Helping ACT veterans, servicemen and servicewomen since 1927
The Australian Capital Territory Branch was first formed in 1927. We have been providing support and welfare services to veterans, war widows, serving personnel and their dependents since 1953. Our patron is His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC, DSC FTSE.
ANZAC Day - CANBERRA
LATEST NEWS ON INCREASED PARTICIPATION AT THE BANNER PARADE
Good morning, I am contacting you on behalf of the ACT Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia in regards to your registration to parade your unit or group banner in the ACT RSL Parade, to be conducted during the Anzac Day National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial on Sunday 25 April 2021.
As you are aware, due to the ACT Government health restrictions at the time, the ACT RSL made the difficult decision to not hold a traditional march in Canberra this year. After much consideration it was felt that it was the safest option to facilitate a limited parade for up to 200 participants who wished to parade their banners on Anzac Day. Additionally, the Australian War Memorial extended early access to tickets to the National Ceremony to the many veterans who would normally have marched via their Ex-Service Organisations, to allow those unable to participate to still attend the national Anzac Day commemoration. Last week, the ACT Government advised a further easing of the health restrictions, therefore on behalf of the ACT RSL, the Memorial contacted the ACT Chief Health Officer to ascertain if the number of those registered to parade could be increased. I have now been advised that approval has been given for each registered contingent to increase from the banner bearers only, to now having up to 20 members march behind their banner.
I appreciate at this late stage, your members may not be able to attend and may have made alternative arrangements for Anzac Day. However, if you do wish to increase your contingent numbers to up to a maximum 20 members (including banner carriers), would you could please email the Australian War Memorial asap via ceremony@awm.gov.au or call (02) 6206 9813 by midday Friday 23 April so that the Memorial can finalise the planning.
To ensure the parade occurs in a COVID safe manner, all attendees will be required to check in using the Check In CBR app on the day ACT Govt Check In CBR app
All tickets to attend the National Ceremony at the Memorial have been exhausted with attendance limited this year in line with ACT Government health advice. As per the original planning, the Memorial has 200 seats reserved for those carrying the banners. Regrettably, the Memorial will not have seats for any additional participants. However, it is often the Memorial’s experience that some people do not turn up and additional seats may become available on the day – if this is the case, these will be made available to veteran participants. Additionally, once all seats are full, participants can view the ceremony from the periphery of the ceremony area on the large screens. Those who have already booked a ticket to attend will be directed to their seating area at the conclusion of the parade. As always, your members would also be free to depart at the conclusion of the parade.
The fluid nature of change and adaption to the continued changes that COVID-19 has, and continues to present challenges in all aspects of our community however both organisations are committed to enabling the maximum safe level of participation for veterans. I am extremely cognisant of the pressure this late change notification places on you and as President of the ACT Branch of the RSL extend my thanks and gratitude for your understanding and consideration of the above. I do hope that your members will be able to join you in parading your banner once again on Anzac Day.
Yours sincerely, John King President RSL Australian Capital Territory Branch P: +61 0419 698 570 - E: president@actrsl.org.au
NATIONAL CEREMONY
Sunday 25 April 2021 at 10.30 am
For Veteran marcher ticket bookings please refer to the above statement.
Please note tickets will be required for scanned entry on the day, either printed or on your device.
For information on the Banner Parade contact ACT RSL on admin@actrsl.org.au or (02) 9161 7690
ANZAC Veteran’s BANNER Parade APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
The ACT Branch of the RSL will be conducting a Banner Parade for up to 200 registered participants in place of the traditional veterans’ march.
Registration is required in line with ACT Health requirements and will be open until ANZAC Day 2021. Please note, only those who have registered can participate in the parade.
Veterans that would have marched can still be a part of the Anzac Day National Ceremony, with the Australian War Memorial to give priority access to veteran marchers before the public ticket release date.
