March 2026 Newsletter

Lest We Forget - those who have served and those who have died

Auxiliary Coordinator Cheryl Hewitt was invited to represent the sub-Branch at an afternoon tea reception held at NSW Government House Sydney on the 2nd February to thank RSL Auxiliaries across the state for their volunteer efforts in supporting veterans and their families. Cheryl reports that the reception was very well attended, the gardens and lawns were beautiful, a lovely quilt was on display, and the scones and cake were of course very nice, but the Auxiliary afternoon teas could certainly compete!

Annual General Meeting: the sub-Branch AGM is to be held on Sunday 1 March 2026 this year to report to members on our activities in support and recognition of currently serving and ex-service veterans and their families over the past year. Thank you to our Executive, Management Committee, Service and Auxiliary Members for the significant effort put in. It is great to share our camaraderie, helping each other, enjoying our ‘get togethers’ and projects which we undertake. As a not-for-profit registered charity, we will continue to look after our mates through member activities, welfare, and commemoration programs in the coming year.

Sub-Branch Annual General Meeting at the sub-Branch Hall: The AGM is scheduled for Sunday 1st March 2026 at the Hall. The AGM will commence at 10:00am, with a short commemoration service at the Remembrance Memorial. Medals to be worn. The AGM will be followed by the monthly General Meeting. Refreshments to follow. Look forward to seeing everyone there who can make it.

RSLNSW Central Southern Districts Council (CSDC): the Annual General Meeting and bi-annual General Meeting of the CSDC was held on Sunday 8th March 2026 in Shoalhaven Heads with sub-Branch President and Senior Vice President in attendance. The focus of the District President’s Council in the next year will be the next Strategic Plan and review of SOP1 (Funding the Charitable Purpose) and associated SOPs, Veteran Support Fund and sub-Branch Assistance Fund.

RSL Life Membership Award to Stan Berriman: Stan will receive the award at the CSDC Annual General Meeting on Sunday 8th March from the RSLNSW Acting President Vince Williams CSC, well in time for ANZAC Day to recognise this significant achievement. Congratulations Stan!

RSLNSW Listening Tour: the Strategic Plan Listening Tour is scheduled to come to the Shoalhaven Heads Bowling & Recreation Club, at 76 Shoalhaven Heads Rd on Sunday 8th March 2026 from 1300-1500. Please register your attendance at https://rslnsw.org.au/listening-tour/. Have your say in the future direction of the RSL movement.

Sub-Branch Initiatives

Completion of Interior Hall Project: The final touches to our sub-Branch Memorial Hall project, funded by a grant from the NSW Government Community Partnerships Program, were made in early February. Painting the interior of the hall and floor re-levelling has been completed with the re-installation of all the historic pictures and honour boards. The window frames were also re-painted and glass seals repaired. Underneath the building was also cleaned out of plastics and rubbish, and the perimeter meshed to prevent any further plastics from blowing under the building. Thank you to all members who assisted with the move out of the building and the move back into the Hall

Fundraising: The sub-Branch Auxiliary Fundraising Program is out for 2026. The Auxiliary continues its initiatives this year to help us in achieving our Charitable Purpose. Some new initiatives are to be undertaken this year, namely the Family Military History Days and Legacy Week morning tea. Please contact the Secretary if you can assist with our fundraising efforts and would like to be added to the rosters.

Funding Grants: a DVA Veteran Wellbeing Grant application has been made for the refurbishment of the sub-Branch Memorial Hall bathrooms. The Shoalhaven City Council have not made a community grant to us for rates and charges in 2025/26, which is very disappointing for veterans and local community groups. The Management Committee will have to review Hall user charges to meet the increased costs of rates, maintenance, repair, insurance and utilities.

Shoalhaven Veteran & Family Hub: The Hub is located in Wallace St Nowra, and provides a range of services for veterans and their families, including assistance with pension entitlements, gold and white cards, and referrals.

Upcoming Events

ANZAC Day Saturday 25th April: the next sub-Branch commemorative service on the calendar is ANZAC Day, which will fall on a Saturday and a long weekend this year. A large public attendance is anticipated, and a full commemoration program is being planned, including Dawn Service (0600-0630), Gunfire Breakfast (0630-0800), Church Service (0900 0945), March (1000-1030) and Morning Service (1030-1115). This will be followed by a commemorative luncheon hosted by the RSL Club (1130 for 1200-1430).

ANZAC Day Luncheon Saturday 25th April: the luncheon will be held in the RSL Club Auditorium with set seating commencing from 11:30am. A main roast meal followed by dessert cake and coffee/tea will be served. The Auditorium Bar is to be open during lunch. Tickets are on sale for sub-Branch Members from 23rd March, before being open to the full RSL Club membership the following week, so book your seats early. Cost $15.00 per Member and their guest/s. Thank you in advance to the RSL Club for their generous support of the commemorations and luncheon.

Next Meetings: Management Committee Meeting on Thursday 2nd April 2026 and General Meeting on Sunday 5th April 2026 (Easter).

NSW Governor Her Excellency, The Honourable Margaret Beasley AC KC Hosts Auxiliary Reception at Government House with her husband RSL Auxiliary Patron Dennis Wilson. Cheryl Hewitt attended.

Past copies of sub-Branch newsletters can be found here