on, and know whether your Sub Branch plans to hold commemorative events for, the following;:
  • Vietnam War
  • Korean War
  • 25^th anniversary of INTERFET in September
  • Generational stories from Sub Branches that are 100 years old already or older, or turning 100 next year similar to ‘RSL News’
• Please see this week’s Branch Bulletin for interesting articles on MMS position holders (Positions on MMS (sharepoint.com)), RSL Qld State Secretary (Introducing RSL Queensland’s State Secretary (sharepoint.com)) and Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants amongst others.
• Do you have any updates you wish to make to the current ‘Sub Branch Activity Log’ books?  If so, please let us know as they are going to be updated.
• If you notice any glitches while entering your events on SKIP, please let us know.
• Information regarding Christmas Hamper nominations will be coming soon.

Training

• Governance: TBC 13-14 November at Yeronga Services Club.
• MMS/SKIP training scheduled on 28 November has now been replaced with a second Advocacy Workshop from 8.30am – 30..pm at SED.

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• Sub Branch AGM documentation: Please send into this office within 28 days of your AGM, if you haven’t done so already.
• Board approval needs to be sought for any non-service members filling any Sub Branch executive positions until these Office Bearers are elected at your next AGM.
• 50 Year Certificates: Please could your Membership Officers check for any 50 year nominees and these should be added as a motion in your next General Meeting agenda and, once approved, sent to this office for Board approval.
• State Congress (Saturday 22 June):
  • State Congress documentation: see attachment 4 or click this link: 2024 State Congress website.
  • Last date for informing of a Delegate change: Monday 17 June (if the nominated Delegate is unable to attend the AGM).
  • Voting: Delegates will receive a voting card at registration and voting devices will be available for collection on entering Halls A & B.
  • Gift: Delegates to look out for a yellow redeemable ticket to exchange for a powerbank (useful portable charger for phones and laptops) at the League Services’ stand on Saturday 22 June.
  • Exhibitors: Veteran Services, League Services and Mates 4 Mates, including subject matter experts from Employment, Partnerships and RSL: Be Well teams.
  • Accommodation: For those booked into the Rydges for Friday night, dinner will be available in two sittings (please book into your preferred timeslots when you check in):
    • 5:30pm-7:30pm
    • 6.00pm-8.00pm
• Traffic Management Feedback Deadline: One person from each Sub Branch to complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/Kmn1246RGM please by Tuesday 25 June so that RSL Qld can collate the current challenges that Sub Branches are experiencing.

• Vietnam Vet’s Concert, Billabong Park, Kooralbyn: Sunday 30 June and if anybody knows of any songs, musicians and songwriters related to the Vietnam War, please contact Brian McInnis, President, Kooralbyn Valley on: 0438 329 153; or email: bmcinnis1@bigpond.com .
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday 1 July for Board Meeting on Tuesday 9 July.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• Compensation Advocate at SED: The next visit from an RSL Qld Advocate to SED to provide advocacy advice and assistance will be 10.00am-3.00pm on Tuesday 9 July.  Any veterans who would like to meet with an Advocate at SED should contact the RSL Qld Client Contact Team (CCT) on 134 775 and select Option 2 to book an appointment time.
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-12.00pm on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Morning tea provided.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.
• SED RSL Family Fun Day: 3.00-8.00pm on Saturday 28 September at Western Districts Rugby Football Club, Sylvan Road, Toowong.  There will be fireworks at 8.00pm sharp and there are 10 free spots up for grabs to put Sub Branch marquees from which members can sell or give away merchandise or just talk to the community.  Please add this to your diaries and encourage as many of your members to attend as possible as this is a fun day for all the family.
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.

Vale Report: 7-12 June

Have a great weekend.

A huge thank you to Bob Ikin for organising and hosting our Advocacy Workshop at SED yesterday and for all those who attended.  The Wellbeing, Compensation Advocacy, DVA and ATDP presentations were well-received and we hope it will be the first of similar workshops.

Attachment 1: Sunnybank’s flyer for their two-course dinner at Sunnybank Sub Branch while watching the State of Origin 1 game on the big screen at 6.00pm on Wednesday 5 June.  Booking email is: secretary@sunnybank.rslqld.net.au and we would appreciate it if you could forward this information to your members.

Attachment 2: Photo from yesterday’s Advocacy Workshop at SED with Bob Grandin presenting from ATDP.

ACNC Online Learning

As you are aware, being trained in governance is important for all office bearers and the online training provided by ACNC is an easy-to-use and free tool that can help any Sub Branch board.  More information can be found on the SKIP page: ACNC Online Learning (sharepoint.com) with links to training guides and a self-audit tool.  There will be an update on the future of governance training shortly.

Other Updates

• 2025 Premier’s Anzac Prize is now open on their website: https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/budgets-funding-grants/scholarships/premiers-anzac-prize?  Information regarding the RSL Qld partnership will be circulated shortly.
• Clause 5.2 Sub Branch Constitution Amendment Procedure:  The SCDP can approve Sub Branch Constitutions that include the clause regarding transition to rotational system of director elections.  All documents on the relevant SKIP page should reflect this update.
• Obituary Discount: The Marketing team are working with News Corp on a new Obituary Discount code.  The current discount will expire on 30 June and details of the new code will be included in the Branch Bulletin on 27 June.
• Branch Bulletin: Please see your inbox today for articles on Community Link, RSL Qld Employment, 100 years of QLD RSL News, Sub Branch Directory Listing (ACTION REQUIRED PLEASE: Sub Branch Directory Listing – Website Update Form (office.com)), Postcards of Honour and others.

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• His Majesty King Charles III has accepted the invitation to become patron of the Returned and Services League Australia (in the news on Wednesday 22 May).  Information regarding updates to the RSL Badge and the official portrait will follow shortly.
• Sub Branch AGM documentation: Please send into this office within 28 days of your AGM, if you haven’t done so already.
• Board approval needs to be sought for any non-service members filling any Sub Branch executive positions until these Office Bearers are elected at your next AGM.
• 50 Year Certificates: Please could your Membership Officers check for any 50 year nominees and these should be added as a motion in your next General Meeting agenda and, once approved, sent to this office for Board approval.
• State Congress (Saturday 22 June):
  • State Congress documentation: (including Notice of Motion) provided to members today.  For more information, please visit the 2024 State Congress website.
  • Travel and information packs provided to Delegates: Monday 10 June.
  • Last date to notify this office of the Replacement Delegate’s attendance: Monday 17 June (if the nominated Delegate is unable to attend the AGM).
  • Gift: Delegates will receive a ticket to redeem for a powerbank (useful portable charger for phones and laptops) at the League Services’ stand on Saturday 22 June.  This year there will be no other exhibitors apart from Veteran Services, League Services, Mates 4 Mates and a promotion stand for RSL: Be Well.
• Chilli & Rum Festival: Sunday 2 June (see attached flyer from last week’s update).  $1 from every admission and the raffle proceeds will go to Springwood Tri Services RSL Sub Branch for their Homeless Veterans Program.

• COF Cut Off Date: Monday 3 June for Board Meeting on Tuesday 11 June.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• 80^th Anniversary of D-Day: Thursday 6 June.  Please could you let us know if you are planning an event to commemorate D-Day or if one of your members is planning to join the celebrations in Europe.

• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council (BCC) which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).  Please see my email: Funding for 2024 Anzac Day Commemorations – (Sub Branch Name) that was sent on Tuesday 23 January, attaching 2024 BC Anzac Day Acquittal Template, Funding Agreement and vendor details form.
• Compensation Advocate at SED: The next visit from an RSL Qld Advocate to SED to provide advocacy advice and assistance will be 10.00am-3.00pm on Tuesday 11 June.  Any veterans who would like to meet with an Advocate at SED should contact the RSL Qld Client Contact Team (CCT) on 134 775 and select Option 2 to book an appointment time.
• Vietnam Vet’s Concert, Billabong Park, Kooralbyn: Sunday 30 June and if anybody knows of any songs, musicians and songwriters related to the Vietnam War, please contact Brian McInnis, President, Kooralbyn Valley on: 0438 329 153; or email: bmcinnis1@bigpond.com .
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-12.00pm on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Morning tea provided.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.
• SED RSL Family Fun Day: 3.00-8.00pm on Saturday 28 September at Western Districts Rugby Football Club, Sylvan Road, Toowong.  There will be fireworks at 8.00pm sharp and there are 10 free spots up for grabs to put Sub Branch marquees from which members can sell or give away merchandise or just talk to the community.  Please add this to your diaries and encourage as many of your members to attend as possible as this is a fun day for all the family.
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.

 Vale Report: 16-23 May

First Name	Last Name		Service Number	Sub Branch
Neil	Woodhead		162834	Redlands

Finally, Annie has been busy ringing around to find out which Sub Branches already have in place, or need, directors and officers insurance.  Thank you for your prompt assistance with this.  Please don’t forget that the Chilli & Rum Festival is on Sunday 2 June where $1 from every admission, and the raffle proceeds, will go to Springwood Tri Services RSL Sub Branch for their Homeless Veterans Program; and we look forward to seeing Delegates at the Council meeting on Thursday 6 June which will commence with presentations from Jazz Tyrril, Marketing Manager Membership & Network, RSL Qld; and Caroline Jones, Prestige Staffing Solutions.  (John Hardgrave’s presentation on the new Constitution and Clause 5.2 has been postponed until September to allow the full 30 minutes.)

Have a great weekend.

Annie and I hope you have enjoyed / are still enjoying National Volunteer Week and that you managed to see the State President’s message in the Member Update which should have reached your inboxes on Monday 20 May.  If not, here is the link to the video: National Volunteers Week 2024 | RSL Queensland – YouTube and we hope you know that you are all hugely valued.

We will keep this update as brief as possible while we focus on completing all registrations for State Congress before today’s 5.00pm deadline.

Attachment: Photo of Eric Beutel, National Servicemen’s Sub Branch and Brian Laing, Bulimba District Sub Branch at SED’s Victory in Europe commemoration service on Saturday 11 May which should have been included in last week’s update.

Memberships

New starter joining on Monday 27 May: Jo Settgast (internal appointment from the Service Delivery team).

RSL Community Family Day

3.00-8.00pm on Saturday 28 September 2024 at Western Districts Rugby Football Club, Toowong.  Please add this to your diaries and encourage as many of your members to attend as possible as this is a fun day for all the family.

Council Meeting – Thursday 6 June

The deadline for Council meeting agenda items is Wednesday 29 May.  The June Council meeting will commence with presentations from Michelle Wyatt, Small Business Enterprise and Jazz Tyrril, Marketing Manager Membership & Network, RSL Qld.  John Hardgrave’s presentation on the new Constitution and Clause 5.2 has been postponed until later in the year to allow the full 30 minutes.

Special Taskforce, DVA

‘The Senior’ reported yesterday that The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has established a special taskforce to help veterans and war widow(ers) currently accessing aged care and those who will need to access it in the future. Read more, here.

Other Updates

• There will be a Colour Chiefs’ relaunch after State Congress in Q3.
• Further to the ‘Membership Applications’ section in the Branch Bulletin issued on Thursday 2 May (to which the District President referred in the May Council meeting), By-Law 1 is currently being approved by the Legal team and will go to the SCDP for review shortly.  This is about the importance of verifying all member applicants’ service history accurately to ensure that they have served in the ADF or the defence force of another country before becoming a RSL member.  Once admitted by a Sub Branch, nothing can be done if it is discovered that a member isn’t eligible.

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)

• 80^th Anniversary of D-Day on 6 June: Please could you let us know if you are planning an event to commemorate D-Day or if one of your members is planning to join the celebrations in Europe.
• Sub Branch AGM documentation: Please send into this office within 28 days of your AGM.
• Board approval needs to be sought for any non-service members filling any Sub Branch executive positions until these Office Bearers are elected at your next AGM.
• 50-Year Certificates: Please could your Membership Officers check for any 50-year nominees and these should be added as a motion in your next General Meeting agenda and, once approved, sent to this office for Board approval.
• State Congress (Saturday 22 June):
  • State Congress documentation: (including Notice of Motion) provided to members today.  For more information, please visit the 2024 State Congress website.
  • Travel and information packs provided to Delegates: Monday 10 June.
  • Last date to notify this office of the Replacement Delegate’s attendance: Monday 17 June (if the nominated Delegate is unable to attend the AGM).
  • Gift: Delegates will receive a ticket to redeem for a powerbank (useful portable charger for phones and laptops) at the League Services’ stand on Saturday 22 June.  This year there will be no other exhibitors apart from Veteran Services, League Services, Mates 4 Mates and a promotion stand for RSL: Be Well.
• Chilli & Rum Festival: Sunday 2 June (see attached flyer from last week’s update).  $1 from every admission and the raffle proceeds will go to Springwood Tri Services RSL Sub Branch for their Homeless Veterans Program.

• COF Cut Off Date: Monday 3 June for Board Meeting on Tuesday 11 June.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .

• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council (BCC) which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).  Please see my email: Funding for 2024 Anzac Day Commemorations – (Sub Branch Name) that was sent on Tuesday 23 January, attaching 2024 BC Anzac Day Acquittal Template, Funding Agreement and vendor details form.
• Compensation Advocate at SED: The next visit from an RSL Qld Advocate to SED to provide advocacy advice and assistance will be 10.00am-3.00pm on Tuesday 11 June.  Any veterans who would like to meet with an Advocate at SED should contact the RSL Qld Client Contact Team (CCT) on 134 775 and select Option 2 to book an appointment time.
• Vietnam Vet’s Concert, Billabong Park, Kooralbyn: Sunday 30 June and if anybody knows of any songs, musicians and songwriters related to the Vietnam War, please contact Brian McInnis, President, Kooralbyn Valley on: 0438 329 153; or email: bmcinnis1@bigpond.com .
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-12.00pm on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Morning tea provided.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.

Vale Report: 16-23 May

We are excited to hold the SED Advocacy Workshop (the first of its kind) at 8.30am to 3.15pm on Wednesday 29 May in our Training Room and welcoming Advocates and Members from not only SED but also from our neighbouring districts.  This will be hosted by Bob Ikin, SED’s Wellbeing Officer.  The speakers will be Dr Bob Grandin, ATDP Regional Manager Qld and NT; Tara Hatzismalis’ Manager from DVA (Tara will be Canberra); Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager Welfare Services and Melissa Castles, Assistant Senior Manager – Compensation.  This workshop is also available on-line if you have any members who would like to attend virtually.

Good afternoon Sub Branch Presidents, Secretaries & Delegates,

Thank you to all those members who attended our Victory in Europe commemoration service last Saturday. It was a beautiful service and the sun shone on the wreath laying ceremony.

If you are planning an event to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day on 6 June; or if one of your members is planning to join the celebrations in Europe, please could you let us know.

With the preparations for Saturday’s SED AGM well underway, our focus will now turn to registrations for RSL Qld AGM for Saturday 22 June. Thank you to all those Sub Branches who have either already been registered or have sent in all the necessary documentation in order to be registered. There are a handful of Sub Branches still to action this please or let us know if they would like to give their apologies for this event. Please see ‘State Congress’ section under ‘Gentle Reminders’ for further details and the registration portal closes at 5.00pm on Friday 24 May.

Attachment 1: Photo of Kerry Gallagher AM, flanked by old comrades and members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam Association; Mr John White DSC (left) and Mr Ken Phillips AM (right).
Attachment 2: Photo of SED’s Victory in Europe commemoration service, Saturday 11 May.

Memberships
• Membership for those members who are marked as ‘Lost all Contact’ (LAC) on MMS will be paused as from Wednesday 22 May. That means that LAC members will no longer be included in any MMS financial reports. More information can be found in this week’s Branch Bulletin and these members can re-engage in the future and their membership can be easily reactivated with no gaps in their membership history. Everyone can reverse the LAC status but only the Memberships team will be able to correct the membership history (otherwise it would show as ending on the date they were marked as LAC. There will be a guide on SKIP coming shortly. A similar ‘banner’ across the top of a members’ profile for those marked as deceased will also exist for those marked as LAC, so they are easily identifiable. In addition, a communication will be going out shortly to all members who are marked as LAC so they will be given a heads up as to the change and hopefully they might re-engage. Currently there are about 900 LACs in the system.
• New starter joining on Monday 20 May: Elen O’Riordan.

Invitation: UN Peacekeepers Ceremony and Peoples March – 25 May 2024
Apologies for the short notice but we have just become aware of this invitation from The United Nations Association of Australia – Queensland (UNAAQ) to attend the UN Peacekeepers Ceremony and Peoples March 2024. The details are as follows:
• Date: Saturday 25 May
• Time: 9:00am – 11:00am AEST
• Location: Meet at King George Square – March to Anzac Square, Brisbane CBD
• Instruction: Please feel free to bring a banner and a wreath to lay at the ceremony
• Registration: Please register directly via this link.

Other Updates
(From today’s Branch Bulletin)
• Board & SCDP Talking Points
o Board Talking Points
o SCDP Talking Points
• IT Services Rollout for Sub Branches: scheduling update and the big emphasis is that Sub Branches will not be left without a printer (after March 2025). Interesting fact: 50% of RSL Qld supplied laptops have not been turned on over the last 90 days. Similarly, a huge amount of mobile phones have not been used in that time span.
• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week kicks off next week, 20-26 May and white pens with ‘RSL Queensland’ engraved on them will be given to those Delegates at the SED AGM who were unable to collect them at the May Council meeting. We would be grateful if you could pass these onto your volunteers, possibly with a certificate (the template can be found here: National Volunteer Week 2024 (sharepoint.com) along with a recorded video message from MAJGEN Stephen Day DSC AM).
• Governance Training: Following the recent SCDP meeting, work is continuing to finalise its new format.
• Work is progressing on the ‘Board Success Kit’ which may be retitled: ‘The League Governance Kit’. It will be professional, readable and accessible to Sub Branches and its possible release will be end of Q3.
• Work is progressing on the Weapons Storing and Displaying Sub Branches Campaign to ensure that Sub Branches are remaining complaint.
• Christmas hamper nomination forms will be available on SKIP soon. This year there will be just one criteria: hardship or loss.

Gentle Reminders (imminent required action/deadlines are in green text)
• 50 Year Certificates: Please could your Membership Officers check for any 50 year nominees and these should be added as a motion in your next General Meeting agenda and, once approved, sent to this office for Board approval.
• User Access Request Forms: Please send these to this office as we have a process to follow.
• Board approval needs to be sought for any non-service members filling any Sub Branch executive positions until these Office Bearers are elected at your next AGM.
• State Congress (Saturday 22 June): more information can be found on this link: 2024 State Congress website
o State Congress documentation: (including Notice of Motion) provided to members on Friday 24 May.
o Registrations: close on Friday 24 May (a week tomorrow). To register your Delegate this office requires your Sub Branch’s Delegate Verification form and submitted Delegate’s registration response by 5.00pm on Friday 17 May please (see email circulated on 9 April). Your Replacement Delegate can also attend at the Sub Branch’s cost and they will have to arrange their own accommodation (please avoid the Rydges). Cost details can be found here: RSL Queensland | Registration Types and Inclusions (rslqld.org) and please scroll down to ‘Sub Branch Replacement Delegate’.
o Travel and information packs provided to Delegates: Monday 10 June.
o Last date to notify this office of the Replacement Delegate’s attendance: Monday 17 June (if the nominated Delegate is unable to attend the AGM).
• Postcards of Honour Survey: deadline is Monday 20 May.
• Compensation Advocate at SED: Landis was here this Tuesday and the next visit from an RSL Qld Advocate to SED to provide advocacy advice and assistance will be 10.00am-3.00pm on Tuesday 11 June. Any veterans who would like to meet with an Advocate at SED should contact the RSL Qld Client Contact Team (CCT) on 134 775 and select Option 2 to book an appointment time.
• SED Advocacy Workshop: 8.30am to 3.15pm on Wednesday 29 May at SED (email circulated Tuesday 30 April and recirculated today). Speakers: Dr Bob Grandin, ATDP Regional Manager Qld and NT; Tara Hatzismalis, Deputy Commissioner Queensland, DVA; Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager Welfare Services and Melissa Castles, Assistant Senior Manager – Compensation. Deadline for RSVPs and dietary requirements (admin@rslsouthqueensland.org) has been extended to Wednesday 22 May. It is hoped that this session will be repeated in November.
• Chilli & Rum Festival: Sunday 2 June (see attached flyer from last week’s update). $1 from every admission and the raffle proceeds will go to Springwood Tri Services RSL Sub Branch for their Homeless Veterans Program.
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday 3 June for Board Meeting on Tuesday 11 June. Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist. Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council (BCC) which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day). Please see my email: Funding for 2024 Anzac Day Commemorations – (Sub Branch Name) that was sent on Tuesday 23 January, attaching 2024 BC Anzac Day Acquittal Template, Funding Agreement and vendor details form.
• Vietnam Vet’s Concert, Billabong Park, Kooralbyn: Sunday 30 June and if anybody knows of any songs, musicians and songwriters related to the Vietnam War, please contact Brian McInnis, President, Kooralbyn Valley on: 0438 329 153; or email: bmcinnis1@bigpond.com .
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-12.00pm on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch. Morning tea provided. Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson. More information to follow as soon as possible.

Vale Report: 10-16 May

First Name Last Name Service Number Sub Branch
Joseph Sciverras 2/779736 Redlands

We have also heard that John Cauchi-Gera (Brisbane North District) who some of you might have known, sadly passed away last weekend and his funeral service details are as follows:
• Time: 11.00am
• Date: Tuesday 21 May
• Venue: Mt Gravatt Crematorium Chapel, 582-660 Mains Road, Macgregor QLD

We look forward to seeing those Presidents and Delegates who are registered to attend our AGM between 8.00am and 8.45am for registration on Saturday at Officers Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive, New Farm (NB: Events on Oxlade has changed its name).

Kind regards
Julia and Annie

Good afternoon Sub Branch Presidents, Secretaries & Delegates,

Attachments 1 & 2: Photos from the Springwood Tri Services RSL Sub Branch and 2024 ANZAC Day Commemoration.  The first shows the VVMC (Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club) who led their parade and are also running a Chilli & Rum Festival on Sunday 2 June.  The proceeds from that will go towards their Homeless Veterans Program.

Attachment 3: Invitation to the Victory in Europe Commemorative Service on Saturday 11 May.

Attachment 4: ANZAC Day photos from National Servicemen’s Sub Branch at Norman Park.

There have been some interesting articles and photos as a result of ANZAC Day and a sample of photos are attached.  Redlands City News has shared how thousands of Redlanders took part in honouring the history of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers on ANZAC Day.  The Redlands Sub Branch hosted locals in Cleveland for a dawn service and later on for a parade from the Bowls Club to the Cenotaph.  The Royal Australian Airforce returned for another F/A-18F Super Hornet flyover since the Freedom of Entry Ceremony on Saturday 13 April.  You can read the full article here: Redlands Anzac Day Tribute: Honoring Australian and New Zealand Soldiers – Redland City News; and Forest Lake and Districts Sub Branch raised $11,261.00 at last Saturday’s 50:50 Reds v Blues game charity raffle and were donated 50% of the takings.  Please see picture of Sharron Ford below:

Thank you for all those who are giving up their time to attend the one and a half day Governance training session on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 May (8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday) at Yeronga Services Club with Micheal Martin FAICD as trainer.  We appreciate it and we are very grateful to Gavan White for hosting this session which will be the last Governance training in this format this year.  More news to follow on the new format soon.

This is the final day to email your Sub Branch’s ANZAC Day photos (high-resolution image, at least 1MB) with a caption for the next edition of RSL News to editor@rslqld.org .  Tips on sending images can be found here: submission guidelines .

Anzac Day Trust Fund

The Anzac Day Trust grant has just reopened.  Applications close on Monday 17 June and details can be found here:  Anzac Day Trust Fund (qvc.qld.gov.au) .  There are 2 streams available:

In 2024 the QVC will deliver the Anzac Day Trust Fund through two separate streams:

• Under Stream A, smaller organisations can apply for grants up to $10,000 for the reimbursement of eligible expenditure incurred during the 2022-2023 financial year (that is, July 2022 to June 2023).
• Stream B will provide grants of up to $100,000 per organisation to fund future services and activities that support veterans and their dependents. Stream B applications are subject to a merit based and competitive assessment process.  Please reach out to Debby Scott-Ranson if you would like to apply and need her assistance.  (Debby has managed to secure $536,000 for RSL Qld already this year.

Branch Bulletin

As always, there is some interesting information in this week’s Branch Bulletin that will be circulated to Sub Branch Presidents and Secretaries.  If you are in one of these roles and do not receive this email, please let me know.  Of particular note:

1. ‘Membership Applications’ section, which states: ‘Traditionally following ANZAC Day, we see an increase in member applications.  In order to maintain a strong and inclusive veteran community within Sub Branches, it is important to verify all applicants’ service history accurately.  In the past, there have been cases where membership was granted incorrectly due to a lack of proper documentation.
   Sub Branch Boards must ensure the following:

• Completed Application Form: A fully completed application form is necessary for processing membership requests.
• Documented Proof of Service: Acceptable documents include certificates of service, discharge papers, enlistment records, military ID cards, DVA Veteran cards, or any official document from the Department of Defence (or its overseas equivalent) that clearly states the applicant’s service history.
• Valid Identification: A current form of identification with a photo and date of birth is also required.

This guide on SKIP outlines the necessary documents for verifying an applicant’s service history and determining their eligibility for membership.
If you have any questions about acceptable documentation or the application process, please contact your District Secretary for assistance.