ANZAC DAY MAPS CANBERRA
Australian War Memorial Parade Ground ANZAC Day 2021
RSL ACT BRANCH ANZAC DAY BANNER PARADE
ORDER
1. Parade Commander and Party
2. Colour Party – ANF/AWE/RAAF and Escorts
3. First World War Banner (AWM)
4. ACT Branch RSL
a. Peacekeeper Sub-Branch RSL
b. Hellenic Sub-Branch RSL
c. Tuggeranong Valley Sub-Branch RSL
5. National Serviceman Association ACT Branch
Second World War
RAAF
6. Royal Australian Air Force – 463 and 467 Lancaster Squadrons
7. Land Rover/s
Korean War
Nil
Malaya /Borneo
ADF
8. National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association
ARA
9. Rifle Company Butterworth
Vietnam War
ADF
10. Vietnam Veterans Federation ACT
RAN
11. HMAS Sydney Association ACT
12. HMAS Perth Association
ARA
13. Australian Army Training Team Vietnam - ACT & NSW
RAAF
14. 2 Squadron Association
15. 9 Squadron RAAF Association
16. Airfield Defence Association
Post 1980 Operations
ADF
17. Multi-National Forces and Observers
ARA
18. 5 RAR Combat Team Charlie
Ex-Service Organisations/Associations/Current Serving
RAN
19. Naval Association of Australia ACT Branch
20. Naval Warfare Officers Association
21. Fleet Air Arm Association
22. Submarines Association of Australia
23. RAN Communications Branch Association
24. Tingira Australia Association
25. WRANS - Naval Women’s Association ACT
ARA
26. Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery Association
27. Royal Australian Engineers Corps Association Canberra
28. Survey Corps Association Canberra
29. Royal Australia Regiment Association
30. 8 Battalion RAR
31. Australian SAS Association
32. Australian Commando Association ACT
33. Australian Intelligence Corps
34. Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Association
35. Australian Defence Force Nursing
36. Royal Australia Ordnance Corps Association
37. Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Association
38. Military Police Association
RAAF
39. Air Force Association ACT Division
40. RAAF Association Wanderers Branch
41. 460 Squadron RAAF
Cadet and Community Groups
42. Legacy Club Canberra
International
43. South African Military Veterans Organisation of Australasia
New in the RSL ACT Shop
Dog Tag USB $20.00 buy one and get 20% of the second purchase. See our ANZAC Appeals merchandise Shop Now tab
All orders are to be taken from the ACT RSL State Branch 02 6260 6344 or email admin@actrsl.org.au.
Card facilities are available.
Collection of merchandise is from RSL ACT Branch or Postage and handling charges apply.
ANZAC DAY - CANBERRA NEWS
Please see latest ANZAC Day news updates in the NEWS section.
Funeral Tributes
Please contact your Sub-Branch to arrange for a service record and a representative to deliver an RSL Tribute for service members and veterans.
LIGHT UP THE DAWN 2021
25 APRIL 2021
This ANZAC Day, RSL invites all Australians to unite safely to honour our nation’s veterans.
Light Up the Dawn was an idea which originated within the Australian community. The RSL supported and promoted the idea across Australia in a year of great challenge and change.
As the sun peeked above the horizon, the country stood united – in uniforms or pyjamas, wearing medals, poppies and sprigs of rosemary – to let Australia’s veterans know that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Given the tremendous community response to this initiative, the RSL will again help Australians come together at 6am on 25 April – in their driveways, on their balconies, or in their living rooms – to commemorate Australia’s deeply held ANZAC traditions.
Show your support and bring your community together this Anzac Day by encouraging neighbours to help you Light Up the Dawn in your street.
FREE LIGHT UP THE DAWN DOWNLOADS
Download these print-at-home posters and invitations to spread the word around your neighbourhood.
Light Up The Dawn Click here
ANZAC Day on the ABC
RSL ACT Commemorates the Centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force
RSL ACT Plaque in Commemoration of the Centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force 1921-2021
Air Marshal Warren McDonald AO CSC addressing the Veterans assembled.
