St Marys RSL sub-Branch

The St Marys sub-Branch of the Returned and Services League is a vibrant and active group which is deeply involved in a variety of community activities in the St Marys district, in addition to providing access to the usual highly skilled welfare and advocacy (pension claims, etc.) assistance to Defence Force members and former ADF personnel (BOTH Regular and Reserve).

 

The St Marys RSL sub-Branch has been in existence since 1929 and, through its members, continues to this day to foster and enhance the ideals and traditions initiated by our founding forefathers for the benefit of Veterans and our community.

The sub-Branch meets at the St Marys Diggers and Band Club, cnr. Mamre Rd and Hall St. St Marys, on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month (except January) at 1830hrs.

Contact the sub-Branch by -

• visiting the sub-Branch office. This is open for business at the St Marys Diggers and Band Club, cnr. Mamre Rd & Hall St. St Marys, on Monday and Thursday 10am till 1pm (phone 0414 557 692). At other times, messages can be left with the Club's reception - these will be responded to at the earliest opportunity.
• Emails may be sent to .
• Mail the Secretary of the sub-Branch at PO Box 3093, St Marys South, NSW 2760.

Wellbeing support for ALL veterans (and partner) is available via qualified Wellbeing Officers and numerous Wellbeing Support Officers. In addition, a comprehensive WELLBEING PROGRAM is jointly conducted by the RSL sub-Branch and the St Marys Veterans Support Centre ('The Train') through the office of the Veterans Support Centre (VSC), with whom the RSL sub-Branch maintains a strong relationship. This service is available to all serving or ex-serving persons, whether they simply served within Australia or whether OR NOT they were involved in any conflict, or served in either the Regular or Reserve Forces.

Advocacy and pension claim activity on behalf of the sub-Branch is also carried out by qualified Pension and Advocacy Officers from the Veterans Support Centre (VSC). This assistance is available to anyone who is currently serving or has previously served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), whether or not they served overseas or in any conflict situation, in either the Regular or Reserve Forces. Pension Officers are available on weekdays by appointment (8am till 1.00pm) in the 'station building' at The Train in the grounds of St Marys Diggers Club.

Why Join our RSL sub-Branch?

Our sub-Branch offers a warm WELCOME and friendship with other like-minded veterans.

While our services and facilities are accessible by any ADF veteran (and their partner), sub-Branch Members receive regular communication about veteran issues, advice and wellbeing activities.

Camaraderie and mateship from like-minded persons is an attraction for most veterans - this is available in abundance via the RSL sub-Branch

Regular emails from the sub-Branch, together with occasional Magazines from RSL NSW and from the VSC, will keep you abreast of veterans' affairs both locally and beyond.

For those who can make it, our monthly 'General Meetings' (2^nd Wednesday, 6.30pm followed by supper, at the St Marys Diggers Club) will keep you up-to-date with events and give you an opportunity to voice your suggestions as well. Those on email who cannot make a meeting, will receive the Meeting Minutes just prior to the next scheduled meeting.

Membership is FREE... just download an 'Service Membership' Application Form from RSL NSW website HERE or call in to the Diggers Club reception or the VSC and ask for a Form for the RSL sub-Branch. Or simply phone the Honorary Secretary (see below) and a form can be sent to you.

Currently, the Executive of the sub-Branch comprises:

1. President, Cyril Law, 0404 559 185
2. Vice Presidents, Brad Siveright and Steve Tolsher
3. Honorary Treasurer, Ted Fish OAM, 02 9834 6793
4. Honorary Secretary, Tony Fryer, 0414 557 692
5. Wellbeing Officers: Bill Peet 0425 206 245 and Sam Vecchio 0418 247 325

Details of past Executive of the sub-Branch can be viewed here.

Each year, St Marys RSL sub-Branch is proud to conduct a number of Commemorative Services, including ANZAC Dawn, Vietnam Veterans, War Widows and Remembrance Day commemorations. Further details can be located HERE.

Latest information on matters associated with the sub-Branch is contained in the Western Outpost News, a publication that issues several times a year.

From time to time, important information becomes available - information of a health & well-being nature, that may be useful in particular to our sub-Branch members. These details can be located here (HERE).

In 2013, the Sub-Branch developed its 'Corridor of Honour' within the St Marys Diggers and Band Club to provide further education and information relating to the history of Australia's involvement in conflicts across the world and to provide a specific focus on local identities and related facilities such as the St Marys Munitions Factory. The Corridor also houses a comprehensive display of military memorabilia. Items, slideshows and wall photos on display throughout the Corridor are changed regularly.

St Marys RSL sub-Branch is very much involved with and supportive of a range of associated organisations. These include:

• St Marys RSL Auxiliary.
• St Marys Veterans Support Centre.
• Governor King Day Club.
• Young Members Group

Other Community Activities and Proud Achievements:

St Marys RSL sub-Branch recognises the importance of exposing school children to Australia's military history and culture and especially such history of a local nature. The sub-Branch endeavours to build and maintain strong relationships with many of the 33 schools within our area. As such, we try to satisfy requests from schools for speakers to address school forums at Anzac and Remembrance Commemoration periods each year. We also maintain a scholarship program that has existed for 20+ years, designed to assist and encourage successful Year 10 students at several schools to enhance their senior high school education.