2. ‘New Veteran Services Campaign’ – starting on Monday 6 May, there will be a new RSL Qld Veteran Services campaign live across Queensland.  If you’d like to support and share the campaign through your own channels, we’ve created a digital pack of resources on SKIP here.
3. National Volunteer Week: RSL Qld will be shining an extra bright light on our volunteers’ dedication and commitment to making our communities stronger.  On the NVW SKIP page you will find editable NVW Certificate templates that can be handed out at your local meetings or morning tea events during this week.  This year, as a way to say thank you to the wonderful contribution of volunteers, I will be handing out engraved pens to Delegates at the Council meeting for you to hand out to your Sub Branches please.
   

Managed I.T.

If your Sub Branch was provisioned with laptops, mobile phones and video conference equipment, these items will remain with your Sub Branch; however, they will no longer be managed by RSL Queensland. This means you can install any additional software you choose without going through the IT Helpdesk.  More information can be found on SKIP: Managed IT (sharepoint.com)

Victory in Europe Commemoration Service

There will be a service to commemorate Victory in Europe at the SED Allies Memorial at 10.00am-11.30am on Saturday 11 May, followed by morning tea.  If your Sub Branch wishes to be represented at this event, please call Scott Mackie on: 07 3358 3361 and the invitation is attached.

The National Defence Chaplains’ Memorial Grove in Toowong’s Anzac Park

For your information, and in case you can’t read the tiny text below this snip, it reads: ‘Finished just ahead of ANZAC Day 2024, The National Defence Chaplains’ Memorial Grove in Toowong’s Anzac Park honours the unsung gallantry, sacrifice and humble devotion to Australian Defence Force personnel, in times of war and peace, of our military chaplains.  The Australian War Memorial online resource: https://placesofpride.awm.gov.au/stories/269468/adf-chaplains-memorial has just been added to Places of Pride.  This may be of interest to your members.

Unclaimed Medals

As you may be aware, there is a process for unclaimed medals and more information can be found here: Honours and awards | ADF Members & Families | Defence .

Vale Report: 27 April – 2 May

Gentle Reminders (Imminent deadlines are in green text)

• Board approval needs to be sought for any non-service members filling any Sub Branch executive positions until these Office Bearers are elected at your next AGM.
• State Congress (Saturday 22 June): more information can be found on this link: 2024 State Congress website
  • State Congress documentation (including Notice of Motion) provided to members: Friday 24 May.
  • Registrations: close on Friday 24 May.  To register your Delegate this office requires your Sub Branch’s Delegate Verification form and submitted Delegate’s registration form by 5.00pm on Friday 17 May please.
  • Travel and information packs provided to Delegates: Monday 10 June.
  • Last date to notify this office of the replacement delegate’s attendance: Monday 17 June (if the nominated Delegate is unable to attend the AGM).
• Chilli & Rum Festival on Sunday 2 June.  $1 from every admission and the raffle proceeds will go to Springwood Tri Services RSL Sub Branch for their Homeless Veterans Program.
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday 3 June for Board Meeting on Tuesday 11 June.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• Compensation Advocate at SED: The next visit from an RSL Qld Advocate to SED to provide advocacy advice and assistance will be 10.00am-3.00pm on Tuesday 14 May.  Any veterans who would like to meet with an Advocate at SED should contact the RSL Qld Client Contact Team (CCT) on 134 775 and select Option 2 to book an appointment time.
• DVA’s MyService Survey: This should take around 10-15 minutes to complete and closes on Thursday 16 May.  If you have further questions, please contact DVA on 1800 838 372 or email: service.delivery.reform@dva.gov.au and you can find the survey here: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
• SED AGM: Saturday 18 May at Officers Mess, 50 Oxlade Drive, New Farm (NB: Events on Oxlade has changed its name).

• SED Advocacy Workshop: 8.30am to 3.15pm on Wednesday 29 May at SED (email circulated Tuesday 30 April).  Speakers: Dr Bob Grandin, ATDP Regional Manager Qld and NT; Tara Hatzismalis, Deputy Commissioner Queensland, DVA; Dr Susan Kellett, Senior Manager Welfare Services and Melissa Castles, Assistant Senior Manager – Compensation.  Deadline for RSVPs and dietary requirements (admin@rslsouthqueensland.org): Monday 20 May.   It is hoped that this session will be repeated in November.
• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and this year’s theme is ‘something for everyone’, recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.
• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council (BCC) which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).  Please see my email: Funding for 2024 Anzac Day Commemorations – (Sub Branch Name) that was sent on Tuesday 23 January, attaching 2024 BC Anzac Day Acquittal Template, Funding Agreement and vendor details form.
• Vietnam Vet’s Concert, Billabong Park, Kooralbyn: Sunday 30 June and if anybody knows of any songs, musicians and songwriters related to the Vietnam War, please contact Brian McInnis, President, Kooralbyn Valley on: 0438 329 153; or email: bmcinnis1@bigpond.com .
• Poppy Service Training: Thursday 4 July.  More information to follow as soon as possible.
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-12.00pm on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Morning tea provided.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.
• Charitable Objects Fund & Grant Writing Information Day: Friday 18 October at Manly Lota Sub Branch with Jenna Le and Debby Scott-Ranson.  More information to follow as soon as possible.

It’s Labour Day Bank holiday on Monday so the office will re-open on Tuesday when Annie will be back 😊

Today is my third anniversary in the role of District Secretary.  It’s been a privilege working at SED, playing a small part in delivering services that are valued by veterans.  I come from an army family myself (and married into another one) and have experienced firsthand the importance of these services and see every day the great commitment from you all.  Thank you for all that you do and, with everyone being focused on ANZAC Day next Thursday, I will keep this as short as possible.

Attachment 1: The latest grant updates and please reach out to Debby if your Sub Branch would like to apply for any one of them: email: Deborah.Scott-Ranson@rslqld.org or tel: 07 3518 1738.

Attachment 2: An article: ‘Dance like no one’s watching’ on Herb Shapcott, with photo, who is an inspiration in staying fit.

Branch Bulletin Articles

This email landed in Presidents and Secretaries’ inboxes yesterday afternoon and has useful articles on the following:

• Update on IT services for Sub Branches
• State Council of District Presidents (SCDP) and April’s Talking Points are on SKIP: State Council of District Presidents Talking Points (sharepoint.com)
• Updated Objects Poster: also on SKIP: Objects of the League (sharepoint.com) and these are available for collection from this office.
• MMS Update: the correct phone number format is 10 digits (including area code), no spaces and no text.
• ANZAC Day 2024 plus video from last year’s ANZAC Day in Victoria (and thank you for entering your events on SKIP)
• Rugby Union ANZAC Round – QLD Reds v Blues
• NRL ANZAC Appeal Round – Dolphins v Knights
• AFL ANZAC Appeal Round – Gold Coast Suns v West Coast Eagles
• Postcards of Honour 2024
• Merchandise Reimbursement Submission – Final Reminder
• Important Dates

Trek4Vets

20km loop walk from the Mill Gym, Albion for veterans to get into the right head space for attending a Dawn ANZAC Day service.  Registration details and more information about the organisation and their Midnight2Dawn Trek can be found here: TREK4VETS .  This may be of interest to your members.

General Updates

• Renewal letters to impacted members has been sent from the Membership team this week.
• RSL Qld are implementing enhancements to MMS to enable SMS messaging.
• A message from MAJGEN Stephen Day DSC AM is planned to be released in a special Branch Bulletin next week that you may wish to play at your ANZAC Day events.
• 55 Sub Branches, 269 schools and about 21,000 students are involved with the Postcards of Honour project.  Please send your photos through to: marketing@rslqld.org .
• There will be an update circulated on State Congress nominations on Friday 3 May.
• Sub Branch Policies are due to go to the SCDP for approval in May.
• Board Success Kits will be coming soon….

Vale Report: 12 April – 19 April

Gentle Reminders (Imminent deadlines are in green text)

• Board approval needs to be sought for any non-service members filling any Sub Branch executive positions until these Office Bearers are elected at your next AGM.
• Agenda Items for Council Meeting on Thursday 2 May: Further to my email circulated on Monday 18 March, the next Council meeting will take place at 6.00pm on Thursday 2 May in the SED Training Room, commencing with a DVA presentation from Tara Hatzismalis.  The deadline for any agenda items, and Sub Branch reports and newsletters, is Wednesday, 24 April for inclusion in this meeting and a Team’s invitation will be circulated shortly for those who are unable to attend in person.
• State Congress (Saturday 22 June): more information can be found on this link: 2024 State Congress website
  • Sub Branch and District motions: due Friday 26 April.
  • State Congress documentation (including Notice of Motion) provided to members: Friday 24 May.
  • Registrations: close on Friday 24 May.  To register your Delegate this office requires your Sub Branch’s Delegate Verification form and submitted Delegate’s registration form by 5.00pm on Friday 17 May please.
  • Travel and information packs provided to Delegates: Monday 10 June.
  • Last date to notify this office of the replacement delegate’s attendance: Monday 17 June (if the nominated Delegate is unable to attend the AGM).

• SED AGM – Saturday 18 May: Deadline for Delegates’ and Presidents’ registrations on this link: South Eastern District Ltd AGM – Response Form is Friday 26 April.
• Merchandise Reimbursement: Purchases between 12 November 2023 and 16 February 2024 can be reimbursed by submitting a claim form, tax invoices and proof of purchase to this office by Friday 26 April.
• Costco Defence Hour: On Saturday 27 April, Costco in North Lakes, Ipswich and on the Gold Coast will be hosting an exclusive shopping hour for Defence Force personnel, veterans, and their families. Doors will open at 8.00am.  Please take Defence ID or other veteran identification with you.
• Veterans’ Legislation Reform – Exposure Draft Consultation: RSL have submitted their feedback, but for any comments Members’ still wish to make on the draft legislation before Sunday 28 April, please use this link: How to get involved and submit your feedback | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)
• Governance Training: Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 May (8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday) at Yeronga Services Club with Micheal Martin FAICD as trainer.  Deadline for RSVPs and dietary requirements: Monday 29 April.
• Gambling Fund – next Super Round of up to $100k per submission: closes Tuesday 30 April.

• COF Cut Off Date: Monday 6 May for Board Meeting on Tuesday 14 May.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .

• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and this year’s theme is ‘something for everyone’, recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.
• Compensation Advocate at SED: The next visit from an RSL Qld Advocate to SED to provide advocacy advice and assistance will be 10.00am-3.00pm on Tuesday 14 May.  Any veterans who would like to meet with an Advocate at SED should contact the RSL Qld Client Contact Team (CCT) on 134 775 and select Option 2 to book an appointment time.
• Advocacy Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 29 May at SED (lunch and morning tea provided).  Speakers: Bob Grandin, ATDP Regional Manager Qld and NT; Tara Hatzismalis, DVA; Susan Kellett, Senior Manager Welfare Services and Melissa Castles, Assistant Senior Manager – Compensation.  Deadline for RSVPs and dietary requirements: Wednesday 22 May.  It is hoped that this session will be repeated in November.
• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council (BCC) which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).  BCC marketing resources will be available on SKIP soon.
• Vietnam Vet’s Concert, Billabong Park, Kooralbyn: Sunday 30 June and if anybody knows of any songs, musicians and songwriters related to the Vietnam War, please contact Brian McInnis, President, Kooralbyn Valley on: 0438 329 153; or email: bmcinnis1@bigpond.com .
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-12.00pm on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Morning tea provided.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.

All the very best for Thursday.

Thank you for patience this week.  Unfortunately, Annie is unwell and will hopefully be fit and well again by Monday.

Gentle Reminders

• Board approval needs to be sought for any non-service members filling any Sub Branch executive positions until these Office Bearers are elected at your next AGM
• MMS Positions Page: It is critical to check that your President and Secretary’s email addresses are up to date please on MMS as this information is used by RSL Qld for Branch Bulletins and State Congress communications.
• ANZAC Day Events: Thank you for adding your various ANZAC Day events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com) under the relevant event types: Dawn Service, Gunfire Breakfast, Main Service, March or standard ANZAC Day event as this makes it as easy as possible for the end user.  (There’s currently 200 events listed for ANZAC Day.)
• State Congress (Saturday 22 June)
  • Sub Branch and District motions: due Friday 26 April.
  • State Congress documentation (including Notice of Motion) provided to members: Friday 24 May.
  • Registrations: close on Friday 24 May (more information to follow from this office shortly).
  • Travel and information packs provided to Delegates: Monday 10 June.

• SED AGM Nominations’ closing date: tomorrow, Friday 5 April.

• Alinta Energy Community Grants Program (circulated 29/1) – suitable for any Sub Branches wishing to apply for funding for solar panels/batteries, etc.  It is up to $20K.  Deadline for applications is Friday 5 April.
• Presidents & Young Veterans Committee meetings will be taking place at 6.00pm on Thursday 11 April in the SED Training Room (postponed from Thursday 4 April).  This meeting is face-to-face and will not be available on-line.
• Compensation Advocate at SED: The next visit from an RSL Qld Advocate to SED to provide advocacy advice and assistance will be 10.00am-3.00pm on Tuesday 16 April.  Any veterans who would like to meet with an Advocate at SED should contact the RSL Qld Client Contact Team (CCT) on 134 775 and select Option 2 to book an appointment time.  A quiet reception area upstairs can be used If there is waiting time prior to appointments.

• Merchandise Portal:

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Anzac Day	Already open	24 Apr 2024
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	10 Nov 2024

• SED AGM: Deadline for Delegates’ and Presidents’ registrations on this link: South Eastern District Ltd AGM – Response Form is Friday 26 April.
• Veterans’ Legislation Reform – Exposure Draft Consultation: RSL have submitted their feedback, but for any comments Members’ still wish to make on the draft legislation before Sunday 28 April, please use this link: How to get involved and submit your feedback | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)
• Governance Training: Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 May (8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday) at Yeronga Services Club with Micheal Martin FAICD as trainer.  Deadline for RSVPs and dietary requirements: Monday 29 April.
• Gambling Fund – next Super Round of up to $100k per submission: closes Tuesday 30 April.
• Merchandise Reimbursement: Purchases between 12 November 2023 and 16 February 2024 can be reimbursed by submitting a claim form, tax invoices and proof of purchase to this office by Friday 26 April.

• COF Cut Off Date: Monday 6 May for Board Meeting on Tuesday 14 May.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .

• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and this year’s theme is ‘something for everyone’, recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.
• Advocacy Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 29 May at SED (lunch and morning tea provided).  Speakers: Susan Kellett, Senior Manager Welfare Services and Melissa Castles, Assistant Senior Manager – Compensation.  Deadline for RSVPs and dietary requirements: Wednesday 22 May.  This session will be repeated in November.
• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council (BCC) which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).  BCC marketing resources will be available on SKIP soon.
• Vietnam Vet’s Concert, Billabong Park, Kooralbyn: Sunday 30 June and if anybody knows of any songs, musicians and songwriters related to the Vietnam War, please contact Brian McInnis, President, Kooralbyn Valley on: 0438 329 153; or email: bmcinnis1@bigpond.com .
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.

‘IF YOU SAY SO’ Coffee Shop, 88 Daley Road, St Lucia

Jack Bonner, owner of ‘If You Say So’ Coffee Shop and a submariner for 7 years would like to offer free coffee on ANZAC Day to current serving Defence personnel and veterans around St Lucia.  Any payments received on the day will be donated to a mental health charity for veterans.  He can be found on Instagram or contacted on:

• Email:  jack.bonner96@gmail.com
• Mobile: 0411 664 673

RAEME Reserve/CMF Reunion

Darra & District have kindly sent in the attached flyer regarding the annual reunion of RAEME Reserve/CMF at 11.00am – 4.00pm on 17 August at Sherwood/Indooroopilly RSL Sub Branch, 2 Clewley Street, Corinda (next to Corinda railway station).  This is open to all serving and ex-members of RAEME (Army Reserve/CMF or Regular Army) or associated Corps who served with RAEME Res/CMF units, their families and other people who wish to renew past friendships.  Please circulate this information to any of your members who may be interested.

Branch Bulletin

There are no general updates this week but please refer to yesterday’s Branch Bulletin for the following articles:

• IT and the process for requesting support for a Saturday
• Board Talking Points and SCDP Talking Points
• VITA professional indemnity insurance for Advocates.  Further information and resources can be found on the SKIP Page .
• MMS update
• 2024 ANZAC Day Sub Branch resources
• Photography poster for events
• Postcards of Honour – thank you to those Sub Branches who registered and over 50 Sub Branches and 260+ schools are involved with this project.  We hope all Show & Tell sessions go well after the school holidays and please remember to send your photos through to: marketing@rslqld.org
• RSL Be:Well new module
• Grants update

TRAINING

• Poppy Service: Originally planned for 19 March, this has been postponed until Thursday 4 July.  More information to follow as soon as possible.
• Charitable Objects Fund Information Day: Originally planned for 3 April, this has been postponed until July.  More information to follow as soon as possible.

Vale Report: 22 March – 4 April

First Name	Last Name		Sub Branch
Doreen	Matthews		Redlands Sub Branch
George	Horne		Coorparoo & Districts Sub Branch
Leslie	Don		Greenbank Sub Branch

We look forward to seeing as many Presidents as possible next Thursday along with your young veterans for the inaugural Young Veterans Committee.

 

The weeks seem to be racing past at this busy time of year.

Thank you to Bob Ikin for conducting, Sunnybank Sub Branch for hosting, and those who attended, the Wellbeing Support Officer Information Day on Wednesday.  Certificates will follow shortly and this session will be repeated at Sunnybank on Wednesday 18 September.

Please read on for exciting news about a monthly Compensation Advocate presence at SED from Tuesday 19 March.

Also, further to Council meeting discussions and an email circulated on Monday, the Presidents’ Meeting will now be held on Thursday 11 April; and the Council Meeting has been re-instated on Thursday 2 May.  Both these meetings will take place at 6.00pm at SED.

Attachments:

• Information on Open Arms’ on-line programs and an 8-week intervention from 2 May to 20 June at the Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre at Stafford.
• Latest grant report for March.

Gentle Reminders

• RSL Queensland Jobs Board is a great place to advertise any vacant Sub Branch executive positions.  This can be accessed via the RSL Qld website: RSL Queensland Employment Program | Employment Support Services | Find Help (rslqld.org) and to initiate the process, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• MMS Positions Page: Please check that your President and Secretary’s email addresses are up to date as this information is used by the Marketing team for Branch Bulletins and State Congress communications.
• ANZAC Day Events: Please add your various ANZAC Day events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com) under the relevant event type: Dawn Service, Gunfire Breakfast, Main Service, March or standard ANZAC Day event and they will be released as they are approved.  Please also send any general re-occurring events to us to pass onto the Marketing team.
• State Congress (Saturday 22 June)
  • Nominations for the State President and two skills-based Board Directors due by 5.00pm on Friday 22 March.  These must be received via email to companysecretary@rslqld.org or post to PO Box 629, Spring Hill QLD 4006.  More information can be found here: 2024 State Congress | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .
  • Notice of Meeting and Motion Template provided: Friday 22 March.
  • Registrations: open from Friday 22 March to Friday 24 May.
  • Sub Branch and District motions: due Friday 26 April.
  • State Congress documentation (including Notice of Motion) provided to members: Friday 24 May.
  • Travel and information packs provided to Delegates: Monday 10 June.
• Microsoft Teams Version Upgrade: from Friday 29 March and please refer to the Branch Bulletin for further details.
• The prestigious Queensland Volunteering Awards 2024 nominations are now open until Sunday 31 March.
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 1 April for Board Meeting on Tuesday 9 April.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• ANZAC Day – Two-Up and Liquor Licensing Requirements: Information and documentation on Two-up and ANZAC Day functions can be found on SKIP: ANZAC Day – two-up and liquor licensing requirements (sharepoint.com) and the deadline for sending in any agreements is Thursday 4 April.

• Postcards of Honour: registration is open on this SKIP page: Postcards of Honour Registration Form until Thursday 4 April.  Currently 42 Sub Branches, 159 schools and 9,540 students are involved so far.  This is a great way to engage your local schools and the earlier you register, the earlier you will receive your resources.

• Alinta Energy Community Grants Program (circulated 29/1) – suitable for any Sub Branches wishing to apply for funding for solar panels/batteries, etc.  It is up to $20K.  Deadline for applications is Friday 5 April.

• Merchandise Portal:

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Anzac Day	Already open	24 Apr 2024
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	10 Nov 2024

• Gambling Fund – next Super Round of up to $100k per submission: closes Tuesday 30 April.
• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and this year’s theme is ‘something for everyone’, recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.  RSL Qld will be giving out yellow landlines for volunteers.
• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council (BCC) which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).  BCC marketing resources will be available on SKIP soon.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.

Compensation Advocates at SED

Commencing on Tuesday 19 March, it has been arranged for Advocates from the RSL Qld Brisbane Team to visit SED monthly, between 10.00am-3.00pm, to provide advocacy advice and assistance.

Any veterans who would like to meet with an Advocate at SED should feel free to contact the RSL Qld Client Contact Team (CCT) on 134 775 and select Option 2.

Their call will be directed to a Client Contact Team member who will book in their appointment time.  The dates are as follows:

Tuesday, 19 March 2024 (Tania Greenacre, experienced Level 2 Compensation Advocate)

Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Tuesday, 11 June 2024

Tuesday, 9 July 2024

Tuesday, 6 August 2024

Tuesday, 3 September 2024

Tuesday, 1 October 2024

Tuesday, 29 October 2024

Tuesday, 26 November 2024

Tuesday, 17 December 2024

Veterans’ Legislation Reform: Consultation on the Exposure Draft

Following discussions at last week’s Council meeting, you will be aware that the consultation is now open on the Veterans’ Legislation Reform.  Information regarding a Forum which Brisbane North District are hosting on 28 March, with two attachments (one very lengthy), was circulated on 4 March on this subject.  Also if you missed the article in the Member Update circulated on Wednesday, if any of your members would like to assist in preparing a RSL nationally agreed submission to Government that represents the majority of views, here is the link to the feedback form: Veterans’ Legislation Reform: Consultation on the Exposure Draft (office.com) .  The deadline for submissions is Sunday 31 March.

Updates (please refer to the Member Update circulated on Wednesday for those items in blue text)

• Medallions for WWII veterans: DVA have just approved the distribution and are arranging the postage of the medallions to District Offices which should be received in the next 2-3 weeks.
• SKIP Training: If anyone is interested in organising one-to-one SKIP training, please note that the trainer, Zac will be away from 1 June – 31 July.
• Print Portal: RSL Qld are working with Colour Chiefs to revamp the entire print portal.  This is your source for business cards, letterhead, ‘with compliment’ slips, membership pads and fliers, ‘z’ cards, marquees, tear drops, pull-up banners, greeting cards, etc.  If you have any suggestions for improvements, eg enlarging the font on name badges, please let us know.  Interestingly, they are looking at offering both economical and high-quality options to suit everyone’s needs.  RSL Qld Bumper Stickers will soon be available on this portal and more information will follow in the Branch Bulletin.
• Renewals: Yesterday was the last day that Sub Branches had access to the MMS Renewals’ page.  If you have any outstanding renewals, please email it to Annie to pass onto Memberships.
• Requirement of Clause 52 of the Sub Branch Model Constitution: As you are no doubt aware, Sub Branches are required to provide RSL Qld with their financials after their AGM to submit to AIS, where relevant, and also to hold on file for future grant applications.  These are due 28 days after your AGM please.
• RSL News: It is lovely to see that the front cover of the most recent edition of RSL News shows the nurse statue which was unveiled in Blackall last year which involved the Defence Service Nurses Sub Branch.
• New Roles in the Office for Veterans: Director, Office Veterans and Manager, Office for Veterans.
• Gallipoli Medical Research’s latest study: Health Literacy in Queensland veterans and veterans’ families.

TRAINING

• Governance: Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 May (8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday) at Yeronga Services Club with Micheal Martin FAICD as trainer.  Deadline for RSVPs and dietary requirements: Monday 29 April.
• Advocacy Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 29 May at SED (lunch and morning tea provided).  Speakers: Susan Kellett, Senior Manager Welfare Services and Melissa Castles, Assistant Senior Manager – Compensation.  Deadline for RSVPs and dietary requirements: Wednesday 22 May.  This session will be repeated in November.
• Poppy Service: Originally planned for 19 March, this has been postponed until later in the year.  More information to follow as soon as possible.
• Charitable Objects Fund Information Day: Originally planned for 3 April, this has been postponed until July.  More information to follow as soon as possible.
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.

Grants

This grant has just reopened and could work for any Sub Branch that needs a defibrillator and/or have or want to commence a fitness/wellbeing program: Eligibility and selection criteria | Westfund Health Insurance and, as mentioned above, please find attached the latest grant report for March.

Scootaville Event

Some of your members with a motor bike licence may be interested in the Scootaville event arriving in Brisbane on Wednesday 28 August and departing on Friday 30 August.  The costs are yet to be confirmed but they will be approximately $1100 for a rider and $750 for a supporter.  Here is the registration link: https://radschool.org.au/ScootavilleQld2023/Participate/ScootavilleParticipants.htm

Vale Report: 8 March – 14 March

First Name	Last Name	Sub Branch
Kenneth	Summersford	Wynnum Sub Branch Inc.

We wish you all a lovely, restful weekend.

Thank you for all your prompt responses on volunteer hours for the RSL Qld 2023 Annual Report and we appreciate all your efforts.  The grand figure for the District is an amazing 106,225.40hrs.  Please note that Sub Branch Activity Log books are available from this office and also a helpful Excel spreadsheet can be found on this SKIP page: Volunteer Hours and Activity Log Books (sharepoint.com) for recording all your volunteers’ hours for 2024.

Thanks also go to the attendees at yesterday’s MMS & SKIP training.  We hope you found it useful and the Memberships team are always willing to organise on-line one-to-one sessions so, if interested, please let us know.

As mentioned last week, please find attached a photo of Kerry Gallagher AM and Garry Alterator OAM at the Transition Seminar’s SED stand last Thursday.  You might need a magnifying glass to see it and once we receive a larger we will attach it to the next update.