The Ode being recited by our Service Member for Life, Alexander Francis Arnel who is 101 year of age and continues to set the standard. Air Vice Marshal “Mac” Weller AM (Retd) to the right who convened the Commemoration.
Chaplin Wing Commander Gary Whelband dedicating the Commemorative Plaque
Contact
➤ LOCATION
137/81 Constitution Ave, Campbell ACT 2612
✉ mailing address
PO Box 328
Campbell ACT 2612
🕓 Office Hours
Monday to Friday
10:00am - 2:00pm
☎ CONTACT
support manager
(02) 9161 7690 (04) 8899 8381
admin@actrsl.org.au Bunnings Fyshwick and Gungahlin presented with Returned & Services League of Australia Certificates of Appreciation for their Community Support Programs and Donations to Veterans
Above, Suzie accepting the Certificate of Appreciation for Bunnings Fyshwick Branch support and donations to the RSL ACT Branch during 2020
embassy.gov.au/events/anzac-day-2021Dave (L) and Sheryl (R) accepting the Certificate of Appreciation for Bunnings Gungahlin Branch support and donations to the RSL ACT Branch during 2020
SUB BRANCHES
ANZAC DAY - WASHINGTON NEWS
Hi. Everyone, I hope you are well. Join us at 9:00 AM on Sunday, April 25th at the new National World War I Memorial, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC, for the ANZAC Day Memorial Service. NPS Covid requirements are that everyone wear a mask where social distancing is not possible. Additionally, speakers can remove their masks while making their presentation. Location - At this stage, the location of the service at the memorial, will be the small square to the east of the Scrim pool. - https://firstcolors.worldwar1centennial.org/explore/
There is no seating, but there are many steps around the memorial that can double as seats. Parking – There is no reserved parking. I look forward to seeing you at the World War I Memorial Washington DC. Sincerely, David Ward, Honorary Secretary, Washington Sub-branch, Returned & Services League of Australia, 1601 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington DC 20036
WHAT IS ANZAC DAY
Each year on the 25th of April, Australians and New Zealanders come together to commemorate Anzac Day. This date marks the anniversary of the dawn landings by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, known as the ‘Anzacs’, on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey during the first world war. For nine months following the landings, the Anzacs fought with courage and at great human cost. While their military campaign ultimately failed, the Anzac’s service and sacrifice became and remains an enduring feature of the national identities of Australia and New Zealand. The anniversary of the Gallipoli landings is an occasion when Australians and New Zealanders around the world pause to reflect and honor the Anzacs and all other Australians and New Zealanders that have since made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation. * https://usa.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP People visit the newly opened World War I Memorial, April 16, 2021, in Washington, D.C.
VETERAN SUPPORT CENTRES
Our RSL Sub-Branches support various Veteran Support Centres throughout the Australian Capital Territory. Belconnen RSL Sub Branch supports the Veterans Support Centre https://www.vscact.org.au/ operated by the Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation at Page; Woden Valley RSL Sub Branch operates a Veteran Support Centre at Holder https://rslwoden.org.au/veterans-support-centre , and Tuggeranong Valley RSL Sub Branch is in the process of establishing a Veteran Support Centre for the south side of Canberra. Each facility provides Pensions, Advocacy, and Welfare support to assist veterans and their families with Government entitlements. Membership of the RSL is not an essential pre-requisite. RSL services include home, hospital and residential aged care visits, assistance with leisure activities, Day Clubs for senior citizens, welfare and assistance for RSL members who volunteer with community work.
For Pensions and Advocacy assistance email: admin@actrsl.org.au or call 02 9161 7690 for an appointment.
For Welfare assistance email: admin@actrsl.org.au or call 02 9161 7690 for an appointment.
There are many other volunteer services carried out by the RSL membership.
For further information about services, RSL membership or any other queries – please browse this website or phone the Branch Office on 9161 7690.