THERE is confusion within the community about RSL Clubs and RSL sub-branches – indeed, some RSL members and ex-servicemen and women share the confusion.
Warwick RSL sub-branch president John Skinner said this confusion sometimes causes people to become annoyed by not understanding the difference.
“Sub-branches are fundamentally welfare organisations run by volunteers whose core business is the welfare of war veterans and ex-service men and women,” he said.
“We are also involved in organising or arranging memorial services such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, ex-serviceman’s rites at funerals and are, in the main, governed by RSL (Qld) State Branch which is part of the National RSL.
“The RSL nationally is also involved in lobbying governments on behalf of veterans, their pensions and welfare programs and on behalf of defence personnel in pay and entitlements disputes.
“Many of these issues start at the grass roots where sub-branch members see these problems at ground level.
“RSL and service clubs were generally formed by sub-branches but as they became larger and more complex to manage, particularly with the introduction of poker machines, these clubs became not-for-profit community organisations under their own constitutions, run by boards elected by members.
“Very few RSL clubs Australia-wide are managed by sub-branches, our core business is veterans’ welfare.”
Mr Skinner said people sometimes asked why the RSL needed to sell poppies and memorabilia to support its welfare commitments when they are supported by the RSL Club.
“Yes, here in Warwick we are supported by the RSL Services and Citizens Memorial Club, known by everyone as the RSL Club, but the support is in the form of office space within the club, assistance with functions and in many other ways for which we are really grateful,” he said.
“The RSL Club supports many community organisations in the district, there are too many to list and we prefer not to call upon the club’s help when we are capable of helping ourselves by selling memorabilia.
“We also own two low-rent units occupied by veterans or ex-service people and the income from the units allows us to stay ahead of the debt collectors.”
Mr Skinner said the sub-branch office receives phone calls for the RSL Club almost on a daily basis and he often receives calls at home from people who have confused the RSL sub-branch and the RSL Club.
“When travelling away from home, like many people, I eat at the local RSL Club because I am assured of a decent meal at a reasonable cost with friendly service,” he said.