Urgent action required please for anything in green text below:

Gentle Reminders

• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 13 March at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Spaces are available for any last-minute requests.
• RSL Queensland Jobs Board is a great place to advertise any vacant Sub Branch executive positions.  This can be accessed via the RSL Qld website: RSL Queensland Employment Program | Employment Support Services | Find Help (rslqld.org) and to initiate the process, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• MMS Positions Page: Please check that your President and Secretary’s email addresses are up to date as this information is used by the Marketing team for Branch Bulletins and State Congress communications.
• SKIP Events: Please add any ANZAC Day events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com) and send any recurring events to us to pass onto the Marketing team.
• ANZAC Day Support Requests (Defence and Cadet ceremonial support): please submit your requests to Joint Operations Support Staff (JOSS) for Anzac Day 2024 via the Australian Defence Force (ADF) ceremonial support website by Thursday 14 March.
• State Congress (Saturday 22 June)
  • Nominations for the State President and two skills-based Board Directors due by 5.00pm on Friday 22 March.  These must be received via email to companysecretary@rslqld.org or post to PO Box 629, Spring Hill QLD 4006.  More information can be found here: 2024 State Congress | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .
  • Notice of Meeting and Motion Template provided: Friday 22 March.
  • Registrations: open from Friday 22 March to Friday 24 May.
  • Sub Branch and District motions: due Friday 26 April.
  • State Congress documentation (including Notice of Motion) provided to members: Friday 24 May.
  • Travel and information packs provided to Delegates: Monday 10 June.
• The prestigious Queensland Volunteering Awards 2024 nominations are now open until Sunday 31 March.
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 1 April for Board Meeting on Tuesday 9 April.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• ANZAC Day – Two-Up and Liquor Licensing Requirements: Information and documentation on Two-up and ANZAC Day functions can be found on SKIP: ANZAC Day – two-up and liquor licensing requirements (sharepoint.com) and the deadline for sending in any agreements is Thursday 4 April.

• Postcards of Honour: registration is now open: Postcards of Honour Registration Form until Thursday 4 April.  There will be a newsletter to be despatched soon.

• Alinta Energy Community Grants Program (circulated 29/1) – suitable for any Sub Branches wishing to apply for funding for solar panels/batteries, etc.  It is up to $20K.  Deadline for applications is Friday 5 April.

• Merchandise Portal:

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Anzac Day	Already open	24 Apr 2024
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	10 Nov 2024

• Gambling Fund – next Super Round of up to $100k per submission: closes Tuesday 30 April.
• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and this year’s theme is ‘something for everyone’, recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.  RSL Qld will be giving out yellow landlines for volunteers.
• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council (BCC) which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).  BCC marketing resources will be available on SKIP soon.
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.

RSL Qld Volunteer Personal Accident Insurance Policy

Further to my email circulated after last year’s WSOs training day on 19 September, this is just a reminder that WSOs are covered under the RSL Qld Volunteer Personal Accident Insurance Policy into which all Sub Branches are automatically included.  More information can be found here: Volunteers Accident Insurance (sharepoint.com) and the certificate is attached.

Updates (more information on those in blue text can be found in today’s Branch Bulletin)

• Medallions for WWII veterans: The Marketing team are chasing these up with DVA.
• The 2024 Model Sub Branch Constitution: This document will be available on SKIP shortly; more details to follow.
• Microsoft Teams Version Upgrade: from 29 March and please refer to the Branch Bulletin for further details.
• Memberships Renewals Support: 90% of Service Members are now renewed as of 29 February.  Help is at hand, if required.
• Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants Program: Applications are now open and close at 9.00pm AEDT on Wednesday 5 February 2025.
• Honouring our Younger Veterans Australia Project: If your Sub Branch is interested in displaying one of the 25 mannequins on a long-term loan, please refer to the Branch Bulletin for the loan agreement.
• Memberships Cards: All membership cards have been printed and posted to members.  As there are a high volume of cards, some have gone missing.  If this is the case for any of your members, please let us know as the Memberships can reprint and post replacement cards.

TRAINING

• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 13 March at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Space is available for any last-minute requests to attend.
• Poppy Service: 19 March – more information to follow as soon as possible.
• Charitable Objects Fund Information Day: 3 April – more information to follow as soon as possible.
• Governance: Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 May (8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday) at Yeronga Services Club with Micheal Martin FAICD as trainer.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 29 April.
• Advocacy Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 29 May at SED (lunch and morning tea provided).  This will be repeated in November.
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.

Vale Report: 1-7 March

First Name	Last Name	Sub Branch
Bryan	Chatman*	Kooralbyn Valley Sub Branch
Leslie	Cullen	Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
Reginald	Kernaghan*	Greenbank Sub Branch Inc.

Finally, please look out for an email tomorrow regarding the SED AGM Notice of Meeting, Nominations Form for 2024 Election of RSL SED Ltd Directors and the registration form for Saturday 18 May for your Presidents and Delegates.

We look forward to seeing as many Delegates this evening to hear the State President’s presentation.  RSL Qld flags, hospital packs and extra diaries will be available for collection, if required.

As you are all aware, today is the last day for completing members’ renewals and the latest update is that 85.4% of Service Members have been renewed; and 80.2% overall.  There is still some work to do for some Sub Branches and if you require assistance, please let us know or call the Memberships team directly on: 133 995.

Annie has tried to reach all Sub Branches today.  Thank you to all those who have already given us your 2023 volunteer hours for the 2023 RSL Qld Annual Report and we would be grateful if we could receive all totals by 12 noon on Monday 4 March please.  Apologies that this request wasn’t included in last week’s DS Update.

We had hoped to include a photograph of Kerry Gallagher AM and Garry Alterator OAM at today’s Transition Seminar’s SED stand but this will have to wait until one is available.

Urgent action required please for anything in green text below:

Gentle Reminders

• Prince’s Trust Australia FREE face to face program for small business & entrepreneurship for the ADF community: 10.00am-1.30pm on Friday 1 March at The Precinct, 315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley.
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday 4 March for Board Meeting on Tuesday 12 March.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 13 March at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Monday’s deadline for RSVPs has been extended to Tuesday 5 March.
• RSL Queensland Jobs Board is a great place to advertise any vacant Sub Branch executive positions.  This can be accessed via the RSL Qld website: RSL Queensland Employment Program | Employment Support Services | Find Help (rslqld.org) and to initiate the process, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• MMS Positions Page: Please check that your President and Secretary’s email addresses are up to date as this information is used by the Marketing team for Branch Bulletins and State Congress communications.
• SKIP Events: Please add any ANZAC Day events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com)
• ANZAC Day Support Requests (Defence and Cadet ceremonial support): please submit your requests to Joint Operations Support Staff (JOSS) for Anzac Day 2024 via the Australian Defence Force (ADF) ceremonial support website by Thursday 14 March.
• State Congress (Saturday 22 June)
  • Nominations for the State President and two skills-based Board Directors due by 5.00pm on Friday 22 March.  These must be received via email to companysecretary@rslqld.org or post to PO Box 629, Spring Hill QLD 4006.  More information can be found here: 2024 State Congress | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .
  • Notice of Meeting and Motion Template provided: Friday 22 March.
  • Registrations: open from Friday 22 March to Friday 24 May.
  • Sub Branch and District motions: due Friday 26 April.
  • State Congress documentation (including Notice of Motion) provided to members: Friday 24 May.
  • Travel and information packs provided to Delegates: Monday 10 June.
• The prestigious Queensland Volunteering Awards 2024 nominations are now open until Sunday 31 March.
• ANZAC Day – Two-Up and Liquor Licensing Requirements: Information and documentation on Two-up and ANZAC Day functions can be found on SKIP: ANZAC Day – two-up and liquor licensing requirements (sharepoint.com) and the deadline for sending in any agreements is Thursday 4 April.
• Postcards of Honour: registration is now open: Postcards of Honour Registration Form until Thursday 4 April.
• Alinta Energy Community Grants Program (circulated 29/1) – suitable for any Sub Branches wishing to apply for funding for solar panels/batteries, etc.  It is up to $20K.  Deadline for applications is Friday 5 April.

• Merchandise Portal:

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Anzac Day	Already open	24 Apr 2024
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	10 Nov 2024

• Gambling Fund – next Super Round of up to $100k per submission: closes Tuesday 30 April.
• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and this year’s theme is ‘something for everyone’, recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.
• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).
• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final report to be delivered by Monday 9 September.

Updates (those in blue text are in yesterday’s Member Update)

• The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: final hearing block on Monday 4 March in Sydney.

• New Life Subscriber Cards: you may have noticed a change in wording on these cards and there is no date as they are kept forever.  There appears to be postal delays for some of these so thank you for your patience.

TRAINING

• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 13 March at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Monday’s deadline for RSVPs has been extended to Tuesday 5 March.
• Poppy Service: 19 March – more information to follow as soon as possible.
• Charitable Objects Fund Information Day: 3 April – more information to follow as soon as possible.
• Governance: Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 May (8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday) at Yeronga Services Club with Micheal Martin FAICD as trainer.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 29 April.
• Advocacy Workshop: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 29 May at SED (lunch and morning tea provided).  This will be repeated in November.
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 2 September.

Vale Report: 22-29 February

Member ID	First Name	Last Name	Maiden Name	Sub Branch
1007617	Grant	Knuckey		Beaudesert Sub Branch Inc.
1347526	George	Campbell		Greenbank Sub Branch Inc.
1022446	Bryan	Chatman*		Kooralbyn Valley Sub Branch
1558173	Kenneth	Wintle		Macleay Island Sub Branch Inc.
1017987	Charles	Ash*		Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
1547943	Paul	McMahon		Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
1313346	Allan	Lutton		Wynnum Sub Branch Inc.
1526324	Eunice	Petitt	Power	Wynnum Sub Branch Inc.
2350852	Daniel	Searle		Wynnum Sub Branch Inc.

Finally, we look forward to seeing those attending MMS & SKIP training for a 10.00am start on Wednesday.  RSL Qld flags, hospital packs and extra diaries will be available for collection by your Delegate, if required, before Thursday’s Council meeting which will start promptly at 6.00pm commencing with a presentation from MAJGEN Stephen Day DSC AM.

This week’s attachments are:

1. Information sheet on the book: ‘Pidge’s Poppies’ (please see below).
2. The Volunteer Accident Insurance CoC which may be required to demonstrate your voluntary workers’ personal accident cover as part of any grant applications.
3. Information on the latest grants from Debby Scott-Ranson.

Thank you for all your hard work on membership renewals.  We’re nearly there as 83.7% of Service Members have been renewed and next Thursday 29 February is the last day for renewals.  Please check that all payments which have been received have been entered on MMS and please let us know if you would like some help.

Urgent action required please for anything in green text below:

Gentle Reminders

• MMS & SKIP: 10.00am-3.00pm on Wednesday 6 March at SED.  RSVP deadline: Monday 26 February.
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 13 March at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 26 February.
• RSL Queensland Jobs Board is a great place to advertise any vacant Sub Branch executive positions.  This can be accessed via the RSL Qld website: RSL Queensland Employment Program | Employment Support Services | Find Help (rslqld.org) and to initiate the process, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• MMS Positions Page: Please check that your President and Secretary’s email addresses are up to date as this information is used by the Marketing team for Branch Bulletins and State Congress communications.
• SKIP Events: Please add any ANZAC Day events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com)
  • ANZAC Day Support Requests (Defence and Cadet ceremonial support): please submit your requests to Joint Operations Support Staff (JOSS) for Anzac Day 2024 via the Australian Defence Force (ADF) ceremonial support website by Thursday 14 March.

• Merchandise Portal:

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Anzac Day	Already open	24 Apr 2024
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	10 Nov 2024

• Gambling Community Benefit Fund: ($35,000) closes on Thursday 29 February.

• Prince’s Trust Australia FREE face to face program for small business & entrepreneurship for the ADF community: 10.00am-1.30pm on Friday 1 March at The Precinct, 315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley.
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday 4 March for Board Meeting on Tuesday 12 March.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• State Congress: Saturday 22 June
  • Nominations for the State President and two skills-based Board Directors due by 5.00pm on Friday 22 March.  These must be received via email to companysecretary@rslqld.org or post to PO Box 629, Spring Hill QLD 4006.  More information can be found here: 2024 State Congress | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .
  • Notice of Meeting and Motion Template provided: Friday 22 March.
  • Registrations: open from Friday 22 March to Friday 24 May.
  • Sub Branch and District motions: due Friday 26 April.
  • State Congress documentation (including Notice of Motion) provided to members: Friday 24 May.
  • Travel and information packs provided to Delegates: Monday 10 June.

• The prestigious Queensland Volunteering Awards 2024 nominations are now open until Sunday 31 March.
• ANZAC Day – Two-Up and Liquor Licensing Requirements: Information and documentation on Two-up and ANZAC Day functions can be found on SKIP: ANZAC Day – two-up and liquor licensing requirements (sharepoint.com) and the deadline for sending in any agreements is Thursday 4 April.

• Postcards of Honour: registration is now open: Postcards of Honour Registration Form until Thursday 4 April.

• Alinta Energy Community Grants Program (circulated 29/1) – suitable for any Sub Branches wishing to apply for funding for solar panels/batteries, etc.  It is up to $20K.  Deadline for applications is Friday 5 April.

• Gambling Fund – next Super Round of up to $100k per submission: closes Tuesday 30 April (circulated to Sub Branches on Monday 12 February).
• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and this year’s theme is ‘something for everyone’ – recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.
• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).

Book: ‘Pidge’s Poppies’

Ford Street Publishing is promoting a heartwarming, beautifully illustrated new picture book which will be released on Monday 1 April entitled Pidge’s Poppies, written by Jan Andrews and illustrated by Timothy Ide.  This book shares the true story of a pair of homing pigeons at the Australian War Memorial and the vital role such birds played in both world wars by delivering messages between soldiers on the frontlines.  It highlights their heroism and sacrifice in a touching tribute.  Inspired by real events at the memorial in 2019, Pidge’s Poppies follows a female carrier pigeon on a deeply personal mission to build a red poppy nest, so the sacrifice of her kind will always be remembered.  It’s a powerful generational story about love, courage, and remembrance.  If you are interested in purchasing copies, the details for more information are below and attached.  This book may be of interest to your local schools along with Postcards of Honour and we will also have a copy available at the Council Meeting on Thursday 7 March.

• Publicist: Terrie Saunders
• Phone: (03) 9416 4062
• Email: info@fordstreetpublishing.com
• Website: www.fordstreetpublishing.com

Vale Report: 15-22 February

First Name	Last Name	Maiden Name	Sub Branch
Ian	Smith		Beaudesert Sub Branch Inc.
Aloysius	Brunott		Greenbank Sub Branch Inc.
Keith	Woodrow		Greenbank Sub Branch Inc.
Catherine	Palmer		Greenbank Sub Branch Inc.
Robyn	Mackay	Kelb	Kooralbyn Valley Sub Branch
John	Ravey		Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
Kevin	Palmer		Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
Philip	Keating		Salisbury Sub Branch Inc.
Barry	Cunningham		Wynnum Sub Branch Inc.
Harold	Teale		Wynnum Sub Branch Inc.

Updates (you may have read those in blue print in yesterday’s Branch Bulletin)

• PBI Status: As a flow on to RSL Qld now being recognised as a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI), if your Sub Branch wishes to apply to be endorsed as a PBI, information can be found on SKIP: Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) (sharepoint.com) .
• Australian White Ensign (AWE): For more information on purchasing these from approved suppliers, please see SKIP: Australian White Ensign (sharepoint.com)
• Employment Information Sessions: The first of these events will be held at the RSL Qld Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre, Stafford on Friday 1 March.  More information and registration can be found here: Defence Partners Employment Information Session | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .
• Print Portal / Colour Chiefs / Quiver: Available after ANZAC Day and this will include ‘thank you’ cards in packs of 10.
• RSL Australia plastic bears are currently being sold in Woolworths for $12 each.  This is an annual event and RSL Australia divides the profit from the sale of these for the benefit of all states.
• Hospital packs, extra diaries and RSL Qld flags are available for collection at the Council meeting on Thursday 7 March.
• New Life Subscriber Cards: you may have noticed a change in wording on these cards and there is no date as they are kept forever.

Finally, thank you for all the work that you do and we hope you have a very good weekend.

It is just a brief update this week and apologies that the ‘gentle reminders’ section may be a little boring, but hopefully it acts as a point of reference for everything that needs to be actioned across the District.

Firstly, we have attached two photographs of 82^nd Year Bangka Island Massacre Commemoration Service held on Sunday 11 February at St Augustine’s Anglican Memorial Church, Hamilton, organised beautifully by Defence Service Nurses Sub Branch which was well attended by, amongst others, the Governor of Queensland, State President, State Deputy President and the District President and his wife.

Secondly, as I am sure you are all aware, members who are not financial will not be able to vote at your AGM, so thank you for renewing your members and please ensure that those who have paid are updated on MMS before the renewals process closes on Thursday 29 February.  Currently 82.6% of service members have been renewed; and 76.5% overall.  If you need help, please let us know and there has been some delay in postage of the Life Subscriber membership cards.  Thank you for your patience with this.

Urgent action required please for anything in green text below:

Gentle Reminders

• RSL Queensland Jobs Board is a great place to advertise any vacant Sub Branch executive positions.  This can be accessed via the RSL Qld website: RSL Queensland Employment Program | Employment Support Services | Find Help (rslqld.org) and to initiate the process, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• MMS Positions Page: Please check that your President and Secretary’s email addresses are up to date as this information is used by the Marketing team for Branch Bulletins and State Congress communications.
• SKIP Events: Please add any ANZAC Day events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com) under the following categories and send any reoccurring events to us for the Marketing team:
  • Dawn Service
  • Anzac March
  • Anzac Ceremony
  • Gunfire Breakfast (requires clarity of who can attend)
  • Standard Anzac Day Event
• ANZAC Day Support Requests (Defence and Cadet ceremonial support): please submit your requests to Joint Operations Support Staff (JOSS) for Anzac Day 2024 via the Australian Defence Force (ADF) ceremonial support website as follows:
  • ADF Cadets: 15 February (today)
  • All other requests: 14 March
• Merchandise Reimbursements: This program will be closing at COB tomorrow, Friday 16 February and this will be the last day for purchasing merchandise for reimbursement from the Military Shop or any other source.  Please note that the following items will not be reimbursed and should not be included on your claim form (email circulated this morning).  This applies to orders from all suppliers:
  • Gifts
  • High value and/or limited edition items: e.g. watches, crystal decanters and collector coins
  • Display items: wreaths, pull up banners, promotional signage
  • Uniforms: shirts with printed Sub Branch logo
  • Any invoices issued by overseas companies

From tomorrow onwards, merchandise purchases will be restricted to the merchandise portal, Anzac Day Commemoration Committee (ADCC) and Samford Sub Branch.  The finalised catalogue and order form for ANZAC Day 2024 will be accessible on SKIP after Friday 16 February.

• Merchandise Portal: This exists to help Sub Branches with their welfare activities and to achieve our ‘care’ mission.  There are over 600 products for sale on the portal, but If you think there are more Military Shop items that should be included, please share your suggestions with us and we will pass these onto RSL Qld for consideration.  The portal opening and closing dates are as follows:

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Anzac Day	Already open	24 Apr 2024
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	10 Nov 2024

• Agenda Items & Sub Branch Reports & Newsletters for March Council Meeting: Please email these to us by Wednesday 28 February and Sub branch reports / newsletters can be found under Helpful Resources: RSL South Eastern District Council Documents – RSL South Eastern District (rslsouthqueensland.org)
• Gambling Community Benefit Fund: ($35,000) closes on Thursday 29 February.
• Prince’s Trust Australia FREE face to face program for small business & entrepreneurship for the ADF community: 10.00am-1.30pm on Friday 1 March at The Precinct, 315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley.
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 4 March for Board Meeting on Tuesday 12 March.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• State Congress: Saturday 22 June
  • Nominations for the State President and two skills-based Board Directors due by 5.00pm on Friday 22 March.  These must be received via email to companysecretary@rslqld.org or post to PO Box 629, Spring Hill QLD 4006.  More information can be found here: 2024 State Congress | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .
  • Notice of Meeting and Motion Template provided: Friday 22 March.
  • Registrations: open from Friday 22 March to Friday 24 May.
  • Sub Branch and District motions: due Friday 26 April.
  • State Congress documentation (including Notice of Motion) provided to members: Friday 24 May.
  • Travel and information packs provided to Delegates: Monday 10 June.

• The prestigious Queensland Volunteering Awards 2024 nominations are now open until Sunday 31 March.
• ANZAC Day – Two-Up and Liquor Licensing Requirements: Information and documentation on Two-up and ANZAC Day functions can be found on SKIP: ANZAC Day – two-up and liquor licensing requirements (sharepoint.com) and the deadline for sending in any agreements is Thursday 4 April.

• Postcards of Honour: registration is now open: Postcards of Honour Registration Form until Thursday 4 April.

• Alinta Energy Community Grants Program (circulated 29/1) – suitable for any Sub Branches wishing to apply for funding for solar panels/batteries, etc.  It is up to $20K.  Deadline for applications is Friday 5 April.

• Gambling Fund – next Super Round of up to $100k per submission: closes Tuesday 30 April (circulated to Sub Branches on Monday 12 February).
• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and this year’s theme is ‘something for everyone’ – recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.
• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).

TRAINING

• MMS & SKIP: 10.00am-3.00pm on Wednesday 6 March at SED.  RSVP deadline: Monday 26 February.
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 13 March at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 26 February.
• Governance Training: Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 May (8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday) at Yeronga Services Club with Micheal Martin FAICD as trainer.

Print Portal / Colour Chiefs / Quiver

This will be relaunched after ANZAC Day.

Vale Report: 8 – 15 February

Member ID	First Name	Last Name		Sub Branch
1526123	Robyn	Mackay	Kelb	Kooralbyn Valley Sub Branch
1204008	John	McClaer		Russell Island Sub Branch Inc.
1026709	Norah	Young		Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
1509165	Brian	Ramsay		Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
1531613	Christopher	Brown		Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
1507766	Philip	Keating		Salisbury Sub Branch

Finally, we have some excess 2024 diaries so if your Sub Branch would like more of either the pocket or A5 size, please let us know.

All the best for those Sub Branches who will be holding their AGMs this month and we look forward to receiving documentation soon from those Sub Branches who have already held their meeting.

We hope you have had a good week at this busy time of year.

At the first Council meeting for 2024, the District President thanked everyone for their ongoing support to the District, to the State and to the RSL more broadly.  He also asked everyone to join him in congratulating Alex Garlin on his recent OAM award in the 2024 Australia Day Honours List in recognition of his service to veterans and their families.  I am afraid I failed to capture this recognition on camera, but the full 2024 Australia Day Honours List can be viewed on this link: https://www.gg.gov.au/australia-day-2024-honours-list and Alex is mentioned on page 20.

Urgent action required please for anything in green text below:

Gentle Reminders

• RSL Queensland Jobs Board is a great place to advertise any vacant Sub Branch executive positions.  This can be accessed via the RSL Qld website: RSL Queensland Employment Program | Employment Support Services | Find Help (rslqld.org) and to initiate the process, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• MMS Positions Page: Please check that your President and Secretary’s email addresses are up to date as this information is used by the Marketing team for Branch Bulletins, etc.
• SKIP Events: Please add any ANZAC Day events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com) and send any reoccurring events to us for the Marketing team.
• Financial Literacy Training: 08.00am-4.00pm on Wednesday 21 February at Geebung RSL to give basic level of knowledge of accounting concepts and principles to ensure Sub Branch Executive Members are aware of financial reporting responsibilities and obligations.  Put simply, the role of Directors is not to “put the numbers together”, but rather to “pull the numbers apart”.  RSVP to bn@rslqld.org by COB tomorrow, Friday 9 February (circulated on 1 February).
• ANZAC Day Support Requests (Defence and Cadet ceremonial support): please submit your requests to Joint Operations Support Staff (JOSS) for Anzac Day 2024 via the Australian Defence Force (ADF) ceremonial support website as follows:
  • ADF Cadets: 15 February
  • All other requests: 14 March
• Merchandise Reimbursements: This program will be closing at COB next Friday 16 February and this will be the last day for purchasing merchandise for reimbursement from the Military Shop or any other source.  Please note that the following items will not be reimbursed and should not be included on your claim form (email circulated this morning).  This applies to orders from all suppliers:
  • Gifts
  • High value and/or limited edition items: e.g. watches, crystal decanters and collector coins
  • Display items: wreaths, pull up banners, promotional signage
  • Uniforms: shirts with printed Sub Branch logo
  • Any invoices issued by overseas companies

From Friday 16 February onwards, merchandise purchases will be restricted to the merchandise portal, Anzac Day Commemoration Committee (ADCC) and Samford Sub Branch.  The finalised catalogue and order form for ANZAC Day 2024 will be accessible on SKIP after Friday 16 February.

• Merchandise Portal: This exists to help Sub Branches with their welfare activities and to achieve our ‘care’ mission.  There are over 600 products for sale on the portal, but If you think there are more Military Shop items that should be included, please share your suggestions with us and we will pass these onto RSL Qld for consideration.  The portal opening and closing dates are as follows:

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Anzac Day	Already open	24 Apr 2024
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	10 Nov 2024

• MMS & SKIP: 10.00am-3.00pm on Wednesday 6 March at SED.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 26 February.
• Wellbeing Support Office Information Day: 8.30am-3.00pm on Wednesday 13 March at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  Deadline for RSVPs: Monday 26 February.
• Agenda Items & Sub Branch Reports & Newsletters for March Council Meeting: Please email these to us by Wednesday 28 February and Sub branch reports / newsletters can be found under Helpful Resources: RSL South Eastern District Council Documents – RSL South Eastern District (rslsouthqueensland.org)
• 2024 Membership Renewals: close on Thursday 29 February.

• Prince’s Trust Australia FREE face to face program for small business & entrepreneurship for the ADF community: 10.00am-1.30pm on Friday 1 March at The Precinct, 315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley.
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 4 March for Board Meeting on Tuesday 12 March.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• State Congress: Saturday 22 June
  • Nominations for the State President and two skills-based Board Directors: Deadline is 5.00pm on Friday 22 March.  These must be received via email to companysecretary@rslqld.org or post to PO Box 629, Spring Hill QLD 4006.  More information can be found here: 2024 State Congress | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .
  • Registrations: open from Friday 22 March to Friday 24 May.
• ANZAC Day – Two-Up and Liquor Licensing Requirements: Information and documentation on Two-up and ANZAC Day functions can be found on SKIP: ANZAC Day – two-up and liquor licensing requirements (sharepoint.com) and the deadline for sending in any agreements is Thursday 4 April.
• Alinta Energy Community Grants Program (circulated 29/1) – suitable for any Sub Branches wishing to apply for funding for solar panels/batteries, etc.  It is up to $20K.  Deadline for applications is Friday 5 April.
• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and this year’s theme is ‘something for everyone’ – recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.
• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).

Branch Bulletin Highlights

• IT Services for Sub Branches: Update to be provided towards the end of March.
• Cessation of Saturday IT Services: As of this Saturday 10 February the IT Helpdesk will no longer have staff rostered on Saturdays.
• Sunshine Coast and Regional District have now moved into the new RSL Qld Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre in Marroochydore and the centre will welcome veterans and their families from Monday 12 February.
• 2024 Membership Renewals: 79.6% of Service Members are now renewed.  Please see above for closing date of grace period and to view the step-by-step guide please click here.
• Postcards of Honour: These help Sub Branches to engage local schools in commemoration and create a learning experience prior to ANZAC Day.  The link to Tuesday’s information session is here: 2024 Postcards of Honour Info Session (webinar)-20240206_100100-Meeting Recording.mp4 (sharepoint.com) and all details can be found on the SKIP page: Postcards of Honour (sharepoint.com) .  Please note that registration will be Monday 12 February-Thursday 4 April.
• Gambling Community Benefit Fund ($35,000) closes on Thursday 29 February.

Australian War Memorialization

Further to a discussion at February’s Council meeting, the Australian War Museum holds the papers of historian Ken Inglis whose book, ‘Sacred Places’ remains the seminal work on Australian War Memorialization.  It is currently out of print but can be purchased from the on-line used book network, ‘Abebooks’, if interested.

Everyman’s Welfare Service

Please find attached the latest newsletter from Everyman’s Welfare Service and they are keen for you to forward ‘On Patrol’ to any members who may be interested.

Vale Report: 1 February-8 February

First Name	Last Name	Sub Branch
Brian	Holmes	Sunnybank Sub Branch Inc.
Raymond	Green	Greenbank Sub Branch Inc.

We hope this is helpful.

SED’s inaugural Australia Day community event was a great success and some photos are available.  Thank you to all those who attended.

Urgent action required please for anything in green text below:

Gentle Reminders

• For Advocacy and Wellbeing Assistance, please contact the Client Contact Team on: 134 775 and leave a message if necessary or email: vs@rslqld.org and they will respond within 24 hours.
• RSL Queensland Jobs Board is a great place to advertise any vacant Sub Branch executive positions.  This can be accessed via the RSL Qld website: RSL Queensland Employment Program | Employment Support Services | Find Help (rslqld.org) and to initiate the process, please email: leagueservices@rslqld.org .
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 5 February for Board Meeting on Tuesday 13 February.  Please see the COF page on SKIP: Charitable Objects Fund (COF) (sharepoint.com) for the current guidelines including the application and acquittal documents plus hardship checklist.  Once completed, these documents should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org .
• Postcards of Honour: Please let us know if your Sub Branch is interested in engaging local schools in commemoration and an information session will be held on Tuesday 6 February at 10.00am.  The meeting link is here .
• ANZAC Day Support Requests (Defence and Cadet ceremonial support): please submit your requests to Joint Operations Support Staff (JOSS) for Anzac Day 2024 via the Australian Defence Force (ADF) ceremonial support website as follows:
  • ADF Cadets: 15 February 2024
  • All other requests: 14 March 2024
• Merchandise Reimbursements: last day for purchasing merchandise for reimbursement from the Military Shop or any other source is Friday 16 February.  From this date onwards, merchandise purchases will be restricted to the merchandise portal and Samford Sub Branch (catalogue and order form for ANZAC Day 2024 will be accessible on SKIP).
• Merchandise portal opening and closing dates:

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Anzac Day	Already open	24 Apr 2024
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	10 Nov 2024

If you require a login to the Merchandise Portal, please contact Nadia Khan: nadia@brandnet.com.au from BrandNet for assistance or call her on 02 6123 2990.  Helpful information can be found on SKIP: Merch Portal (sharepoint.com) and we are here to help, if required.

• Agenda Items & Sub Branch Reports & Newsletters for March Council Meeting: Please email these to us by Wednesday 28 February.

• Prince’s Trust Australia FREE face to face program for small business & entrepreneurship for the ADF community: 10am-1.30pm on Friday 1 March at The Precinct, 315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley.
• ANZAC Day – Two-Up and Liquor Licensing Requirements: Information and documentation on Two-up and ANZAC Day functions can be found on SKIP: ANZAC Day – two-up and liquor licensing requirements (sharepoint.com) and the deadline for sending in any agreements is Thursday 4 April.
• Alinta Energy Community Grants Program (circulated 29/1) – suitable for any Sub Branches wishing to apply for funding for solar panels/batteries, etc.  It is up to $20K.  Deadline for applications is Friday 5 April.
• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and this year’s theme is ‘something for everyone’ – recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.
• BCC ANZAC Day Acquittal Forms Deadline: Friday 7 June (just those Sub Branches within Brisbane City Council which are receiving funding for ANZAC Day).

• SKIP Events: Please add any ANZAC Day events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com) and send any reoccurring events to us for the Marketing team.
• Obituary notices for newspapers or on-line: Obituary Discount page on SKIP
• MMS Positions Page: Please check that your President and Secretary’s email addresses are up to date as this information is used by the Marketing team for Branch Bulletins, etc.

State AGM: Saturday 22 June

• Deadline for nominations for the State President and two skills-based Board Directors is 5.00pm on Friday 22 March.  These must be received via email to companysecretary@rslqld.org or post to PO Box 629, Spring Hill QLD 4006.  More information can be found here: 2024 State Congress | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) .
• Just one Delegate to attend from each Sub Branch (even distribution of representation and minimises hefty event costs).
• Registrations open from Friday 22 March to Friday 24 May.
  • Delegate Verification Form required along with supporting minutes.
  • Includes Opening Ceremony, AGM and Gala Dinner.
  • Mileage reimbursement available (Sub Branch to / from Royal International Convention Centre).
  • Accommodation for regional attendees only.

Sub Branch Model Constitution

A link to the Sub Branch Model Constitution can currently be found on the SKIP home page (see below) and this will link to the Governance page on the RSL website: Our Corporate Governance Policies | About Us | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) which holds the current version for Sub Branches to download.  This information will eventually be housed on a dedicated SKIP page once approval by the Legal team has been received on the Constitution.

TRAINING

Some of the dates below are still a work in progress, but the basic details for your diaries are as follows:

MMS & SKIP: 10.00am-3.00pm on Wednesday 6 March at SED.

Wellbeing Support Officer Information Day:

• Wednesday 13 March at Sunnybank (timings TBC), and
• Wednesday 18 September at Sunnybank (timings TBC).

Poppy Service: Wednesday 20 March (details TBC)

Governance Training (1.5 days up to end June):

• Option 1: Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 March (TBC); or
• Option 2: Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 May (TBC)

From 1 July onwards, it is planned that training will be available in 9 modules on-line (about 2 days), based on ACNC training package.  More details to follow.

Charitable Objects Fund Information Day:

• Wednesday 3 April at SED (timings TBC), and
• Friday 18 October (details TBC)

2024 Diaries

Hopefully, your Delegate will collect your 2024 diaries this evening, if you haven’t received them already.  We welcome your feedback before organising the 2025 diaries please.  Do you value the notes or the calendar, or both?

Sub Branch Policy Menu

It is hoped that these policies will be approved by the SCDP in March.  If so, they will be renamed ‘Sub Branch Governance Guides’ and will have a dedicated SKIP page.

‘Board Success Kit’

This is the replacement to the previous ‘Board Survival Kit’ which is currently being developed for use as soon as possible.

Impact Care Services Underwood, Logan City

SED and a number of Sub Branches have received an email from Heath Henwood, Director – Impact Care Services at Underwood, Logan City asking to arrange a meeting.  They claim to be working with the Australian Government to develop a programme to support Veterans’ Wellbeing.  This has been referred to Graeme Alley, General Manager, Service Delivery for a response on appropriate action so please wait before making a commitment as we check the legitimacy of this request.

Thank you for your patience.  2024 diaries and hospital packs have now arrived at SED and please see below for further information.

Gentle Reminders

• For Advocacy and Wellbeing Assistance, please contact the Client Contact Team on: 134 775 and leave a message if necessary or email: vs@rslqld.org and they will respond within 24 hours.
• 82^nd Year Bangka Island Massacre: please RSVP by 1 February as this is a catered event (afternoon tea to follow the service).  Please see the attachment for further details.
• Deadline for ordering a copy of ‘SED History’ by Dr Robert Maher: COB 25 January 2024 (please see email circulated on 11 January).

• Remembrance Day Merchandise Reimbursement: Any 2023 Remembrance Day merchandise items not purchased via the merchandise portal can be reimbursed.  Claim information can be found on SKIP and claims must be submitted by Wednesday 31 January 2024.
  • Valid tax invoices from 26 April–11 November 2023 and proof of payment of invoices are required.
• Merchandise Reimbursements: last day for purchasing merchandise for reimbursement from the Military Shop or any other source is Friday 16 February.  From this date onwards, merchandise purchases will be restricted to the merchandise portal, Samford Sub Branch and Sunnybank Sub Branch (to be confirmed).
• Merchandise portal opening and closing dates:

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Anzac Day	Already open	24 Apr 2024
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	10 Nov 2024

If you require a login to the Merchandise Portal, please contact Nadia Khan: nadia@brandnet.com.au from BrandNet for assistance or call her on 02 6123 2990.  There is also helpful information on this SKIP page: Merch Portal (sharepoint.com) and we are help to help, if required.

• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and this year’s theme is ‘something for everyone’ – recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.

• COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 5 February for Board Meeting on Tuesday 13 February

Grants

• The Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grant has just reopened (see attached guidelines) and it closes on Thursday 29 February.
• Please see the attachment for upcoming grant opportunities and Deborah Scott-Ranson is available for assistance, if required.

ANZAC Day – Two-Up and Liquor Licensing Requirements

Information and documentation on Two-up and ANZAC Day functions can be found on this SKIP page: https://rslqld.sharepoint.com/sites/SKIP/SitePages/Two-Up.aspx and if you have any queries, please let us know.

ANZAC Day Support Requests

If you haven’t already done so, please submit your Defence and Cadet ceremonial support requests to Joint Operations Support Staff (JOSS) for Anzac Day 2024 via the Australian Defence Force (ADF) ceremonial support website.

The minimum lead time is as follows:

• Flypasts – 12 weeks (ANZAC DAY deadline: 31 January 2024
• ADF Cadets – 10 weeks (ANZAC DAY deadline: 15 February 2024)
• All other requests – 6 weeks (ANZAC DAY deadline: 14 March 2024)

RSL Bumper Stickers: Please could you let us know how many of your Members would be interested in displaying a generic RSL bumper sticker (not a specific Sub Branch) in their car.

Article in the Bunbury Herald

You may be interested in this article, if you haven’t seen it already: New Albany RSL service set to honour and engage younger Australian Defence Force veterans | Bunbury Herald

Army Transport Association

Please circulate the attachment to any of your Members who might be interested in information from the Army Transport Association.  The photo of the Association banner was taken at the ANZAC Day Parade in 2022.

Updates

• Membership Renewals: Thank you for renewing your Members.  Currently 72.3% of Qld Service Members have been renewed; overall 62.5%.
  • January renewal Sub Branch payment: 8 February 2024
  • February and final renewals Sub Branch payment: 21 March 2024

• Hospital Packs have arrived at SED and please arrange for these to be collected at the next Council meeting on Thursday 1 February.  If they are required before this date, please let us know.
• 2024 Diaries have arrived at SED.  10 x pocket size (navy) and 3 x A5 size (black) have been allocated to each Sub Branch and will be posted to you.  If you are able to help us save postage costs and collect these from the District Office instead, it would be very much appreciated and we would be grateful if you could let us know before Wednesday 24 January.
• King’s portraits: still awaiting information.
• State AGM: Communications will be circulated on Monday 22 January (nomination forms for the State President and two Board Directors’ roles).
• Branch Bulletin: First issue for 2024 will be circulated on Thursday 25 January.

Vale Report

Just for your information, below is this week’s Vale report.  This doesn’t include Mrs Laurel Fuge, wife of John Fuge who was SED’s Secretary from 1987-1995.  Laurel sadly passed away on Thursday 11 January, aged 96 years.  She had recently moved into a care facility and spent the last couple of weeks in palliative care at Redcliffe Hospital.  Her funeral details are to be arranged.

First Name	Last Name	Sub Branch
Hazel	Mortensen*	Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
Ronald	Viles	Stephens Sub Branch
Donald	Boorman	Greenbank Sub Branch Inc.

We wish you all a lovely weekend.

For all those we haven’t yet spoken to yet we wish you all a happy 2024 and, for those still on holidays, we hope you are having a well-deserved break.

Urgent action required please for anything in green (original email) text below:

Gentle Reminders

• For Advocacy and Wellbeing Assistance, please contact the Client Contact Team on: 134 775 and leave a message if necessary or email: vs@rslqld.org and they will respond within 24 hours.
• 2024 ANZAC Award Nominations (ANZAC of the Year and ANZAC Peace Prize): last day for any nominations as discussed at December’s Council meeting is Thursday 18 January.  Please see the criteria and nomination attachments.
• Deadline for ordering a copy of ‘SED History’ by Dr Robert Maher: COB 25 January 2024 (please see email circulated today).

• Remembrance Day Merchandise Reimbursement: Any Remembrance Day merchandise items not purchased via the merchandise portal can be reimbursed.  Claim information can be found on SKIP and claims must be submitted by Wednesday 31 January 2024.
  • Valid tax invoices from 26 April–11 November 2023.
  • Proof of payment of invoices are required.
  • If your Sub Branch has recently changed your bank account, please also fill in the vendor details form which is available to download via SKIP.
• Sub Branch Reports for Council Meetings: thank you for all your monthly reports and a PDF template can be found in the link. If required, a Word template can be obtained from this office.
• Merchandise Reimbursements: last day for purchasing merchandise for reimbursement from the Military Shop or any other sources is Friday 16 February.  From this date onwards, merchandise purchases will be restricted to the merchandise portal, Samford Sub Branch and Sunnybank Sub Branch (to be confirmed).
• Merchandise portal opening and closing dates:

Event	Opening Date	Closing Date
Anzac Day	Already open	24 Apr 2024
Remembrance Day	1 Aug 2024	10 Nov 2024

If you require a login to the Merchandise Portal, please contact Nadia Khan: nadia@brandnet.com.au from BrandNet for assistance or call her on 02 6123 2990.  There is also helpful information on this SKIP page: Merch Portal (sharepoint.com) and we are help to help, if required.

2024 COF Cut Off Dates

• Monday, 5 February for Board Meeting on Tuesday 13 February
• Monday, 4 March for Board Meeting on Tuesday 12 March
• Monday, 1 April for Board Meeting on Tuesday 9 April
• Monday, 6 May for Board Meeting on Tuesday 14 May
• Monday, 3 June for Board Meeting on Tuesday 11 June
• Monday, 1 July for Board Meeting on Tuesday 9 July
• Monday, 5 August for Board Meeting on Tuesday 13 August
• Monday 2 September for Board Meeting on Tuesday 10 September
• Monday 30 September for Board Meeting on Tuesday 8 October
• Monday 4 November for Board Meeting on Tuesday 12 November
• Monday 2 December for Board Meeting on Tuesday 10 December

Council Meeting Sub Branch Presentations

Following on from last year, Sub Branch Council meeting presentations will start with Jimboomba, Kenilworth and Kooralbyn and will run on alphabetically by Sub Branch throughout the year.

2024 SED Event Calendar

This was circulated earlier this week and apologies for an error which we have noticed.  The SED Office will be closed from 25 December and will reopen on 6 January 2025.  (The attachment is the amended copy.)

Updates

• Membership Renewals: Thank you for renewing your Members.  70.1% of Qld Service Members have been renewed; overall 60.1%.
  • January renewal Sub Branch payment: 8 February 2024
  • February and final renewals Sub Branch payment: 21 March 2024

• Hospital Packs arrived at SED just before Christmas and are ready for collection.
• 2024 Diaries (10 x pocket size in navy and 3 x A5 size in black) will be posted to your Sub Branch once they have arrived (due today or next week).  If you would prefer to collect these from the District Office, please let us know.
• 2023 last edition of RSL News will be arriving in letter boxes very soon, if they haven’t arrived already.
• 2024 National Volunteers’ Week: 20-26 May and theme is ‘something for everyone’ – recognising the diverse passions and talents that everyone brings to the act of volunteering.
• RSL car stickers: the marketing team is working on producing car stickers for purchasing in 2024 for all sub branches.
• King’s portrait: awaiting information.

Vale

Just for your information, below is the Vale report from Friday 15 December:

1009932	Ronald	Bellert	Greenbank Sub Branch Inc.
1017576	Brian	Porter	Wynnum Sub Branch Inc.
1018366	Robert	Belfield	Manly-Lota Sub Branch Inc.
1129379	Donald	Anderson	Redlands Sub Branch Inc.
1534890	Joseph	Dvoracsek	Coorparoo & Districts Sub Branch Inc.

 

A big thank you to Yeronga Services Club for hosting the last training session of the year and for all those who attended Governance training in person or on-line this week.  We hope you found it useful and certificates of attendance will be circulated as soon as they have been received from Micheal Martin.

Thank you to all those Sub Branches who completed the recent questionnaires and for informing us of your Christmas closure details.  As you will see below, the deadline for completing the Compensation Advocacy questionnaire is 5pm on Monday.

An updated copy of the Sub Branch Support of Homeless Veterans’ Guideline can be found in the attachment and is also available on SKIP: Emergency Financial and Homelessness Support (sharepoint.com) .  If a veteran or their family is experiencing any distress or concern over the holiday period, they should contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046, Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours) or 000 in an emergency.

Urgent action required please for anything in green text below:

Gentle Reminders

• For Advocacy and Wellbeing Assistance, please contact the Client Contact Team on: 134 775 and leave a message if necessary or email: vs@rslqld.org and they will respond within 24 hours.

• Christmas Closure: If you haven’t already done so, please advise us of your Sub Branch’s Christmas closure dates and emergency contact.
• Understanding Compensation Advocates: At RSL Qld’s 2023 Annual General Meeting, 80% of Delegates voted in favour of the motion to tabulate numbers, funding sources and qualification levels for Compensation Advocates throughout RSL Qld’s network of Sub Branches.  In order to comprehensively action this motion, one member with an in depth understanding of compensation advocates at each Sub Branch is kindly asked to complete a short 15 minute survey which will allow RSL Qld to collect the necessary information from each Sub Branch to undertake this review.  The survey will close at 5pm on Monday 18 December.
• Members’ Awards: Please note that if your MMS Sub Branch ‘current positions’ page is not kept up to date, this may affect your Members’ award nominations.  Information to update your Members’ positions can be found here: https://rslqld.sharepoint.com/sites/SKIP/SitePages/MMS-Positions.aspx .
• Remembrance Day Merchandise Reimbursement: Any Remembrance Day merchandise items not purchased via the merchandise portal can be reimbursed.  Claim information can be found on SKIP and claims must be submitted by Wednesday 31 January 2024.
  • Valid tax invoices from 26 April–11 November 2023.
  • Proof of payment of invoices are required.
  • If your Sub Branch has recently changed your bank account, please also fill in the vendor details form which is available to download via SKIP.

SED Training Schedule 2024

For planning purposes, please see the linked attachment and some dates and venues are still to be confirmed.

Updates

• Membership Renewals: thank you for starting this process and SED have renewed2% of their members.
  • December renewal Sub Branch payment: 11 January 2024
  • January renewal Sub Branch payment: 8 February 2024
  • February and final renewals Sub Branch payment: 21 March 2024
• Veterans Wellbeing Coordination Centre Christmas Closing Dates: Saturday 23 December 2023, re-opening on Monday 8 January 2024.
• SED Christmas Closing Dates: 12.30pm Friday 22 December 2023, re-opening on Monday 8 January 2024.
• RSL Qld State Branch Christmas Closing Dates: Saturday 23 December 2023, re-opening on Tuesday 2 January 2024.  Please note, HelpDesk will also be closed during this time.

• 2024 Diaries (10 x pocket size in navy and 3 x A5 size in black) will be posted to your Sub Branch once they have arrived in early January.  If you would prefer to collect these from the District Office, please let us know.

2024 Anzac Day Coasters

Coasters Co have some new designs and some old favourites; and they are honouring last year’s pricings.  If you are interested, please see the attached (2000 Coasters $450+GST+Post 50 FREE Samples).

Vale

Just for your information, below is this week’s Vale from last Thursday:

Name	Sub Branch
Richard Allatt	Coorparoo & Districts
Ronald Pitman	Coorparoo & Districts
Dick Cijffers	Redlands
Alfred Jessop	Redlands
Maxwell Barnes	Redlands
Alan Willis	Redlands
Michael Reason	Redlands
Norm McKechnie	Wynnum
Michael Richardson	Wynnum Sub Branch Inc.
Neil Cush	Yeronga-Dutton Park

Finally, as this will be the last DS Update for 2023, thank you for everything that you have achieved in your Sub Branches over the year.  Julia’s last day in the office will be Wednesday 20^th, Annie will finish at 12.30pm on Friday 22^nd December; and we will both be back on Monday 8^th January 2024.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Gentle Reminders

• For Advocacy and Wellbeing Assistance, please contact the Client Contact Team on: 134 775 and leave a message if necessary or email: vs@rslqld.org and they will respond within 24 hours.
• Governance training: Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 December at Yeronga Services Club.  For those attending on-line, the link will be sent shortly.
• ANZAC Day Nominations: Please send in any last-minute nominations with your Delegate for the Council meeting this evening, Thursday 7 December.

• Hampers & Poppies’ Collection: If not yet actioned, we hope these will be collected by your Presidents and Delegates at the Council Meeting this evening, Thursday 7 December and a sack truck is available, if required.  If collection today isn’t possible, please contact us to discuss alternate collection/delivery.
• Managed IT Questionnaire: Deadline for each Sub Branch Secretary to complete the questionnaire on the Managed IT page on SKIP has been extended to tomorrow, Friday 8 December.  This information will ensure there is a more sustainable solution into the future, and a key aspect of the review is to better understand how your Sub Branch currently uses your Managed IT devices and software.

• Christmas Closure: If you haven’t already done so, please advise us of your Sub Branch’s Christmas closure dates and emergency contact.
• Understanding Compensation Advocates: At RSL Qld’s 2023 Annual General Meeting, 80% of Delegates voted in favour of the motion to tabulate numbers, funding sources and qualification levels for Compensation Advocates throughout RSL Qld’s network of Sub Branches.  In order to comprehensively action this motion, each Sub Branch is kindly asked to complete a short 15 minute survey which will allow RSL Qld to collect the necessary information from each Sub Branch to undertake this review.  Please note, you can only complete this survey once and the link will recognise you if you have previously submitted it.  The survey will close at 5pm on Monday 18 December (61 responses received so far).
• Remembrance Day Merchandise Reimbursement: Any Remembrance Day merchandise items not purchased via the merchandise portal can be reimbursed.  Claim information can be found on SKIP and claims must be submitted by Wednesday 31 January 2024.
  • Valid tax invoices from 26 April–11 November 2023.
  • Proof of payment of invoices are required.
  • If your Sub Branch has recently changed your bank account, please also fill in the vendor details form which is available to download via SKIP.

82^nd Year Bangka Island Massacre Commemoration Service

An invitation from Defence Service Nurses Sub Branch to attend the 82^nd Year Bangka Island Massacre Commemoration Service on Sunday 11 February 2024 at St Augustine’s Anglican Memorial Church, Racecourse Road Hamilton, Qld at 1315 for 1330hrs, followed by an afternoon tea in the Church Hall.  We would be grateful if you could circulate this to any of your Members who might be interested.

Army Transport Association

Please find attached the Army Transport Association’s November Newsletter and we would like to draw your attention to the article on ‘Bellbowrie Memorial Update’.  More information can be found here: The-LARC-Incident-1974.pdf (moggillhistorical.au) and a brief history of the Association is also attached.  Similar to us, the Army Transport Association is always looking for new members and if any of your members are interested, the contact for the Association is Graeme Beuth, Secretary (secretary@armytransportassociation.asn.au).

Other Updates (some from Branch Bulletin)

• Membership Renewals’ Process is now underway and 7% of Service Members have already renewed for 2024 and an overall total of 20.2% across all membership types (Service Members, Auxiliary Members and Non-League/Social Members).
  • December renewal Sub Branch payment: 11 January 2024
  • January renewal Sub Branch payment: 8 February 2024
  • February and final renewals Sub Branch payment: 21 March 2024

• Life Subscriber Cards: there has been a delay in sending these cards which should arrive by Friday 22 December.

• Members’ Awards: Please note that if your MMS Sub Branch ‘current positions’ page is not kept up to date, this may affect your Members’ award nominations.  Information to update your Members’ positions can be found here: https://rslqld.sharepoint.com/sites/SKIP/SitePages/MMS-Positions.aspx .
• Christmas Hampers: Any photos of your nominees receiving their hampers would be gratefully received.
• Veterans Wellbeing Coordination Centre Christmas Closing Dates: Saturday 23 December 2023, re-opening on Monday 8 January 2024.
• SED Christmas Closing Dates: Saturday 23 December 2023, re-opening on Monday 8 January 2024.
• RSL Qld State Branch Christmas Closing Dates: Saturday 23 December 2023, re-opening on Tuesday 2 January 2024.  Please note, HelpDesk will also be closed during this time.
• Wellbeing Support Guide for the Christmas period is available on SKIP: Emergency Financial and Homelessness Support (sharepoint.com) and if a veteran or their family is experiencing any distress or concern over the holiday period, they should contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046, Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours) or 000 in an emergency.
• 2024 Diaries: these are expected to arrive at Customs on 23 December and will be dispatched and available for collection from the SED Office in early 2024.  Pocket size will be navy and the A5 size will be black.
• Last week Premier announces 2024 Premier’s ANZAC prize recipients: please see this link: Premier announces 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize recipients – Ministerial Media Statements and Branch Bulletin for more details.  The names of the students will be provided to their local Sub Branch shortly.
• ‘Licence to Thrive’: You may have members who might be interested in this ‘giving back’ project and more information can be found here: Licence to thrive: Salvation Army Program | Latest News | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org)

• For anyone interested, the book circulating the last Council meeting was ‘Like Shadows in the Corner’ by Helen Austin.  This book explores how wives of Australian Vietnam Veterans coped, what they went through, and you can read encounters of their lives that have never been expressed before.  Helen lives on the Gold Coast and the book costs $20.

We look forward to seeing as many Presidents and Delegates as possible at this evening’s Council meeting which will start at 6.00pm with a presentation on RSL Qld Compensation Advocacy by Melissa Castles, Assistant Senior Manager – Compensation, RSL Qld.  Christmas hampers and poppies will be available for collection before the meeting and Christmas drinks and nibbles will follow the meeting at 7.30pm.

We also look forward to seeing those attending Governance training next week.

For Advocacy and Wellbeing Assistance, please contact the Client Contact Team on: 134 775 and leave a message if necessary or email: vs@rslqld.org and they will respond within 24 hours. 

A big thank you to all those who gave us their time to be involved with the photoshoot on Saturday.  It was very much appreciated.

Photos are attached of yesterday’s President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon which was well-attended.  The second photo shows John Renton from Greenbank Sub Branch receiving his 50 year award from Kerry.

Urgent action required please for anything in green text below:

Gentle Reminders

• Governance Training: Deadline for RSVPs is tomorrow, Friday 1 December (for more details please see below).
• Managed IT Questionnaire: Deadline for one Sub Branch member to complete the questionnaire on the Managed IT page on SKIP is tomorrow, Friday 1 December.  This is important for RSL Qld to better understand how your Sub Branch currently uses your Managed IT devices and software, and also to factor in future considerations for your IT needs.

• Christmas Closure: If you haven’t already done so, please advise us of your Sub Branch’s Christmas closure dates and emergency contact.
• 2024 ANZAC Award Nominations for 2024: If you have any nominations, please send them to Judy Alterator secretary@rslsouthqueensland.org by COB Monday 4 December.
• COF Cut Off Date: If you intend to apply for the COF Christmas function grant, please meet the Monday 4 December deadline for a Board meeting decision on Tuesday 12 December.  All COF applications and correspondence should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.orgfor processing please.
• Hampers & Poppies’ Collection: If not yet actioned, we hope these will be collected by your Presidents and Delegates at the Council Meeting on Thursday 7 December.  If this isn’t possible, please contact us to discuss alternate collection/delivery.
• Understanding Compensation Advocates: Deadline for completing the survey link in a recent Branch Bulletin is 5.00pm on Monday 18 December (40 responses received so far).
• Remembrance Day Merchandise Reimbursement: Any Remembrance Day merchandise items not purchased via the merchandise portal can be reimbursed.  Claim information can be found on SKIP and claims must be submitted by Wednesday 31 January 2024.
  • Valid tax invoices from 26 April–11 November 2023.
  • Proof of payment of invoices are required.

TRAINING

Governance

• Date: Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 December
• NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE (link will be circulated to all on-line attendees closer to the day)*

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm (Monday) and 8.30am-1.00pm (Tuesday)
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (access via Fairfield Road entrance from 8:00am both days)
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• Light morning tea at 10.00am
• Lunch of mixed sandwiches and fruit at 12.30pm
• RSVP deadline: Friday 1 December
• Requirements for on-line attendees: reliable internet, computer with a microphone and camera; and ability to use the ‘chat’ facility

Teams

* If you would like training on Teams before the Governance training sessions, please let us know as soon as possible.

Other Updates

• Membership Renewals’ Process starts tomorrow and your Members will be charged the fee stated on their membership form unless we have heard otherwise.
• Members’ Awards: Please note that if your MMS Sub Branch ‘current positions’ page is not kept up to date, this may affect your Members’ award nominations.
• Recurring Events: It is hoped that an option to add recurring events will be available on the SKIP events page soon.
• King’s Portrait: These will be distributed in 2024.
• Christmas Hampers: Please send in any photos of your nominations receiving their hampers.
• Wellbeing Support Guide for the Christmas period is available on SKIP: Emergency Financial and Homelessness Support (sharepoint.com)
• 2024 Diaries: waiting for ETA.
• SED Christmas Closing Dates: 23 December to 7 January.
• Last Branch Bulletin for 2023 until the end of January 2024: 21 December (circulated to Sub Branch Presidents and Secretaries only.  If not received, please check that the email address details on MMS Sub Branch Positions page is correct).
• Last Member Update (special edition) for 2023: 20 December

The Council meeting Teams invitation will be circulated shortly and we look forward to seeing as many Presidents and Delegates as possible on Thursday.

For Advocacy and Wellbeing Assistance, please contact the Client Contact Team on: 134 775 and leave a message if necessary or email: vs@rslqld.org and they will respond within 24 hours. 

It has been a busy week with hamper packing and preparing for Wednesday’s President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon. There have been some enquiries regarding the lounge suit dress code and we can confirm that this includes a tie please.

There are four attachments this week:

• Photo 1: One of the chalk drawings from Kilcoy State School’s Draw to Remember project.
• Photo 2: Students from Kilcoy State School’s Draw to Remember project.
• Photo 3: Stephen Day DSC AM presenting at Forest Lake & Districts’ general meeting on Wednesday evening.
• Document: Upcoming grant opportunities in November.  Deborah Scott-Ranson is happy to help if anyone would like to apply for any grants.

Urgent action required please for anything in green text below:

Gentle Reminders

• Governance Training: Deadline for RSVPs is Friday 1 December (for more details please see below).
• Managed IT Questionnaire: Deadline for one Sub Branch member to complete the questionnaire on the Managed IT page on SKIP is Friday 1 December.  This is important for RSL Qld to better understand how your Sub Branch currently uses your Managed IT devices and software, and also to factor in future considerations for your IT needs.

• Christmas Closure: Please advise us of your Sub Branch’s Christmas closure dates and emergency contact.  Thank you to all those Sub Branches who have already actioned this.
• 2024 ANZAC Award Nominations for 2024: If you have any nominations, please send them to Judy Alterator secretary@rslsouthqueensland.org by COB Monday 4 December.
• COF Cut Off Date: If you intend to apply for the COF Christmas function grant, please meet the Monday 4 December deadline for a Board meeting decision on Tuesday 12 December.  All COF applications and correspondence should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.orgfor processing please.
• Understanding Compensation Advocates: Deadline for completing the survey link in a recent Branch Bulletin is 5.00pm on Monday 18 December. 
• Remembrance Day Merchandise Reimbursement: Any Remembrance Day merchandise items not purchased via the merchandise portal can be reimbursed.  Claim information can be found on SKIP and claims must be submitted by Wednesday 31 January 2024.
  • Valid tax invoices from 26 April–11 November 2023.
  • Proof of payment of invoices are required.

Membership Renewals

Where relevant, renewal letters will be landing in Members’ mailboxes shortly.  If your Sub Branch charge any alternative renewal fees or require alternative arrangements during Membership renewals can you please let us know as soon as possible so Memberships’ processes are aligned.

TRAINING

Governance

• Date: Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 December
• NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE (link will be circulated to all on-line attendees closer to the day)*

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm (Monday) and 8.30am-1.00pm (Tuesday)
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (access via Fairfield Road entrance from 8:00am both days)
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• Light morning tea at 10.00am
• Lunch of mixed sandwiches and fruit at 12.30pm
• RSVP: before Friday 1 December
• Requirements for on-line attendees: reliable internet, computer with a microphone and camera; and ability to use the ‘chat’ facility

Renewals

Renewals training is available from Memberships.  If interested, please let us know as soon as possible.

Teams

* If you would like training on Teams before the Governance training sessions, please let us know as soon as possible.

Remembrance Day Feedback

We hope all your various services ran well for Remembrance Day and the Marketing team would be grateful for the answers to the following please:

• Overall what could have worked better?
• Is there anything that the Marketing team could do to improve commemoration for Remembrance Day, or in the run-up to it?
• What were the positive aspects of the commemoration?

Other Updates

• With effect from 20 November 2023, the new State Secretary at RSL Qld is Iain Carty and he reports to Troy Watson, Deputy CEO, Veteran Services.
• Hayley Stephens will be the new Company Secretary at RSL Qld with effect from 4 December 2023.
• Specifically designed for veterans, RSL Be:Well is a free program providing the information and tools you need to proactively improve your health and wellbeing, your way.  Here is the link for more information: Online Learning | Find Help | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) which might be of interest to your Members.

• Poppies (for poppy services) & Hampers: 2 boxes of poppies per Sub Branch and hampers (for those who nominated) will be ready for collection at the December Council at SED.

We wish you a good weekend and look forward to seeing those of you who plan to attend the Luncheon on Wednesday.

Apparently, there is an Optus message saying that Julia’s landline: (07) 3358 3155 is no longer connected.  Many apologies and hopefully Helpdesk will resolve this as soon as possible.  In the meantime, Julia can be reached via Annie on: 3634 9464 or mobile: 0458 806 944.

Urgent action required please for anything in green text below:

Gentle Reminders

• Governance Training: Deadline for RSVPs is Friday 1 December (for more details please see below).
• Managed IT: Deadline for one Sub Branch member to complete the questionnaire on the Managed IT page on SKIP is Friday 1 December.  This is important for RSL Qld to better understand how your Sub Branch currently uses your Managed IT devices and software, and also to factor in future considerations for your IT needs.

• Poppies (for poppy services) & Hampers: 2 boxes of poppies per Sub Branch and hampers (for those who nominated) will be ready for collection at the December Council at SED.  Please let us know by Friday 17 November if your Sub Branch is unable to attend and we will organise alternative collection/delivery after 22 November.
• Christmas Closure: Please advise us of your Sub Branch’s Christmas closure dates and emergency contact.
• WWII Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration: If you haven’t already done so, please ensure that the ‘Theatres of Service’ field on MMS is completed for all your WWII veterans by Friday 17 November.  DVA will send medallions and certificates direct to Districts for distribution to all living WWII veterans to acknowledge the significance of the 75^th anniversary of the end of WWII after this date.
• 2024 ANZAC Award Nominations for 2024: If you have any nominations, please send them to Judy Alterator secretary@rslsouthqueensland.org by COB Monday 4 December.
• COF Cut Off Date: If you intend to apply for the COF Christmas function grant, please meet the Monday 4 December deadline for a Board meeting decision on Tuesday 12 December.  All COF applications and correspondence should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.orgfor processing please.
• Understanding Compensation Advocates: Deadline for completing the survey link in a recent Branch Bulletin is 5.00pm on Monday 18 December.  27 survey responses received so far.

TRAINING

Governance

• Date: Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 December
• NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE (link will be circulated to all on-line attendees closer to the day)*

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm (Monday) and 8.30am-1.00pm (Tuesday)
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (access via Fairfield Road entrance from 8:00am both days)
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• Light morning tea at 10.00am
• Lunch of mixed sandwiches and fruit at 12.30pm
• RSVP: before Friday 1 December
• Requirements for on-line attendees: reliable internet, computer with a microphone and camera; and ability to use the ‘chat’ facility

Renewals

Renewals training is available from Memberships.  If interested, please let us know as soon as possible.

Teams

* If you would like training on Teams before the Governance training sessions, please let us know as soon as possible.

RSL Queensland Sub Branch Brand Photoshoot

RSL Qld is looking to refresh and update their Sub Branch brand image library and are seeking Sub Branch members and their families to be involved in the Sub Branch Brand Photoshoot on Saturday, 25 November at Merthyr Bowls dining area and SED.  The aim of the shoot is to showcase camaraderie, mateship and social connection as well as some commemoration images.

Proposed timings:

8:30am: Set-up at Merthyr Bowls dining area

9:30am: Shoot start time (social scenes)

11:00am: Pack & wrap up shoot at Merthyr Bowls

11:30am: Lunch break

12:30pm: Move location to SED Boardroom & front forecourt

3:00pm: Wrap-up

Proposed attendees:

10-15 Sub Branch Members (mix of men and women, range of ages and backgrounds), some with and without medals.  Family members including Members’ partners and children are encouraged to attend to show generational connection.

Scenarios:

1. Post commemoration social gathering (attendees wearing commemoration attire, including medals).
2. Casual attire images (BBQ/afternoon tea set up for example), but this shows a good spread of ages.

An RSL Queensland Talent/Image Release Form would need to be completed by anyone in the shoot to enable RSLQ to use the images.  Images could be used on digital channels, printed collateral, advertising etc.  If you are interested, please email: servicesmarketing@rslqld.org

Other Updates

• Hospital bags will be despatched shortly.
• Renewal changes have gone live on MMS so you should be able to see your Members who are eligible to renew.
• Emails were circulated on 10 November by Annie to those Sub Branches with Members who are eligible to be upgraded to Life Subscriber status (80 years old and a League Member for 10 years or more).
• All Life Subscribers should now have received their new membership card.
• Due to 2024 being a leap year, Remembrance Day will be on a Monday next year.

Thank you to those of you who gave up your time to attend our last group MMS & SKIP training of the year on Friday.  We hope you found it useful and congratulations to Sunnybank Sub Branch for a successful ‘Tea-in-Tine’ event on Sunday with great music from the Band of the 1^st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.  A photo is attached.

If you have any additional hamper nominations, please see the Christmas Hampers’ section below as action is required please before tomorrow’s deadline.

Gentle Reminders

• Public Liability Insurance Program Opt-In for Sub Branches: deadline is tomorrow, Friday 27 October.
• Training:
  • Governance training at Yeronga Services Club on Tuesday 31 October and Wednesday 1 November.
  • Poppy Service training at Maroochydore RSL Club on Wednesday 1 November.

More information can be found in the Training section below.

• BND’s Advocate Forum: 8.30pm – 3.30pm on 3 November 2023 at Pine Rivers Sub Branch, 1349 Anzac Avenue Kallangur.  If interested, please contact: Louise.Bein@rslqld.org; tel: 3053 3478 or mobile: 0437 517 092.
• COF Cut Off Date: If you intend to apply for the COF Christmas Function Grant, please meet the Monday 6 November deadline for Board Meeting decision on Wednesday, 15 November; or Monday 4 December deadline for Board Meeting decision on 12 December.  All COF applications and correspondence should be sent to: cof@rslsouthqueensland.orgfor processing please.
• Service Member Renewals Letter Opt-Out deadline: Monday 6 November.
• Remembrance Day Services: 11 November – the link to add your events to SKIP is here: Events (sharepoint.com).  There are currently 85 events on the RSL Qld website.  Also, Remembrance Day Sub Branch resources can be found here: Remembrance Day Sub Branch Resources 2023 (sharepoint.com).
• President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am for 12 noon on Wednesday 29 November at Events on Oxlade.  RSVP deadline is Thursday 16 November.

• Membership Renewals 2024: the renewals window opens on Friday 1 December and more information can be found in today’s Branch Bulletin.  Link to SKIP page: 2024 Membership Renewals (sharepoint.com)

Grants

A new grants’ page is up on SKIP: Ongoing Grants (sharepoint.com) which you might find helpful.  For assistance with submitting a grant, please contact Deborah Scott-Ranson, Fundraising Manager at: deborah.scott-ranson@rslqld.org or by mobile on 0419 793 122.

Hampers

This year’s Christmas hampers will be packed on Wednesday 22 November so they will be ready for collection by Sub Branches at SED at either the President’s & Life Members’ Lunch on Wednesday 29 November or the Council Meeting on Thursday 7 December.  Please could you let us know if your Sub Branch will not be attending either of these events and the District Office will organise collection/delivery.  Also, hamper allocations are not yet exhausted so if you would like to make a nomination, please email the details to: hampers@rslqld.org before tomorrow, Friday 27 October.

TRAINING – We look be grateful if all WSO training attendees could complete and submit their feedback form as soon as possible please.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD – we have had a great response to these sessions and a huge thank you to Gavan White at Yeronga Dutton Park for agreeing to host this.

• Date: Tuesday, 31 October – Wednesday, 1 November

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (unfortunately there is no on-line option available)
• Sandwich lunch will be provided
• Notebook and pen will be provided
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD

Poppy Service Training (organised by SCD)

• Date: Wednesday, 1 November 2023
• Time: 9:00am–12:00pm
• Venue: Maroochydore RSL Club, 105 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore

MMS / SKIP: If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training, please let us know.

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

Mental Health: Open Arms delivers mental health training to any volunteers in the veteran community.  More information can be found here: Open Arms partners with RSL to deliver mental health training | Open Arms and here: Suicide intervention and mental health literacy workshops | Open Arms

Other Updates (some of the list below can be found in today’s Branch Bulletin with other articles)

• Remembrance Day Introductory Speech Template: is now available on SKIP: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/0tYECE8kzWhWmqY0CNKqbZM?domain=app4.vision6.com.au
• Understanding Compensation Advocates in Sub Branches: survey link in Branch Bulletin to complete by Monday 18 December please.
• Current Serving Electronic Direct Mail (EDM) for renewals: the Marketing team will circulate an email shortly to current serving members asking them to contact their local Sub Branch or the Memberships team if they are transitioning out of the ADF.  It will also remind them to update contact details if applicable.
• WWII Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration: DVA will send medallions and certificates (date currently unknown) direct to Districts for distribution to WWII veterans.  It is also hoped there might be one medallion for each District and Sub Branch for display/memorabilia purposes.
• Brand Guidelines: as a result of a brand refresh, there will be some slight updates to the brand guidelines due out at the end of November.
• The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation
• The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation: The RSL News’ Content team is looking to profile a Veteran that has received The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.  If any of your members have received this citation, please could you let us know.  There’s more information on eligibility here: Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation | ADF Members & Families | Defence
• King’s Portrait: no update.

We hope this is helpful and Julia looks forward to seeing all those who are attending Governance training on Tuesday and Wednesday at Yeronga Services Club.

Thank you to all those involved with organising the RSL Community Family Day last Saturday and for those who attended.  It was a fun day and it is hoped that this event will be repeated next year.

Forest Lake & Districts celebrated George Churchward’s 100^th Birthday on Bribie Island and attached is a photo of the happy gathering last Sunday.

Gentle Reminders

• COF: Please use this email address: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org for all COF correspondence.

• Public Liability Insurance Program Opt-In for Sub Branches: deadline is Friday, 27 October.
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 6 November for Board Meeting on Wednesday, 15 November.

• ANZAC House Remembrance Day Event: 9.00am-11.00am on Thursday 9 November at ANZAC House, Level 1 for the children of RSL Qld staff to meet a Veteran and work together on Remembrance Day related arts and crafts.  If you would be interested in attending, please let us know.

• Remembrance Day Services: 11 November – if you haven’t done so already, we would be grateful if you could add your events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com) before the campaign starts on 22 October.  There are currently 77 events on the RSL Qld website.  Also, Remembrance Day Sub Branch resources can be found here: Remembrance Day Sub Branch Resources 2023 (sharepoint.com).
• President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am for 12 noon on Wednesday, 29 November at Events on Oxlade.

• Membership Renewals 2024: the renewals window opens on Friday, 1 December.   Any new member applications received by Memberships from 1 November 2023 will be processed as a 2024 member automatically.  If you would like any new member applications received between now and 1 November to be processed as a 2024 member, please request this when sending in the application.  An opt-out email with link regarding 2024 Service Members’ renewal letters from RSL Qld was circulated yesterday.  If this is not actioned, your Service Members will receive a renewal letter as in the past.
• Training:
  • MMS & SKIP training at SED tomorrow.  We look forward to welcoming all attendees.
  • Governance training at Yeronga Services Club on Tuesday, 31 October and Wednesday, 1 November.
  • Poppy Service training at Maroochydore RSL Club on Wednesday, 1 November.

More information can be found in the Training section below.

DVA Update

Tara Hatzismalis, Deputy Commissioner QLD at Australian Government and Assistant Secretary, Processing from Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) gave a presentation at the Council meeting on 5 October.  This included updates on matters such as The Royal Commission in Defence and Veterans’ Suicides, Legislation Reform, Claims’ Backlog, GPs and White/Gold Cards and ATDP.  If you would like a copy of the presentation notes, please let us know.

Grants

Please see the attached upcoming grant opportunities and Debby Scott-Ranson is happy to help, if required.

Remembrance Day Merchandise Reimbursements

If you have ordered Remembrance Day merchandise from any source other than the BrandNet RSL Queensland shop (merchandise portal), it can be reimbursed by RSL Qld by using the forms on SKIP: Merchandise Reimbursement

Eligible invoice dates are between 26 April 2023 and 11 November 2023 and the deadline for submitting

Sub Branch deadline: COB 31.01.2024 – To submit claims.

District Team deadline: COB 07.02.2024 – To submit all documentation to State.

TRAINING – We look be grateful if all WSO training attendees could complete and submit their feedback form as soon as possible please.  These were circulated a fortnight ago.

MMS / SKIP: The last group session for the year is being held here tomorrow.  If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training, please let us know.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD

• Date: Tuesday, 31 October – Wednesday, 1 November

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (unfortunately there is no on-line option available)
• Sandwich lunch will be provided
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD

Poppy Service Training (organised by SCD)

• Date: Wednesday, 1 November 2023
• Time: 9:00am–12:00pm
• Venue: Maroochydore RSL Club, 105 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

Mental Health: Open Arms delivers mental health training to any volunteers in the veteran community.  More information can be found here: Open Arms partners with RSL to deliver mental health training | Open Arms and here: Suicide intervention and mental health literacy workshops | Open Arms

Other Updates

• The last Branch Bulletin and Member Update issues for the year will be circulated respectively on 7 December and 13 December and these will start again at the end of January 2024.
• New Life Member cards will be posted at the end of the month.
• Bespoke mobile lecterns can be ordered through Talk Audio Visual.  Please email: info@talkaudiovisual.com.au for more information.

We look forward to seeing as many Sub Branches as possible between 10:00am and 4:00pm this Saturday, 14^th October at the Western Districts Rugby Football Club, 65 Memorial Park, Sylvan Rd Toowong for the inaugural RSL Community Family Day and a big thank you to all those involved in setting up this event.

We are very grateful for some last-minute Sub Branch support for RSL Qld’s Active Life event last Saturday at Riverlife.  Please see the photos, one showing a 78 year old veteran abseiling down Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

Thanks also go to all those who helped distribute the WSO training certificates last week and we look forward to receiving completed feedback forms as soon as possible please.

Gentle Reminders

• COF: Please use this email address: cof@rslsouthqueensland.org for all COF correspondence.

• Veterans’ Health Week (VHW): runs until Sunday, 15^th October.
• Training Deadlines for RSVPs:
  • MMS & SKIP training at SED on 20^th October is Friday, 13^th October.
  • Governance training at Yeronga Services Club on Tuesday, 31^st October and Wednesday, 1^st November is Monday, 16^th October.
  • Poppy Service training at Maroochydore RSL Club on Wednesday, 1^st November is Tuesday, 17^th October.

More information can be found in the Training section below.

• Public Liability Insurance Program Opt-In for Sub Branches: deadline is Friday, 27^th October.
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 6^th November for Board Meeting on Wednesday, 15^th November.
• Remembrance Day Services: 11^th November – if you haven’t done so already, we would be grateful if you could add your events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com) to join 43 other events currently listed.  Also, Remembrance Day Sub Branch resources can be found here: Remembrance Day Sub Branch Resources 2023 (sharepoint.com) and, as discussed at a recent Council meeting, please respect the boundaries of other Sub Branches for on-street fundraising; and negotiate as required.
• President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon: 11.30am for 12 noon on Wednesday, 29^th November at Events on Oxlade.

• Membership Renewals 2024: the renewals window opens on Friday, 1^st December.   Any new member applications received by Memberships from 1^st November 2023 will be processed as a 2024 member automatically.  If you would like any new member applications received between now and 1^st November to be processed as a 2024 member, please request this when sending in the application.  Please look out for an opt-out email and link regarding 2024 Service Members’ renewal letters from RSL Qld, due to be circulated next week.  If this is not actioned, Service Members will receive a renewal letter as in the past.

ANZAC House Remembrance Day Event

• As mentioned in last week’s update, the RSL Qld Commemorations Team would like to invite a handful of Veterans to attend the ANZAC House Remembrance Day event for the children of RSL Qld staff to meet a Veteran and work together on Remembrance Day related arts and crafts.  This event will coincide with an all-staff catch-up live stream with speech from Rob Skoda and interviews with children.  We know you are busy, but if you know of any willing volunteers who would like to attend this event and are happy to inspire children with their service stories, please let us know.  The details are as follows:
• When: Thursday 9^th November
• Time: 9.00am – 11.00am (arrival before start time)
• Location: ANZAC House – Level 1
• Activities: Kids’ craft activities, draw to remember, poppy wreath station
• Provided: Morning tea

Camper Trailer

Provisionally offered to Manly-Lota; At HMAS Moreton, the District is currently storing a custom-made camper trailer donated by Nerang Sub Branch in 2021.  It is being offered to a Sub Branch who can make use of it.  Please call Scott Mackie, Facilities Officer on 07 3358 3361 if you are interested.

TRAINING – Thank you for your interest in the sessions below and please save these dates in your diaries:

MMS / SKIP  

SED

• Date: Friday, 20^th October
• Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
• Venue: Training Room, SED
• Trainers: Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: COB Friday, 13^th October

Additional one-to-one sessions have also been organised for individuals.  If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training or joining any of the above sessions, please let us know.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD (current format to change next year so we encourage all executives to attend this helpful session)

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (and on-line for those far-reaching Sub Branches but face-to-face is recommended)
• Lunch will be provided
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Poppy Service Training (organised by SCD)

• Date: Wednesday, 1^st November 2023
• Time: 9:00am–12:00pm
• Venue: Maroochydore RSL Club, 105 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore
• RSVP – For planning and catering purposes at your earliest convenience before Tuesday, 17^th October at sc@rslqld.org

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

Mental Health

Open Arms delivers mental health training to any volunteers in the veteran community.  More information can be found here: Open Arms partners with RSL to deliver mental health training | Open Arms and here: Suicide intervention and mental health literacy workshops | Open Arms

Beersheba Day

Mapleton RSL Sub Branch would be pleased if you would kindly circulate the attached flyer to your members.  Current and ex-service men and women are warmly invited to participate in the march.

Other Updates

More information can be found in today’s Branch Bulletin and just a few other updates:

• An official review of the Managed IT roll out has commenced and feedback and input will be welcomed from Sub Branches.
• A poppy delivery is due at SED soon.  If you require some for use at poppy services please let us know.
• Hospital packs are also due at SED soon.
• Memberships’ challenge coins will arrive at the beginning of November.
• There is a known issue with MMS and Helpdesk are working on solving the problem.
• The Remembrance Day campaign will start on 22^nd October.  Please enter your Sub Branch events on SKIP preferably before this date.
• Marketing question: what is your preferred day of the week and time to join an on-line seminar? Eg 6pm on a Tuesday.

We hope this is helpful and not too long 😊

Judy Alterator touched based with Steve Monteath earlier in the week who is travelling well and the results of the last fortnight’s tests will be confirmed next week. 

As the date draws closer, we hope to see as many of the District’s Sub Branch pop up banners and marquees as possible please between 10:00am and 4:00pm on Saturday, 14^th October at the Western Districts Rugby Football Club, 65 Memorial Park, Sylvan Rd Toowong for the inaugural RSL Community Family Day.  The flyer is attached and we would be grateful if you could help to spread the word.

Certificates for the recent WSO training at Sunnybank on Tuesday, 19^th September will be given to Delegates this evening to pass on to their Sub Branch Secretary.  We would be grateful if Secretaries could organise the safe distribution of these certificates to all WSO training attendees please.

Gentle Reminders

• Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Foundation Military Dinner: 7.00pm on Friday, 6^th October at Customs House with Guest Speaker Brig Craig Schramm CSC.  Event registration: Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Foundation Military Dinner Tickets, Fri 06/10/2023 at 7:00 pm | Eventbrite

• Abseiling Experience, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane: This is a great opportunity to connect Veterans to a Sub Branch and there will be two sessions held between 9.30am and 1.00pm on Saturday, 7^th October at Riverlife, Naval Stores, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Drive, Kangaroo Point.  If you have any members who are interested in attending, the contact is: Hannah Bailey, Partnerships Officer, Mob: 0498 751 402 or partnerships@rslqld.org and for more information, please click on this link: https://www.rslqld.org/whats-on/active-lifestyles-abseiling-kayaking-kangaroo-point .
• Bulimba District’s Mental Wellness Day: Sunday, 8^th October between 10.00am and 2.00pm at Bulimba Memorial Bowls Club, 6 Quinn Street, Balmoral.  Presentations by Dr Andrew Cronin; Tara Hatzismalis, Deputy Commissioner DVA QLD; and Defence Service Homes Insurance will be followed by a free BBQ lunch and Bare Foot Bowls.

• Veterans’ Health Week (VHW): is between 8^th–15^th October and is centered around the theme, Mental Wellness Matters.  The theme aims to promote good health and wellbeing in every-day life for veterans and families, and shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health.  For more information visit the dedicated VHW SKIP page and the DVA website.  Please note that DVA’s Heart Health Program is open to all individuals.  If your Sub Branch wishes to organise an event, please remember to enter it on SKIP via this link: Events (sharepoint.com) and it will be shared to the wider public on the RSL Qld website.

• Training Deadlines for RSVPs:
  • MMS & SKIP training at SED on 20^th October is Friday, 13^th October
  • Governance training at Yeronga Services Club on Tuesday, 31^st October and Wednesday, 1^st November is Monday, 16^th October
  • Poppy Service training at Maroochydore RSL Club on Wednesday, 1^st November is Tuesday, 17^th October

Please see Training section below.

• Public Liability Insurance Program Opt-In for Sub Branches: deadline is Friday, 27^th October.
• COF Cut Off Date: Monday, 6^th November for Board Meeting on Wednessday, 15^th November.
• Remembrance Day Services: 11^th November – if you haven’t done so already, we would be grateful if you could add your events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com).  Also, Remembrance Day Sub Branch resources can be found here: Remembrance Day Sub Branch Resources 2023 (sharepoint.com) and, as discussed in recent Council meetings, please respect the boundaries of other Sub Branches for on-street fundraising and negotiate, as required.

• Membership Renewals 2024: the renewals window opens on Friday, 1^st December.   Any new member applications received by Memberships from 1^st November 2023 will be processed as a 2024 member automatically.  If you would like any new member applications received between now and 1^st November to be processed as a 2024 member, please request this when sending in their application.
• RSL Ties & Scarves: Further to last week’s update regarding a coin replacement for the current new Service Member’s tie or scarf, the small remaining supply of ties and scarves can only be provided to Service Members.  Please let us know if you have any requests.

President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon

The President’s & Life Members’ Luncheon will be held at 11.30am for 12 noon on Wednesday, 29^th November at Events on Oxlade and invitations will be circulated early next week.

ANZAC House Remembrance Day Event

• The RSL Qld Commemorations Team would like to invite a handful of Veterans to attend the ANZAC House Remembrance Day event for the children of RSL Qld staff to meet a Veteran and work together on Remembrance Day related arts and crafts.  This event will coincide with an all-staff catch-up live stream with speech from Rob Skoda and interviews with children.  We know you are busy, but if you know of any willing volunteers who are able to attend this event and are happy to inspire children with their service stories, please let us know and the details are as follows:
• When: Thursday 9^th November
• Time: 9.00am – 11.00am (arrival before start time)
• Location: ANZAC House – Level 1
• Activities: Kids’ craft activities, draw to remember, poppy wreath station
• Provided: Morning tea

Defence Requests for Commemoration Days

Please remember to submit your Defence and Cadet ceremonial support requests as soon as possible for Remembrance Day 2023 via the Australian Defence Force (ADF) ceremonial support website.

TRAINING – Thank you for your interest in the sessions below and please save these dates in your diaries:

MMS / SKIP (From Tuesday, 3^rd October MMS will have a new look as the colouring and some of the formatting will change)

Russell Island

• Date: Friday, 6^th October
• Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
• Venue: Russell Island RSL Club
• Trainers: Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: COB Friday, 29^th September

SED

• Date: Friday, 20^th October
• Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
• Venue: Training Room, SED
• Trainers: Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: COB Friday, 13^th October

Additional one-to-one sessions have also been organised for individuals.  If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training or joining any of the above sessions, please let us know.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD (current format to change next year so we encourage all executives to attend this helpful session)

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (and on-line for those far-reaching Sub Branches but face-to-face is recommended)
• Lunch will be provided
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Poppy Service Training (organised by SCD)

• Date: Wednesday, 1^st November 2023
• Time: 9:00am–12:00pm
• Venue: Maroochydore RSL Club, 105 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore
• RSVP – For planning and catering purposes at your earliest convenience before Tuesday, 17^th October at sc@rslqld.org

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

Mental Health

Open Arms delivers mental health training to any volunteers in the veteran community.  More information can be found here: Open Arms partners with RSL to deliver mental health training | Open Arms and here: Suicide intervention and mental health literacy workshops | Open Arms

Finally, we look forward to seeing as many Council Delegates as possible at this evening’s meeting commencing with a presentation from Tara Hatzismalis, Deputy Commissioner DVA QLD at 6.00pm in SED’s Training Room.

As circulated earlier today to Sub Branch Presidents and Secretaries, it was with a heavy heart that last Friday Kerry accepted Steve Monteath’s resignation as Board Member, SED Wellbeing Advocate and Sub Branch Mentor.  This was on strong medical advice in order for Steve to undertake a strict health regime for the foreseeable future.  He will be sorely missed here at SED and we wish him all the very best for a speedy recovery.

On a slightly lighter note, on Saturday, 23^rd September, Toowong RSL Sub Branch and The Australian Remembrance Army held an official plaque unveiling ceremony to honour 301 WWI veterans whose unmarked graves have recently been identified at Lutwyche Cemetery on the north side of Brisbane. Peter Gow, Toowong Sub Branch President is featured in the photo attached.  More information can be found in the following links:

Online story – read here.

TV story – watch here.

Radio story – listen here.

We hope that you have the RSL Community Family Day firmly in your diaries for 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday, 14^th October (more details can be found under Gentle Reminders) and we hope to see as many of the District’s Sub Branch pop up banners and marquees as possible please.  It promises to be a fun, family day for all ages.

Gentle Reminders

• 2023 Draw to Remember Packs (for those who registered): due to arrive by Tuesday, 3^rd October and the details can be found here: Draw to Remember (sharepoint.com)
• Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Foundation Military Dinner: 7.00pm on Friday, 6^th October at Customs House with Guest Speaker Brig Craig Schramm CSC.  Event registration: Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Foundation Military Dinner Tickets, Fri 06/10/2023 at 7:00 pm | Eventbrite

• Abseiling Experience, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane: This is a great opportunity to connect Veterans to a Sub Branch and there will be two sessions held between 9.30am and 1.00pm on Saturday, 7^th October at Riverlife, Naval Stores, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Drive, Kangaroo Point.  If you have any members who are interested in attending, the contact is: Hannah Bailey, Partnerships Officer, Mob: 0498 751 402 or partnerships@rslqld.org and for more information, please click on this link: https://www.rslqld.org/whats-on/active-lifestyles-abseiling-kayaking-kangaroo-point .

• Veterans’ Health Week (VHW): is between 8^th–15^th October and is centered around the theme, Mental Wellness Matters.  The theme aims to promote good health and wellbeing in every-day life for veterans and families, and shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health.  For more information visit the dedicated VHW SKIP page and the DVA website.  Please note that DVA’s Heart Health Program is open to all individuals.  If your Sub Branch wishes to organise an event, please remember to enter it on SKIP via this link: Events (sharepoint.com) and it will be shared to the wider public on the RSL Qld website.
• RSL Community Family Day: 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday 14^th October at the Western Districts Rugby Football Club, 65 Memorial Park, Sylvan Rd Toowong.  We hope to see as many Sub Branches attend with their marquees and pop-up banners as possible; and, if you are planning to attend, RSL Qld would be very grateful for any photos of the day please.  If you haven’t seen it previously, the flyer is attached.
• Public Liability Insurance Program Opt-In for Sub Branches: Thank you to those Sub Branches who have already responded.  To opt-in to the RSL Queensland Public Liability Insurance Program, Sub Branches can either complete the digital form on the Public Liability Insurance Program SKIP page: Public Liability Insurance Program (sharepoint.com) or print out and complete the form attached (this form can also be downloaded from the SKIP page).  If you choose the printable form option, please email it to: insurance@rslqld.org with a copy to this office please: admin@rslsouthqueensland.org by Friday, 27^th October.  Please note that this will be the last year of the opt-in process.  Moving forward all eligible Sub Branches who have opted-in this year will be automatically included in the Public Liability Insurance Program each year unless you ask to be removed.  Please note that Sub Branches can be added to, or removed from, the cover at any time during the year.
• Remembrance Day Services: 11^th November – if you haven’t done so already, we would be grateful if you could add your events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com).  Also, Remembrance Day Sub Branch resources can be found here: Remembrance Day Sub Branch Resources 2023 (sharepoint.com)
• Membership Renewals 2024: the renewals window opens on Friday, 1^st December so this is an ideal time to reach out to your Members to confirm that their details are correct on MMS please.  MMS training is available, if required so please see the training section below.  This SKIP page: 2024 Membership Renewals (sharepoint.com) has further information and any feedback would be gratefully received.

Bulimba District’s Mental Wellness Day

Please see the attached flyer for details of Bulimba District’s Mental Wellness Day on Sunday, 8^th October between 10.00am and 2.00pm at Bulimba Memorial Bowls Club, 6 Quinn Street, Balmoral.  Presentations by Dr Andrew Cronin; Tara Hatzismalis, Deputy Commissioner DVA QLD; and Defence Service Homes Insurance will be followed by a free BBQ lunch and Bare Foot Bowls.

TRAINING – Thank you for your interest in the sessions below and please save these dates in your diaries:

MMS / SKIP (From Tuesday, 3^rd October MMS will have a new look as the colouring and some of the formatting will change)

Russell Island

• Date: Friday, 6^th October
• Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
• Venue: Russell Island RSL Club
• Trainers: Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: COB Friday, 29^th September

SED

• Date: Friday, 20^th October
• Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
• Venue: Training Room, SED
• Trainers: Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: COB Friday, 13^th October

Additional one-to-one sessions have also been organised for individuals.  If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training or joining any of the above sessions, please let us know.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD (current format to change next year so we encourage all executives to attend this helpful session)

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (and on-line for those far-reaching Sub Branches but face-to-face is recommended)
• Lunch will be provided
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Poppy Service Training (organised by SCD)

• Date: Wednesday, 1^st November 2023
• Time: 9:00am–12:00pm
• Venue: Maroochydore RSL Club, 105 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore
• RSVP – For planning and catering purposes at your earliest convenience before Tuesday, 17^th October at sc@rslqld.org

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

Mental Health

Open Arms delivers mental health training to any volunteers in the veteran community.  More information can be found here: Open Arms partners with RSL to deliver mental health training | Open Arms and here: Suicide intervention and mental health literacy workshops | Open Arms

Coming Soon

• A coin will replace the current new Service Member’s tie or scarf (please let us know if you would like tie or scarf for any of your members as supplies are limited).
• Further to obtaining PBI status, the PBI Objectives will be available on SKIP shortly.

Vale

Sadly, Mary Lacey from City-New Farm Sub Branch passed away on Tuesday, 26 September.  Mary served in the Navy, was Secretary of Navy League and Secretary of Royal United Service Institute (RUSI).  Her funeral details are as follows:

Time: 9.00am

Date: Wednesday, 4 October

Venue: Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 198 Bay Terrace, Wynnum 4178

For more details please contact: Judith Munday OAM at judesm@bigpond.net.au

Also, please see below live stream link, which has been supplied by the Marketing team, for the funeral of Kevin Byrne (former Mayor of Cairns and Sub Branch Member) from 10:00am on Friday, 29 September if you would like to virtually attend:

https://livestream.com/rapidspin/kevinbyrne

Finally, we look forward to seeing as many Council Delegates as possible at next Thursday’s meeting at 6.00pm at SED which will commence with a presentation from Tara Hatzismalis, Deputy Commissioner DVA QLD.  The documents were circulated earlier today.

Thank you to all those who took time out for training sessions this week and we hope you found it useful.  Unfortunately, we do not have a photo of the MMS & SKIP session held on Sunday after the Zone meeting at Beerwah Sub Branch, but we have attached two photos of the WSO training session held at Sunnybank Sub Branch on Tuesday.  This was Steve Monteath’s initiative and he was sorely missed, but it was well attended and informative.  We are very grateful to Steve for all his hard work in the background, to Sunnybank for hosting it and to Bob Ikin and Darren Sapwell from GCD for conducting it.

The update on Steve, post his specialists’ appointments last week, is that he is doing well on medications and will be monitored for the next 6 months.  Steve thanks everyone for their well wishes and he has a long and slow recovery period.

Gentle Reminders

• 2023 Draw to Remember: for those who registered, the details can be found here: Draw to Remember (sharepoint.com) and an email was circulated last Friday regarding the digital pack assets and further information and timings.  School visits are recommended between 3^rd and 13^th October, and Show & Tells between 6^th and 10^th November.  Printed documentation will be circulated on Monday, 25^th September and coloured chalk packs (4 different colours) will be available to collect from SED on Thursday, 5^th October.  60 Sub Branches and 190 schools are involved with this project.

• Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Foundation Military Dinner: 7.00pm on Friday, 6^th October at Customs House with Guest Speaker Brig Craig Schramm CSC.  Event registration: Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Foundation Military Dinner Tickets, Fri 06/10/2023 at 7:00 pm | Eventbrite

• Abseiling Experience, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane: This is a great opportunity to connect Veterans to a Sub Branch and there will be two sessions held between 9.30am and 1.00pm on Saturday, 7^th October at Riverlife, Naval Stores, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Drive, Kangaroo Point.  If you have any members who are interested in attending, the contact is: Hannah Bailey, Partnerships Officer, Mob: 0498 751 402 or partnerships@rslqld.org and for more information, please click on this link: https://www.rslqld.org/whats-on/active-lifestyles-abseiling-kayaking-kangaroo-point .

• Veterans’ Health Week (VHW): is between 8^th – 15^th October and is centered around the theme, Mental Wellness Matters.  The theme aims to promote good health and wellbeing in every-day life for veterans and families, and shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health.  For more information visit the dedicated VHW SKIP page and the DVA website.  Please note that DVA’s Heart Health Program is open to all individuals.  If your Sub Branch wishes to organise an event, please remember to enter it on SKIP via this link: Events (sharepoint.com) and it will be shared to the wider public on the RSL Qld website.
• RSL Community Family Day: 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday 14^th October at the Western Districts Rugby Football Club, 65 Memorial Park, Sylvan Rd Toowong.  We hope to see as many Sub Branches attend with their marquees and pop-up banners as possible; and, if you are planning to attend, RSL Qld would be very grateful for any photos of the day please.  If you haven’t seen it previously, the flyer is attached.
• Public Liability Insurance Program Opt-In for Sub Branches: Thank you to those Sub Branches who have already responded.  To opt-in to the RSL Queensland Public Liability Insurance Program, Sub Branches can either complete the digital form on the Public Liability Insurance Program SKIP page: Public Liability Insurance Program (sharepoint.com) or print out and complete the form attached (this form can also be downloaded from the SKIP page).  If you choose the printable form option, please email it to: insurance@rslqld.org with a copy to this office please: admin@rslsouthqueensland.org by Friday, 27^th October.  Please note that this will be the last year of the opt-in process.  Moving forward all eligible Sub Branches who have opted-in this year will be automatically included in the Public Liability Insurance Program each year unless you ask to be removed.  Please note that Sub Branches can be added to, or removed from, the cover at any time during the year.
• Remembrance Day Services: 11^th November – we would be grateful if you could add your events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com)
• Membership Renewals 2024: the renewals window opens on Friday, 1^st December so this is an ideal time to reach out to your Members to confirm that their details are correct on MMS please.  MMS training is available, if required.  Please see the training section below.

Clause 5.2 of Sub Branch Model Constitution

If you have requirements under clause 5.2 of your Sub Branch Model Constitution to be approved by District and then RSL Qld, please see this new page on SKIP: Clause 5.2 (sharepoint.com) and download the documents.  These provide clear direction and expectation of the Sub Branch, District and State Branch.

Volunteers Accident Insurance

This was discussed at the WSO training session on Tuesday and information has just been uploaded to SKIP: Volunteers Accident Insurance (sharepoint.com).  If you have any queries, please contact: insurance@rslqld.org .

Grants

Please see the attachment for upcoming grant opportunities.

TRAINING – Thank you for your interest in the sessions below and please save these dates in your diaries:

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (and on-line for those far-reaching Sub Branches but face-to-face is recommended)
• Lunch will be provided
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

MMS / SKIP

Russell Island

• Date: Friday, 6^th October
• Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
• Venue: Russell Island RSL Club
• Trainers: Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: COB Friday, 29^th September

SED

• Date: Friday, 20^th October
• Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
• Venue: Training Room, SED
• Trainers: Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: COB Friday, 13^th October

Additional one-to-one sessions have also been organised for individuals.  If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training or joining any of the above sessions, please let us know.

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

Mental Health

Open Arms delivers mental health training to any volunteers in the veteran community.  More information can be found here: Open Arms partners with RSL to deliver mental health training | Open Arms and here: Suicide intervention and mental health literacy workshops | Open Arms

2024 RSL Qld Diaries

The Marketing team are preparing their order for 2024 RSL Qld diaries.  If you have any feedback regarding the current style, please let us know as soon as possible.

King Charles’ Portraits

Thank you for your patience regarding King Charles’ Portraits.  RSL Qld are still waiting to receive confirmation that King Charles will be patron of all RSL Sub Branches.

Lost Medals Australia

If you have any lost medals that need to be returned to their owner, please send them to the address below; and the email address is: llanwarne80@hotmail.com and website is: www.lostmedalsaustralia.com .

LTCOL Glyn Llanwarne

Lost Medals Australia

PO Box 7017, Watson ACT 2602

Finally, please ensure that you have the President’s & Life Members Luncheon in your diaries for 11.30am on Wednesday, 29^th November and invitations will be circulated shortly.

Thank you for your patience while we had training at the beginning of the week and we are doing our best to catch up on emails and messages as quickly as possible.  If we have missed anything urgent, please let us know.

Beaudesert Sub Branch have kindly been keeping us updated regarding Steve Monteath.  He has been busy seeing specialists this week and the results from various tests will assist in their decision as to whether Steve requires either more stints or open-heart surgery.  The last four weeks has been full of anxiety and frustrations for him; and he is appreciative of everyone’s thoughts and messages.

Gentle Reminders

• Grassroots Program: circulated to Sub Branch Secretaries (from RSLA via Jazz Tyrril and this office) on Wednesday, 13^th September.  The Japanese Government has offered two places to join their next Grassroots tour in Japan to descendants of former POWs, scheduled for February / March 2024.  Information and a nomination form are attached and the closing date for applications is this Sunday, 17^th September as nominations need to be received no later than COB 22 September 2023.  We are sorry for the very short notice, but are grateful for your prompt action on this if it is of interest to your members.  Here is a snip from the earlier circulation:

• 2023 Draw to Remember: for those who registered, the details can be found here: Draw to Remember (sharepoint.com) and an email was circulated last Friday regarding the digital pack assets and further information and timings.  School visits are recommended between 3^rd and 13^th October, and Show & Tells between 6^th and 10^th November.  Printed documentation will be circulated on Monday, 25^th September and coloured chalk packs (4 different colours) will be available to collect from SED on Thursday, 5^th October.  60 Sub Branches and 190 schools are involved with this project.
• Abseiling Experience, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane: is on 7^th October and please let us know if you would like to be a representative at this event which will form part of Veterans’ Health Week.  This is a great opportunity to connect Veterans to a Sub Branch.
• Veterans’ Health Week (VHW): is between 8^th – 15^th October and is centered around the theme, Mental Wellness Matters.  The theme aims to promote good health and wellbeing in every-day life for veterans and families, and shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health.  For more information visit the dedicated VHW SKIP page and the DVA website.  Please note that DVA’s Heart Health Program is open to all individuals.  If your Sub Branch wishes to organise an event, please remember to enter it on SKIP via this link: Events (sharepoint.com) and it will be shared to the wider public on the RSL Qld website.
• RSL Community Family Day: 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday 14^th October at the Western Districts Rugby Football Club, 65 Memorial Park, Sylvan Rd Toowong.  We hope to see as many Sub Branches attend with their marquees and pop-up banners as possible; and, if you are planning to attend, RSL Qld would be very grateful for any photos of the day please.
• Public Liability Insurance Program Opt-In for Sub Branches: Thank you to those Sub Branches who have already responded.  To opt-in to the RSL Queensland Public Liability Insurance Program, Sub Branches can either complete the digital form on the Public Liability Insurance Program SKIP page: Public Liability Insurance Program (sharepoint.com) or print out and complete the form attached (this form can also be downloaded from the SKIP page).  If you choose the printable form option, please email it to: insurance@rslqld.org with a copy to this office please: admin@rslsouthqueensland.org by Friday, 27^th October.  Please note that this will be the last year of the opt-in process.  Moving forward all eligible Sub Branches who have opted-in this year will be automatically included in the Public Liability Insurance Program each year unless you ask to be removed.  Please note that Sub Branches can be added to, or removed from, the cover at any time during the year.
• Remembrance Day Services: 11^th November – we would be grateful if you could add your events to SKIP: Events (sharepoint.com)
• Membership Renewals 2024: the renewals window opens on Friday, 1^st December so this is an ideal time to reach out to your Members to confirm that their details are correct on MMS please.  MMS training is available, if required.  Please see the training section below.

Sub Branch Policy Suite

Stephanie Saal, Policy Advisory Coordinator, RSL Qld apologises to all Delegates for not being well enough to present at last Thursday’s meeting and to follow are some briefing bullet points.  Pending SCDP’s approval of the Sub Branch Policy Suite, we hope that Stephanie might be able to give us a quick overview at the December Council meeting.  More information to follow.

• The ACNC recommends that charities and organisations that have a charitable mission implement policies, procedures and guidelines that promote stronger governance.
• Charities and organisations that do not have policies and procedures in place may experience shortfalls in governance and find themselves in trouble from the statutory authorities (OFT, OLGR, ACNC etc).
• Policies and procedures can have varying coverage from governance to compliance, but they all have one thing in common: they promote the principles of transparency, honesty, efficiency and diligence.
• A Sub Branch with policies and procedures is one step closer to being a sustainable, well led Sub Branch by its Board.

TRAINING – Thank you for your interest in the sessions below and please save these dates in your diaries:

Training for Welfare Support Officers

We have had a great response to this session and look forward to seeing all attendees on Tuesday at Sunnybank Sub Branch.  The details are as follows:

• Date: Tuesday, 19^th September
• Time: 9.00am-3.00pm
• Venue: Sunnybank Sub Branch, 19 Gager Street, Sunnybank 4109
• Parking on Gager Street is available for everyone
• Lunch will be provided
• Handbook, note pads and pens will be provided
• Wellbeing Team: Bob Ikin, Darren Sapwell, Eve Lanoux from RSL Qld, Adam Hamilton and team from client care/client support Mental & Social Health DVA

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November 2023

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (and on-line for those far-reaching Sub Branches but face-to-face is recommended)
• Lunch will be provided
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

MMS / SKIP

We look forward to seeing all attendees booked into Sunday’s session at Beerwah Sub Branch and details were circulated yesterday.  We also have further group sessions booked on Russell Island on Friday, 6^th October and at SED on Friday, 20^th October.  Additional one-to-one sessions have also been organised for individuals.  If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training or joining any of the above sessions, please let us know.

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

Veterans Wellbeing Coordination Centre, Greenslopes

Please find the attached a new flyer for the Veterans Wellbeing Coordination Centre at Greenslopes and we would be grateful if you could make this visible in your Sub Branches, where applicable, and circulate it to your members.

Board Talking Points (from Branch Bulletin)

The August 2023 Board Talking Points have been uploaded to a SKIP page and can be found here: Board Talking Points (sharepoint.com) .  This page provides details on important matters discussed at RSL Queensland Board Meetings.

District Map

The District Map has now been updated on the SKIP page to reflect the recent name change from Pioneer-Fitzroy-Highlands to Central Queensland.  The map will be printed again in the new year and should be available to collect from this office.

Finally, please remember to submit your Defence and Cadet ceremonial support requests as soon as possible for Remembrance Day 2023.

We appreciate the efforts of all our volunteers.

Have a great weekend. We hope this is helpful and please let us know if you have any queries.

Kind regards

Julia and Annie

Rob Skoda, CEO announced yesterday that RSL Qld has obtained PBI status and that RSL Qld has been approved as a Not for Profit organisation.  No doubt more news on this will be published in the next Branch Bulletin.

Gentle Reminders

• 2023 Draw to Remember: for those who registered before Wednesday’s deadline, the details can be found here: Draw to Remember.  School visits are recommended between 3^rd and 13^th October, and Show & Tells between 6^th and 10^th November.  Printed documentation will be circulated on Monday, 25^th September and coloured chalk packs (4 different colours) will be available to collect from SED on Thursday, 5^th October.

• Veteran Games: Registrations close: 8^th September – The inaugural Veteran Games will take place on the Gold Coast with Veteran Heats taking place on Saturday, 30^th September and Veteran Finals taking place on Monday, 2^nd October.  Veterans are to compete in teams of 8 (see Member Update for more information or this link: VETERAN GAMES WEBSITE
• 2024 Premier’s ANZAC Prize: Student applications close on Friday, 8^th September.  This once in a lifetime prize provides an opportunity for Queensland students to gain an in-depth understanding of the ANZAC legacy through research, workshops and a visit to the Western Front (UK, France and Belgium).  It is open to all eligible Year 8 to Year 11 Queensland high school students and registered Queensland teachers from both state and non-state schools.  Please visit the website qld.gov.au/anzacprize.
• Abseiling Experience, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane – 7^th October: Please let me know if you would like to be a representative at this event which will form part of Veterans’ Health Week.  This is a great opportunity to connect Veterans to a Sub Branch.
• Veterans’ Health Week (VHW): 8^th – 15^th October and is centered around the theme, Mental Wellness Matters. The theme aims to promote good health and wellbeing in every-day life for veterans and families, and shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health.  Applications for Veterans’ Health Week funding ($720 payment to host an event) are now open and close on Friday, 8^th September.  For more information visit the dedicated VHW SKIP page and the DVA website.  Please note that DVA’s Heart Health Program is open to all individuals.  If your Sub Branch wishes to organise an event, please remember to enter it on SKIP via this link: Events and it will be shared to the wider public on the RSL Qld website.
• RSL Community Family Day: 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday 14^th October at the Western Districts Rugby Football Club, 65 Memorial Park, Sylvan Rd Toowong.  If you are planning to attend, RSL Qld would be very grateful for any photos of the day.
• Remembrance Day Services: 11^th November – please add your events to SKIP: Events
• Membership Renewals 2024: As you will have read in the latest Member Update, the renewals window opens on Friday, 1^st December so this is a good time to ensure that all Members’ details are correct in MMS.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) For Sub Branches: Please reach out to Jennifer Maugham via email at TrainingDeployment@rslqld.org if you have any queries regarding activating your MFA.  This provides an additional layer of security against cyber-attacks and is for everyone accessing any RSL Queensland applications.  ‘How To’ guides and recorded videos are available on this link: Multi Factor Authentication (MFA).

Public Liability Insurance Program Opt-In for Sub Branches

As announced in the Branch Bulletin on Thursday, 31^st August, this year, to opt-in to the RSL Queensland Public Liability Insurance Program, Sub Branches can either complete the digital form on the Public Liability Insurance Program SKIP page: Public Liability Insurance Program  or print out and complete the form attached (this form can also be downloaded from the SKIP page).  If you choose the printable form option, please email it to: insurance@rslqld.org with a copy to this office please: admin@rslsouthqueensland.org .  Thank you to all those who have already actioned this.  The deadline is Friday, 27^th October.  This will be the last year of the opt-in process.  Moving forward all eligible Sub Branches who have opted-in this year will be automatically included in the Public Liability Insurance Program each year unless you ask to be removed.  Sub Branches can be added to, or removed from, the cover at any time during the year.

Update on Board Survival Kits

This publication is currently being reviewed and will possibly have a revamp under a new name: ‘Board Success Kits’.  There will also be a series of webinars on governance issues (videos) available on SKIP.  More information to follow.

Grants

The attached Federal Heritage grant has just reopened. If any of your Sub Branches own heritage listed buildings, then this may work for them.

Could you also please remind all of your Sub Branches that if they want to apply for the final round of the Qld Remembers grant – up to $250K for building related projects, they need to let me know ASAP so that I can get them all done by the closing date 3^rd October.

Lastly, the Gambling fund announced yesterday that the current round has been extended by 2 weeks and will now close 15^th September.

TRAINING – Thank you for your interest in the sessions below and please save these dates in your diaries:

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

Training for Welfare Support Officers

Thank you for your interest in this training and we have had a good response.  The details are as follows:

• Date: Tuesday, 19^th September
• Time: 9.00am-3.00pm
• Venue: Sunnybank Sub Branch, 19 Gager Street, Sunnybank 4109
• Parking on Gager Street is available for everyone
• Lunch will be provided on the day
• Handbook, note pads and pens will be provided
• Wellbeing Team: Bob Ikin, Darren Sapwell, Eve Lanoux from RSL Qld, Adam Hamilton and team from client care/client support Mental & Social Health DVA

This training aims to give awareness on how to assist our Advocates and ESOs and is a great opportunity for SED, RSL Qld and DVA to join in advancing assistance to our Veteran clients and families.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November 2023 (currently 17 attendees)

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (lunch provided)
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

MMS / SKIP

If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training, please let us know as this can be easily organised.  Also, if you are interested in joining us for a Friday session, please let us know.

Training on how to become a Community Referee and Officiator

RSL Qld are offering 10 places for Veterans to complete a fully-funded training package over 1 week in early October to learn how to become a Community Referee and Officiator.  This Program is suitable for medically transitioned Veterans as the training packages and opportunities have been tailored to accommodate past injuries.  If you know of a Veteran who is looking to engage with their local sporting community and learn new skills, please share this opportunity with them: employment/current-roles

R U OK? Day

R U OK? Day is on Thursday, 14^th September and gives an opportunity to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.

Vale

Sadly Wladyslaw “Wally” Sokoluk, Darra & District Sub Branch has recently passed away.  “Wally” was Section Commander 9 section, 3 Platoon, A Company who went to Delta Company’s aid at the Battle of Long Tan on 18^th August 1966 during the Vietnam War.  His funeral details have been circulated separately and are as follows:

Time: 10.00am

Date:  Thursday, 14^th September

Venue: Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church, 36 Broadway St. Woolloongabba (Internment at Mt. Gravatt cemetery)

We look forward to seeing as many Delegates as possible at this evening’s Council meeting and unfortunately Stephanie Saal will not be able to present on policies, as hoped, due to being unwell.

Good afternoon Sub Branch Presidents, Secretaries & Delegates,

Thank you to all those Sub Branches who have already submitted their Christmas hamper nominations.  The link to submit a form can be found in the ‘Gentle Reminders’ section below and, as you are aware, tomorrow is the deadline.

This is just a brief update with some photos attached:

1. Steve Ford, President, Forest Lake & Districts with the cadets after their Vietnam Veterans Day Service.
2. ‘Sammy the Yank’ helping sell merchandise at Forest Lake Shopping Centre.
3. ‘Craig the Kiwi’ also helping sell merchandise at Forest Lake Shopping Centre.
4. MMS and SKIP training in Coorparoo’s Submariners Room on 24^th August.

Gentle Reminders

• Christmas Hampers: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED PLEASE IF NOT ALREADY ACTIONED – Please ensure that your Sub Branch has submitted a nomination form: Christmas Hampers 2023 (sharepoint.com) by Friday, 1^st September and these will be packed in November.
• 2023 Draw to Remember: is open to all primary schools.  Registration is available on-line: Draw to Remember (sharepoint.com) and closes on Wednesday, 6^th September.  School visits are recommended between 3^rd and 13^th October, and Show & Tells between 6^th and 10^th November.  Packs including 4 different coloured chalk will be available to collect from SED on Thursday, 5^th October.

• 2023 Battle for Australia Commemoration Service: to be held at the Battle for Australia memorial, Chermside Historical Precinct on Wednesday, 6^th September (invitations were sent directly to Sub Branches in mid-June by P J O’Keeffe OAM).

• Veteran Games: Registrations close: 8^th September – The inaugural Veteran Games will take place on the Gold Coast with Veteran Heats taking place on Saturday, 30^th September and Veteran Finals taking place on Monday, 2^nd October.  Veterans are to compete in teams of 8 (see Member Update for more information or this link: VETERAN GAMES WEBSITE
• 2024 Premier’s ANZAC Prize: Student applications close on Friday, 8^th September.  This once in a lifetime prize provides an opportunity for Queensland students to gain an in-depth understanding of the ANZAC legacy through research, workshops and a visit to the Western Front (UK, France and Belgium).  It is open to all eligible Year 8 to Year 11 Queensland high school students and registered Queensland teachers from both state and non-state schools.  Please visit the website www.qld.gov.au/anzacprize.
• Abseiling Experience, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane – 7^th October: Please let me know if you would like to be a representative at this event which will form part of Veterans’ Health Week.  This is a great opportunity to connect Veterans to a Sub Branch.
• Veterans’ Health Week (VHW): 8^th – 15^th October and is centered around the theme, Mental Wellness Matters. The theme aims to promote good health and wellbeing in every-day life for veterans and families, and shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health.  Applications for Veterans’ Health Week funding ($720 payment to host an event) are now open and close on Friday, 8^th September.  For more information visit the dedicated VHW SKIP page and the DVA website.  Please note that DVA’s Heart Health Program is open to all individuals.  If your Sub Branch wishes to organise an event, please remember to enter it on SKIP via this link: Events (sharepoint.com) and it will be shared to the wider public on the RSL Qld website.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) For Sub Branches: As you are aware Friday,25^th August was the last day of the grace period for activating your MFA which provides an additional layer of security against cyber-attacks and is for everyone accessing any RSL Queensland applications.  ‘How To’ guides and recorded videos are available on this link: Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) (sharepoint.com).  Please reach out to Jennifer Maugham via email at TrainingDeployment@rslqld.org if you have any queries.

Sub Branch Support of Homeless Veterans

As circulated on Tuesday, 29^th August, please see the attached document, developed by Susan Kellett and the Wellbeing team, regarding providing support to Sub Branches when managing homeless veterans.  It has been updated to reflect recent changes that Open Arms have made to its crisis accommodation process.

TRAINING – Thank you for your interest in the sessions below and please save these dates in your diaries:

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

Training for Welfare Support Officers

• Date: Tuesday, 19^th September
• Time: 9.00am-3.00pm
• Venue: Sunnybank Sub Branch, 19 Gager Street, Sunnybank 4109
• Parking on Gager Street is available for everyone
• Lunch will be provided on the day
• Handbook, note pads and pens will be provided
• Wellbeing Team: Bob Ikin, Darren Sapwell, Eve Lanoux from RSL Qld, Adam Hamilton and team from client care/client support Mental & Social Health DVA
• RSVP: COB Monday, 4^th September

This training is available to all volunteers who wish to assist our Veterans (non-League members included and no former military experience required).  It aims to give awareness on how to assist our Advocates and ESOs and is a great opportunity for SED, RSL Qld and DVA to join in advancing assistance to our Veteran clients and families.  More details to follow.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November 2023 (currently 17 attendees)

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (lunch provided)
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

MMS / SKIP

If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training, please let us know as this can be easily organised.  Also, if you are interested in joining us for a Friday session, please let us know.

Annie’s Visit to the Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre, Stafford

What a wonderful facility, fully funded from Art Union money for veterans and their families to visit.  It’s been designed as a one stop shop where veterans can see Allied Health professionals, Advocates, and get rehabilitation through Mates for Mates and so much more.  It also supports veterans and families with their transition to civilian life.  The open plan layout of the building has been taken to a whole new level of space where connections came be made on every level.  DVA and Open Arms will be leasing the lower level.

We are constantly reminded of the good deeds that are happening in the District.  Recently we heard that Tony Stevenson OAM, President, Salisbury Sub Branch found a homeless civilian sleeping in a nearby park.  Since helping him, Tony has watched his confidence grow from strength to strength every day and he now rides his pushbike 2kms, at least twice a week, from his own unit to help pick up branches, mow the park and do some odd jobs for the Sub Branch.  Tony humbly says: “It’s a two-way street.“

Finally, Defence Service Nurses have recently held their Birthday Luncheon.  Nurses have supported the Australian Military since the Boer War in 1899, with the Army Reserve Nurses.  Post Federation, they became the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) in 1903 as part of the Australian Army Medical Corps.  Next year they will celebrate 125 years of Defence Force nursing.

Good afternoon Sub Branch Presidents, Secretaries & Delegates,

As you will be aware from our email circulated on Monday, Steve Monteath is currently resting and recuperating at home under strict conditions having undergone some major surgery.

We wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.

Thank you to the 11 Sub Branches who attended the informative MMS and SKIP training session yesterday in Coorparoo’s Submariners Room.  Julia took away some learnings which are shared below.

Gentle Reminders

• Remembrance Day Service: If you would like to take up the offer of a professional photographer for this event, please let us know as soon as possible.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) For Sub Branches: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED PLEASE – As today is the last day of the grace period, if you haven’t already done so, please activate your MFA which provides an additional layer of security against cyber-attacks and protects our data.  MFA is for everyone accessing any RSL Queensland applications and ‘How To’ guides and recorded videos are available on this link: Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) (sharepoint.com).  Please reach out to Jennifer Maugham via email at TrainingDeployment@rslqld.org if you have any queries.
• Christmas Hampers: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED PLEASE – Please ensure that your Sub Branch has submitted a nomination form:  Christmas Hampers 2023 (sharepoint.com) by Friday, 1^st September and these will be packed in November.  Only 3 SED Sub Branches have sent in their nomination so far.

• 2023 Battle for Australia Commemoration Service: to be held at the Battle for Australia memorial, Chermside Historical Precinct on Wednesday, 6^th September (invitations were sent directly to Sub Branches in mid-June by P J O’Keeffe OAM).
• Veteran Games: Registrations close: 8^th September – The inaugural Veteran Games will take place on the Gold Coast with Veteran Heats taking place on Saturday, 30^th September and Veteran Finals taking place on Monday, 2^nd October.  Veterans are to compete in teams of 8 (see Member Update for more information or this link: VETERAN GAMES WEBSITE
• 2024 Premier’s ANZAC Prize: Student applications close on Friday, 8^th September.  This once in a lifetime prize provides an opportunity for Queensland students to gain an in-depth understanding of the ANZAC legacy through research, workshops and a visit the Western Front (UK, France and Belgium).  It is open to all eligible Year 8 to Year 11 Queensland high school students and registered Queensland teachers from both state and non-state schools.  Please visit the website www.qld.gov.au/anzacprize.
• 2023 Draw to Remember packs will be available to collect from SED on Thursday, 5^th October.
• Abseiling Experience, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane – 7^th October: Please let me know if you would like to be a representative at this event which will form part of Veterans’ Health Week.  This is a great opportunity to connect Veterans to a Sub Branch.
• Veterans’ Health Week (VHW): This year, Veterans’ Health Week (VHW) is being held from 8^th – 15^th October 2023 and is centered around the theme, Mental Wellness Matters. The theme aims to promote good health and wellbeing in every-day life for veterans and families, and shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health.  Applications for Veterans’ Health Week funding ($720 payment to host an event) are now open and close on Friday, 8^th September.  For more information visit the dedicated VHW SKIP page and the DVA website.  Please note that DVA’s Heart Health Program is open to all individuals.  If your Sub Branch wishes to organise an event, please remember to enter it on SKIP via this link: Events (sharepoint.com) and it will be shared to the wider public on the RSL Qld website.

RSL Community Family Day Flyer

The flyer for this event was circulated to Delegates on Tuesday along with the Council Meeting Minutes and Action Items from July’s Council Meeting.  We would be grateful if you could circulate this flyer far and wide amongst your communities.

RSL SED Veterans Wellbeing Coordination Centre, Greenslopes Private Hospital

Please note that Jasmin Daley has replaced Ellen Aylett as Client Enquiry Officer at the Veterans Wellbeing Coordination Centre at Greenslopes.  Jasmine is available from 10.00am to 2.00pm Monday to Friday and her contact details, if required, are: wellbeing@rslsouthqueensland.org and phone: (07) 3394 7235.  If you know of a Veteran at Greenslopes Hospital who would like a visit, please let Jasmin know their name, Sub Branch and their admission date.

TRAINING – Thank you for your interest in the sessions below and please save these dates in your diaries:

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

Training for Welfare Support Officers

• Date: Tuesday, 19^th September
• Time: 9.00am-3.00pm
• Venue: Sunnybank Sub Branch, 19 Gager Street, Sunnybank 4109
• Trainers: Steve Monteath, Bob Ikin and possibly Eve Lanoux from RSL Qld (supported by Adam Hamilton and Team from client care/client support Mental & Social Health DVA)
• RSVP: COB Monday, 4^th September

This training is available to all volunteers who wish to assist our Veterans (non-League members included and no former military experience required).  It aims to give awareness on how to assist our Advocates and ESOs and is a great opportunity for SED, RSL Qld and DVA to join in advancing assistance to our Veteran clients and families.  More details to follow.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November 2023

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (lunch provided)
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

MMS / SKIP

If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training, please let us know as this can be easily organised.

Grants

Please find attached the latest grant opportunities.  The final round of Qld Remembers has just opened and will close on Tuesday, 3^rd October.  Details of this grant were circulated separately on Wednesday this week.

Membership Cards

As you may be aware, Memberships have been posting out Membership cards to all Members.  The latest batch have been sent to Women’s Auxiliary Members and Life Member cards will follow soon.

Vietnam Veterans Day Services

The Marketing team would be grateful to receive any photos from Vietnam Veterans Day Services that were held last Friday.  Please could you send these, with bullet points of the details, to this office for forwarding on.

Learnings from MMS / SKIP Training

• Memberships can send out up to 5 copies of the RSL News to the family of a recently deceased Member, if requested.
• Nomination forms for Membership Awards can be downloaded from SKIP and helpful videos and criteria details cand be found on SKIP: Membership Awards (sharepoint.com)
• It is important to update the Positions page and complete the ‘end date’ on MMS as this (and the archived) information is required on the Awards’ nomination form.  An ideal time to update this information is after your Sub Branch AGM and / or immediately after a Position change.
• SKIP feedback, questions and suggestions can be found here: Feedback and Requests (sharepoint.com) (along with an option to ‘just give me a box to type in, please’).
• Sub Branch event resources and templates: Sub Branch event resources and templates (sharepoint.com) are very useful but please remember to download the document rather than edit the template.
• Events: Events (sharepoint.com) – ‘website event listing request form’
  • Options for entering a recurring event option and adding your own photos is currently being investigated.
  • The ‘Organiser Email’ has to be a RSL email address.
  • The ‘Organiser Phone’ (which doesn’t get published) has to be different to the ‘Organiser Mobile’.
• It is possible to set up permissions for documents stored in SKIP (Yellow Tab / Document Access Button) and if you would be interested in booking an Advanced training session with Zac, please let us know.

‘Skin Stories Series’ – Exploring the Stories behind Defence Tattoos Further to the last DS update, tattoos have long been a part of defence culture with many veterans decorating their bodies with memories from their time in service.  In a similar vein to the currently touring Australian War Memorial exhibition “Ink In The Lines”, this new series looks to explore the body art of veterans though short form videos to tell the stories behind the skin.  These stories will be intercut with artistic close ups of the tattoos and physical archive photography to add further context to these stories.  RSL Queensland would like to highlight the experiences of featured veterans and encourage conversations among the network to share their stories and connect through shared experience.  This initiative will take place in Q1 next year.  If any of your members are interested in sharing their tattoo story, please contact the Services Marketing team: servicesmarketing@rslqld.org. Book: Moreton Bay Queensland in WW11 (Second Edition) 2022 by Ron Donald Further to our DS Update dated 19th December 2022, Defence Service Nurses wish to publicise this book which has been sponsored by RSL Qld through a COF Grant.  This book, first published in 2005, describes the time when the threat of Japanese invasion of Australia was imminent and tells the personal accounts of the Servicemen and Women who served in the defensive and training installations around Moreton Bay.  Cost: $27.50 and postage will be the same for one book or multiple copies.  All sales and distribution of the book will be through the Books@Stones bookshop: Books@Stones | Brisbane Book Store | Must Do Brisbane All proceeds will be donated to the Vivian Bullwinkel Project to commission and install a sculpture of LTCOL Vivian Bullwinkel in the Memorial Garden of the Australian War Memorial; and will also help fund 21 scholarships for nurses ongoing education.  This is a joint project between the AWM and the Australian College of Nursing Foundation to remember the tireless work Vivian Bullwinkel performed both in the military and civilian Nursing fields of endeavour.  This is a RSL sponsored commemorative project to remind people of a time that should not be forgotten.   The front cover of the book is attached.

Good afternoon Sub Branch Presidents, Secretaries & Delegates,

Firstly, Annie is back 😊

Secondly, we had a beautiful Brisbane blue sky day for Saturday’s Victory in the Pacific commemoration service here at SED and a C-17 Globemaster flew above our heads.  For those of you who didn’t see the Channel 7 afternoon news, please click on this link, here.  There are a few faces you might recognise.

I know several Sub Branches plan to hold a Remembrance Day service this year.  If you would like to take up the offer of a professional photographer please let us know as soon as possible.

Gentle Reminders

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) For Sub Branches: As mentioned in the DS update on Friday, 4^th August, to ensure RSL Queensland is compliant with its cyber security insurance requirements, it is required to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across the network.  MFA is for everyone accessing any RSL Queensland applications and provides an additional layer of security against cyber-attacks and protects our data.  It is being rolled out across SED Sub Branches this week and next week.  ‘How To’ guides and recorded videos are available on SKIP and please reach out to Jennifer Maugham via email at TrainingDeployment@rslqld.org if you have any queries.  For those interested, MFA will be addressed in the first part of MMS / SKIP training on 24^th August at Coorparoo (please see the training section below).

• Vietnam Veterans Day Services: We know that the following Sub Branches are holding services on Friday, 18^th August: Forest Lake & Districts, Greenbank, Kooralbyn, Manly-Lota, National Servicemens, Redlands and Russell Island.  Details of these events and more can be found here: Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2023 | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org)
• 50^th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War: The Australian Government is marking the 50^th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, honouring all who served, culminating in a national commemorative service from 10:00am, on Friday, 18^th August, at the Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra.  If you are eligible and haven’t yet applied for your Vietnam War commemorative medallion and certificate, here is the link: 50th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)

• Christmas Hampers: Please ensure that your Sub Branch has submitted a nomination form by Friday, 1^st September and these will be packed in November.

• 2023 Battle for Australia Commemoration Service: to be held at the Battle for Australia memorial, Chermside Historical Precinct on Wednesday, 6^th September (invitations were sent directly to Sub Branches in mid-June by P J O’Keeffe OAM).
• Veteran Games: Registrations close: 8^th September – The inaugural Veteran Games will take place on the Gold Coast with Veteran Heats taking place on Saturday, 30^th September and Veteran Finals taking place on Monday, 2^nd October.  Veterans are to compete in teams of 8 (see Member Update for more information or this link: VETERAN GAMES WEBSITE
• 2024 Premier’s ANZAC Prize: Student applications close on Friday, 8^th September.  This once in a lifetime prize provides an opportunity for Queensland students to gain an in-depth understanding of the ANZAC legacy through research, workshops and a visit the Western Front (UK, France and Belgium).  It is open to all eligible Year 8 to Year 11 Queensland high school students and registered Queensland teachers from both state and non-state schools.  Please visit the website www.qld.gov.au/anzacprize.
• Veterans’ Health Week (VHW): will run from 8^th – 15^th October and the theme for this year is ‘Mental Wellness Matters’.  The aim is to encourage veterans and veteran families to renew their focus on maintaining good mental health and seeking support when it’s needed.  Ex-service and community organisations can apply for a $720 payment to host an event during Veterans’ Health Week.  Funding applications close on Friday, 8^th September.  If your Sub Branch wishes to organise an event, please remember to enter it on SKIP via this link: Events (sharepoint.com) and more information can be found on the DVA website.
• Abseiling Experience, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane – 7^th October: Please let me know if you would like to be a representative at this event which will form part of Veterans’ Health Week.  This is a great opportunity to connect Veterans to a Sub Branch.

Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation

As you will have read in the Member Update, Australian Defence Force members who served during the Vietnam war have been recognised with the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.  If you or a member of your family served in these units during the Vietnam War, we encourage you to apply for the award in recognition of service during this time.  To find out more and apply, visit the Department of Defence website.

King’s Portraits

A framed portrait of the King will be allocated for each Sub Branch.  These have been held up as the King is required to be photographed in Australian regalia, so an update will be circulated as soon as we have one.  If you require extra copies, the image will be available on SKIP to download.

If your Sub Branch is interested in participating in the 2023 Draw to Remember activity for Schools, information will be posted on SKIP towards the end of this week.  The packs will be available to collect from SED on Thursday, 5^th October.

TRAINING – Thank you for your interest in the sessions below and please save these dates in your diaries:

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

MMS/SKIP

• Date: Thursday, 24^th August (currently 17 attendees)

• Time: 9.00am – 2.30pm (NB: change in start time to accommodate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA))
• Venue: Submariners Room, Coorparoo RSL Club, 45 Holdsworth St, Coorparoo QLD 4151 (lunch provided)
• Trainers: Scott Ellem and Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, charger, mouse, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: ASAP

If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training, please let us know as this can be easily organised.

Training for Welfare Support Officers

• Date: Tuesday, 19^th September (currently 17 attendees)
• Time: 9.00am-3.00pm
• Venue: Sunnybank Sub Branch, 19 Gager Street, Sunnybank 4109
• Trainers: Steve Monteath, Bob Ikin and possibly Eve Lanoux from RSL Qld (supported by Adam Hamilton and Team from client care/client support Mental & Social Health DVA)
• RSVP: COB Monday, 4^th September

This training is available to all volunteers who wish to assist our Veterans (non-League members included and no former military experience required).  It aims to give awareness on how to assist our Advocates and ESOs and is a great opportunity for SED, RSL Qld and DVA to join in advancing assistance to our Veteran clients and families.  More details to follow.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November 2023 (currently 17 attendees)

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (lunch provided)
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

‘Our Community Remembers’ Please click this link for more information on Sunnybank’s ‘Our Community Remembers’ event at 11.00am-1.00pm on Saturday, 2nd September: RSL Queensland | Sunnybank Our Community Remembers 2023 (rslqld.org) Tattoos RSL Qld are running a story on tattoos.  If you know of a member who has an interesting Defence-related story relating to their tattoo(s) which they are willing to share, please let us know.  More information will follow. East Timor| Iraq | Afghanistan ‘Thank you for your Service’ On behalf of Brisbane North District, please find attached an invitation to all current and ex-serving ADF personnel, family and friends to a ‘Thank you for your Service’ service related to East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan at 11.00am on Saturday, 9th September 2023 at Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley RSL Sub Branch.  RSVP to Kathleen Clarke, Secretary, Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley Sub Branch: p | 3216 5258    m | 0497 573 524   e | secretary@geebungrsl.com.au We hope this is helpful and please let us know if you have any queries.

Dear All,

Thank you for all your patience while Annie is away and Scott (Events & Facilities Officer) is now also away and back on Monday, 28^th August.

Gentle Reminders

• Pie and a Pint at Bulimba Bowls Club: at 10.00am to 2.00pm this Sunday, 6^th August
• Victory in the Pacific Commemoration Service: 10.00-11.00am on Saturday, 12^th August at SED and the Governor is due to attend.
• Lord Mayor’s Community Sustainability Grants Program: closes on Monday, 14^th August.
• Environmental Grants Program: closes on Monday, 14^th August.
• Vietnam Veterans Day Services: we know that the following Sub Branches are holding services on Friday, 18^th August: Forest Lake & Districts, Greenbank, Kooralbyn, Manly-Lota and Redlands and the details of these can be found here: Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2023 | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org)
• 50^th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War: The Australian Government is marking the 50^th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, honouring all who served, culminating in a national commemorative service from 10:00am, on Friday, 18^th August, at the Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra.  If you are eligible and haven’t yet applied for your Vietnam War commemorative medallion and certificate, here is the link: 50th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)

• Christmas Hampers: nomination form deadline is Friday, 1^st September.

• 2023 Battle for Australia Commemoration Service: to be held at the Battle for Australia memorial, Chermside Historical Precinct on Wednesday, 6^th September (invitations sent directly to Sub Branches in mid-June by P J O’Keeffe OAM).

• Veteran Games: Registrations close: 8^th September – The inaugural Veteran Games will take place on the Gold Coast with Veteran Heats taking place on Saturday, 30^th September and Veteran Finals taking place on Monday, 2^nd October.  Veterans are to compete in teams of 8 (see Member Update for more information or this link: VETERAN GAMES WEBSITE)
• 2024 Premier’s ANZAC Prize: Student applications close on Friday, 8^th September 2023.  This once in a lifetime prize provides an opportunity for Queensland students to gain an in-depth understanding of the ANZAC legacy through research, workshops and a visit the Western Front (UK, France and Belgium).  It is open to all eligible Year 8 to Year 11 Queensland high school students and registered Queensland teachers from both state and non-state schools.  Please visit the website www.qld.gov.au/anzacprize.

2023 State AGM Draft Minutes

These were endorsed by the RSL Qld Board on Friday, 28^th July and circulated by email on Monday, 31^st July (found at the bottom of the Member Update).  They can be viewed here: 3751897.pdf (mailsnd.com) and the minutes, along with the recording of the AGM, will be uploaded to the RSL Qld website by today, Friday, 4^th August.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) For Sub Branches

As some of you might have read in the Branch Bulletin, cyber security is a hot topic and to ensure RSL Queensland is compliant with its cyber security insurance requirements, it is required to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across the network.  MFA is for everyone accessing any RSL Queensland applications and provides an additional layer of security against cyber-attacks and protects our data.  It is already in place for some users, however, it will be rolled out across the League from August through to September; and SED specifically between 14^th-25^th August.  ‘How To’ guides and recorded videos are available on SKIP and please reach out if you have any queries.  This will be addressed in the first part of MMS / SKIP training on 24^th August at Coorparoo (more details in the training section below).

DVA – Survey for Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

The Department of Defence (Defence) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) are working together to develop a new joint Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (the Strategy). The Strategy will inform the joint approach to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Defence personnel and the veteran community over the next five years.  Hearing directly from members of the veteran community is a critical part of the development of the Strategy.  The purpose of this survey is to seek insights and help ensure the Strategy reflects the needs, priorities, and aspirations of the veteran community.  The survey was circulated to Sub Branches on Tuesday, 1^st August and closes at midnight AEST on Monday, 28^th August 2023.  If you require a re-send, please let me know.

2023 Draw to Remember

If your Sub Branch is interested in participating in the 2023 Draw to Remember activity for Schools, there will be an on-line information session at 11.00am on Tuesday, 15^th August.  This session will be recorded and posted on SKIP, but if you would like to attend, please let me know and I will send the link.

TRAINING – Thank you for your interest in the sessions below and please save these dates in your diaries:

First Aid (St Johns Ambulance): if interested, we would encourage you to find a local provider, claim through COF and run this training at your Sub Branch for your members.

MMS/SKIP

• Date: Thursday, 24^th August (currently 1y attendees)

• Time: 9.00am – 2.30pm (NB: change in start time to accommodate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA))
• Venue: Submariners Room, Coorparoo RSL Club, 45 Holdsworth St, Coorparoo QLD 4151 (lunch provided)
• Trainers: Scott Ellem and Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: COB Monday, 14^th August

If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training, please let us know as this can be easily organised.

Training for Welfare Support Officers

• Date: Tuesday, 19^th September (currently 17 attendees)
• Time: 9.00am-3.00pm
• Venue: Sunnybank Sub Branch, 19 Gager Street, Sunnybank 4109
• Trainers: Steve Monteath, Bob Ikin and possibly Eve Lanoux from RSL Qld (supported by Adam Hamilton and Team from client care/client support Mental & Social Health DVA)
• RSVP: COB Monday, 4^th September

This training is available to all volunteers who wish to assist our Veterans (non-League members included and no former military experience required).  It aims to give awareness on how to assist our Advocates and ESOs and is a great opportunity for SED, RSL Qld and DVA to join in advancing assistance to our Veteran clients and families.  More details to follow.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November 2023 (currently 16 attendees)

• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (lunch provided)
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Veterans’ Health Week (VHW) Please see separate email circulated to Sub Branch Secretaries today.  VHW will run from 8th – 15th October and the theme for this year is ‘Mental Wellness Matters’.  The aim is to encourage veterans and veteran families to renew their focus on maintaining good mental health and seeking support when it’s needed. Ex-service and community organisations can apply for a $720 payment to host an event during Veterans’ Health Week.  Funding applications close on 8 September.  If your Sub Branch wishes to organise an event, please remember to enter it on SKIP via this link: Events (sharepoint.com) and more information can be found on the DVA website. Active Lifestyles – Abseiling Experience – 7 October 2023 Just a heads up for the next Active Lifestyles event in SED.  This is all the details I have so far and more will follow: Kangaroo Point, Brisbane | Abseiling | 7th October Please let me know if you would like to be a representative at this event which will form part of Veterans’ Health Week. Please read the Branch Bulletin for more information on the following and other items: Changes to the Collections Act 1966 Merch Portal Photography poster for events DVA FREE Heart Health Program Vale Maggie Hopcraft sadly passed away on Thursday, 27th July and our thoughts and prayers are with her family.  Maggie was in the first group of 4 nurses to be sent to Vietnam and she also served in New Guinea as well as in Australia.   Her funeral details are as follows: Time: 10.30am Date:  Thursday, 17th August Venue: Redcliffe Cemetery Poppy Service: to be conducted by Ann Martin Council documentation will be circulated as soon as possible and we wish Bulimba Sub Branch all the best for a successful event on Sunday. I hope this is helpful.

Kind regards

Julia

It is just a brief update this week.  Annie is away until Monday, 14^th August and I will respond to all enquiries as soon as possible.

Gentle Reminders

• Growing Regions Grants Program, Round 1: this Government grant is for large regional infrastructure programs and closes on Tuesday, 1^st August.
• Presidents’ Meeting: 6.00pm at SED on Thursday, 3^rd August
• Pie and a Pint at Bulimba Bowls Club: at 10.00am to 2.00pm on Sunday, 6^th August: RSL Queensland | Bulimba District RSL Pie afternoon (rslqld.org)
• Victory in the Pacific Commemoration Service: 10.00-11.00am on Saturday, 12^th August at SED and the Governor is due to attend.
• Lord Mayor’s Community Sustainability Grants Program: closes on Monday, 14^th August.
• Environmental Grants Program: closes on Monday, 14^th August.
• Vietnam Veterans Day Services: we know that the following Sub Branches are holding services on Friday, 18^th August: Forest Lake & Districts, Greenbank, Kooralbyn, Manly-Lota and Redlands and the details of these can be found here: Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2023 | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org)
• 50^th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War: The Australian Government is marking the 50^th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, honouring all who served, culminating in a national commemorative service from 10:00am, on Friday, 18^th August, at the Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra.  If you are eligible and haven’t yet applied for your Vietnam War commemorative medallion and certificate, here is the link: 50th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au) and information on the Veterans’ Vigil on Thursday, 3^rd August can be found here: Vietnam Veterans Vigil Australia 2023 | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org)
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) For Sub Branches will be commencing in August.
• 2023 Battle for Australia Commemoration Service: to be held at the Battle for Australia memorial, Chermside Historical Precinct on Wednesday, 6^th September (invitations sent directly to Sub Branches in mid-June by P J O’Keeffe OAM).

Veteran Games: Registrations close: 8^th September – The inaugural Veteran Games will take place on the Gold Coast with Veteran Heats taking place on Saturday, 30^th September and Veteran Finals taking place on Monday, 2^nd October.  Veterans are to compete in teams of 8 (see Member Update for more information or this link: VETERAN GAMES WEBSITE)

Branch Bulletins and Member Updates

Branch Bulletins are circulated to Sub Branch Presidents and Secretaries; and Member Updates to Service, Social and Non-League members by RSL Qld.  If you are not receiving these publications by email, please check that the details are correct on your Sub Branch and Positions’ pages on MMS.

TRAINING – Please save these dates in your diaries and let us know if you are interested in any of the following:

MMS/SKIP – Two Sessions

Session 1

• Date: Wednesday, 2^nd August (currently 4 attendees)
• Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm
• Venue: SED Training Room, 42 Oxlade Drive, New Farm 4005
• Trainers: Scott Ellem and Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: COB Friday, 28^th July

Session 2

• Date: Thursday, 24^th August (currently 15 attendees)
• Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm
• Venue: Submariners Room, Coorparoo RSL Club, 45 Holdsworth St, Coorparoo QLD 4151 (lunch provided)
• Trainers: Scott Ellem and Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: COB Monday, 14^th August

If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training, please let us know as this can be easily organised.

Training for Welfare Support Officers

• Date: Tuesday, 19^th September (currently 7 attendees)
• Time: TBC
• Venue: Sunnybank Sub Branch, 19 Gager Street, Sunnybank 4109
• Trainers: Steve Monteath, Bob Ikin and possibly Eve Lanoux from RSL Qld (supported by Adam Hamilton and Team from client care/client support Mental & Social Health DVA)
• RSVP: COB Monday, 4^th September

This training is available to all volunteers who wish to assist our Veterans (non-League members included and no former military experience required).  It aims to give awareness on how to assist our Advocates and ESOs and is a great opportunity for SED, RSL Qld and DVA to join in advancing assistance to our Veteran clients and families.  More details to follow.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November 2023
• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (lunch provided)
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

King’s Portraits

More information to follow as soon as possible.

Free TAFE and Apprenticeships

The Queensland Government has committed to provide free TAFE Courses and Apprenticeships for up to 300 veterans transitioning to civilian employment.  For more information on enrolment, please contact Ashleigh on (07) 3244 0155 and further details can be found here.  A list of courses (not exclusive) that are free to Veterans and their families (please ignore the highlighting as it is not relevant).  If a Veteran is interested in a course that is not listed, please advise them to contact the Defence Solutions Team.  Tafe Qld Defence Solutions Project Officers are willing to visit Sub Branches to deliver a presentation.

Christmas Hampers

This year 500 hand-packed hampers will be delivered in time for Christmas to deserving veterans and their families.  35 hampers will be allocated to each District and nomination forms can be found here: Christmas Hampers 2023 (sharepoint.com)

Nomination criteria:

• Recent hardship or loss
• Outstanding dedication to the veteran community
• Recent Life members

Preferably please nominate a Veteran who has not already been a RSL hamper recipient and submit your form by Friday, 1^st September.

There has been lots of activity in the District this week.  Firstly, we would like to join Redlands Sub Branch in congratulating Mr Graeme Roberts-Thomson MVO RFD on his Australian Order of Merit award in the recent King’s Birthday Honours list for service to public administration.  This is a great achievement and please see the attached photo.  Graham was a former member of Coochiemudlo RSL.

Secondly, thank you to all the 29 attendees who spent time this week at SED for the Governance training session and some photos of the break-out groups are attached.  This appears to have been very successful with lots of positive feedback.  Here is a quote from Andy Dennis, Secretary at Bulimba District: “Thanks for co-ordinating the governance training over the last day and a half – I found it useful in identifying what I didn’t know, and what I should know, and now have a bit of a ‘to do list’ to ensure we are compliant and undertaking things as efficiently as we can.”  For those attendees wishing to locate the RSL QLD Constitution and By Laws, here is the link to the RSL Qld Governance website page: Our Corporate Governance Policies | About Us | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org) and the Code of Conduct is available on SKIP: Sub Branch Board Code of Conduct Policy Template.docx (sharepoint.com) .

Micheal Martin FAICD will deliver a similar session at the end of October / beginning of November and Yeronga Dutton Park Sub Branch have kindly agreed to host this.  Further information for your diaries can be found below.

Gentle Reminders

• Volunteering Queensland: The survey will close on Monday, 24^th July.  This was circulated earlier in the week, If you haven’t already completed it, here is the link: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/kP7vCROAQjCr87Ooi9jlQeW?domain=app4.vision6.com.au
• Growing Regions Grants Program, Round 1: this Government grant is for large regional infrastructure programs and closes on Tuesday, 1^st August.
• Pie and a Pint at Bulimba Bowls Club: at 10.00am to 2.00pm on Sunday, 6^th August.
• Lord Mayor’s Community Sustainability Grants Program: closes on Monday, 14^th August.
• Environmental Grants Program: closes on Monday, 14^th August.
• Korean Veterans’ Day: Thursday, 27^th July.
• Victory in the Pacific Commemoration Service: 10.00-11.00am on Saturday, 12^th August at SED.  The Governor is due to attend.
• Vietnam Veterans Day Service: Kooralbyn Valley Sub Branch will be conducting a commemoration service at 11.00am on Friday, 18^th August.  Supporters from other Sub Branches are very welcome to attend.
• 50^th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War: The Australian Government is marking the 50^th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, honouring all who served, culminating in a national commemorative service from 10:00am, on Friday, 18^th August, at the Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra.  If you are eligible and haven’t yet applied for your Vietnam War commemorative medallion and certificate, here is the link: 50th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au) and information on the Veterans’ Vigil on Thursday, 3^rd August can be found here: Vietnam Veterans Vigil Australia 2023 | What’s On | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org)

SED Events Calendar

Please see the updated version of the SED Events Calendar (second half).  This is available on the SED website and here is the link: Event-Calendar-Second-Half-2023

TRAINING – Please save these dates in your diaries and let us know if you are interested in any of the following:

MMS/SKIP – Two Sessions

Session 1

• Date: Wednesday, 2^nd August
• Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm
• Venue: SED Training Room, 42 Oxlade Drive, New Farm 4005
• Trainers: Scott Ellem and Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook, etc
• RSVP: COB Monday, 31^st July

Session 2

• Date: Thursday, 24^th August
• Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm
• Venue: Submariners Room, Coorparoo RSL Club, 45 Holdsworth St, Coorparoo QLD 4151 (catering, including lunch will be available at the Bistro)
• Trainers: Scott Ellem and Karyn Ralph (MMS) & Zac Xenitopoulos (SKIP)
• What to bring: RSL laptop, pen, notebook etc
• RSVP: COB Monday, 14^th August

If you would be interested in one-to-one on-line training, please let us know as this can be easily organised.

Wellbeing

• Date: Tuesday, 19^th September
• Time: TBC
• Venue: Sunnybank Sub Branch, 19 Gager Street, Sunnybank 4109
• Trainers: Steve Monteath, Bob Ikin and possibly Eve Lanoux from RSL Qld
• RSVP: COB Monday, 4^th September

• This training is available to all volunteers and aims to give awareness on how to assist our Advocates and ESOs.  More details to follow.

Governance with Micheal Martin FAICD

• Date: Tuesday, 31^st October – Wednesday, 1^st November 2023
• Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am-1.00pm on Wednesday
• Venue: Yeronga Services Club, 391 Fairfield Road & Kadumba Street, Yeronga 4104 (catering, including lunch will be kindly provided by the Club)
• Trainer: Micheal Martin FAICD
• RSVP: COB Monday, 16^th October

These sessions are highly recommended to all new and current Executives as it provides and refreshes knowledge on how to carry out the vital roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Grants

Also linked is the latest grant report.  If anyone would like assistance, please contact Deborah Scott-Ranson on: 3518 1738 or email: Deborah.Scott-Ranson@rslqld.org

Wattyl Paint Wattyl Australia have agreed to partner with RSL Qld to supply paint FOC to Sub Branches.  3 Sub Branches have been identified to pilot this project this year and there are plans to expand this number in 2024.  If your Sub Branch has an urgent need for paint, please let us know and we will add you to the priority list as Wattyl will not be able to provide paint for every Sub Branch.  This will be actioned on a ‘first come, first served’ basis for the first two Sub Branches that respond.  Unfortunately, this offer does not include the actual painting, only the paint itself, but it will still be a huge saving as a 4L tin is around $100 retail.  Wattyl have also offered the use of their paint consultants to advise on colour choices.  This would need to be done via a video call as they are located in Sydney.  If anyone wants to take advantage of this service as well, please let me know. This project has the potential to become a long term partnership with Wattyl. Requirements: Photos of the Sub Branch buildings Estimate of the quantity of paint required Indication of internal or external paint Branch Bulletin Highlights: RSL QLD support to Sub Branch Boards The support provided by RSL Queensland (RSL QLD) to Sub Branch Boards is aimed at addressing the challenge of attracting members to actively participate in the committees of these Sub Branches.  While acknowledging the difficulty in finding individuals willing to contribute their time and efforts, RSL QLD also recognises the potential to bridge the gap between those willing to assist and the Sub Branches in need of support. To facilitate this connection, RSL QLD has established an Employment Jobs Board, which can be accessed via  the website (hyperlink https://www.rslqld.org/find-help/employment/current-roles). This online platform serves as a hub for volunteers and job seekers looking for opportunities within organisations that require positions to be filled. Specifically, Sub Branches have the opportunity to advertise vacant positions such as Secretary, Director, and Treasurer on this job board, with the intention of finding suitable candidates. By leveraging this jobs portal, RSL QLD acts as a facilitator, bringing together Sub Branches in need of personnel and individuals seeking meaningful roles. Sub Branches are given the autonomy to conduct interviews and select candidates they believe would be the most suitable fit for their specific requirements. If you are a Sub Branch seeking to attract talented individuals to join your ranks, you are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by advertising your available positions on the Jobs Board. To initiate this process, please send an email to leagueservices@rslqld.org and RSL QLD will guide you through the necessary steps. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) For Sub Branches To ensure RSL Queensland is compliant with our cyber security insurance requirements, we are required to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across the network. MFA provides an additional layer of security against cyber-attacks and protects our data. MFA is already in place for some users, however, will be rolled out across the League in August through to September. IT Deployment Officer, Jennifer Maugham will be on hand to provide support to users, and we will also have a number of tools including “how to” guides which are available on SKIP. The rollout of MFA is for everyone accessing any RSL Queensland applications including if you use SKIP or MMS. RSL Sub Branch account users will have 2 weeks to set up MFA once it is turned on.  Post the 2-week timeline they will not be able to login to RSL systems until MFA is set up. Sub Branches will be prompted to provide a second step of authentication after entering their username and password. The second step involves authentication which will require a code to be entered after logging on which they will receive via the Authenticator app. Jennifer Maughman will be the primary contact via mobile 0409 634 080 and email TrainingDeployment@rslqld.org. Associated Incorporation Act Changes from Qld Government continue to take effect In June 2020, several regulation changes began as a result of the Queensland Government reducing the red tape from the Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2020. These changes included: a reduction of duplicated annual reporting to the ACNC, making it optional to use a common seal when executing contracts or documents, ensuring that an elected office-bearer who takes the role of Secretary is 18 years old or above, and general changes to promote better care and diligence of management committees of an AI. Several other changes will need to be considered by a Sub Branch which is an AI from mid-2023, including: Disclosure of Remuneration Incorporated associations will need to disclose, at their annual general meeting, any remuneration and other benefits given to: management committee members relatives of management committee members staff Internal grievance procedures in place An associated incorporation will need to either follow the grievance procedure to be developed in the model rules of their governing body or outline an internal grievance procedure in its own rules. RSL Queensland is currently developing a grievances policy with accompanying procedures which can be adopted by a Sub Branch to comply with the regulation. More details of these changes can be found here. The League Support Services Team and Policy Advisory Coordinator are here to further facilitate discussions for Sub Branches considering these changes. It is recommended that an incorporated association Sub Branch seeks independent financial and legal advice about any changes required. Christmas Hampers This year, the Christmas Spirit Hamper initiative is happening once again.  Sub Branches are invited to nominate veterans from their local area to receive a Christmas Spirit Hamper this December. In particular, those individuals and families who have had a challenging year or who have shown outstanding dedication to the veteran community.  To nominate a veteran from your Sub Branch to receive a 2023 Christmas Spirit Hamper, please complete the nomination form on the dedicated SKIP page.  If you have any queries, please let Annie or me know. Non-Binary Option for Membership Applications Now that Defence allows non-binary, Memberships have introduced ‘unspecified’ as an option in MMS.  However, there is work in progress in the background before the application paperwork can be updated to match and it is hoped to be finalised at the end of 2023/early 2024. Non-League/Social Members Non-League/Social Members are now going to receive the ‘Member Update’ fortnightly by email starting next week. Finally, we hope this is helpful.

We hope this is helpful.