History of the RSL
Beginnings
The Returned and Services League of Australia New South Wales Branch (RSL NSW) was formed in 1917. The Cardiff sub-Branch was formed in 1933 to support Returned and Services personnel of the Australian Defence Services in the Cardiff area.
Symbolism of the League Badge
The wattle is symbolic of Australia.
The leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock are symbolic and represent the link with Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively.
The badge is a symbol of a readiness at all times to render service to Queen and country and to former comrades.
It is a time-honoured emblem — one that has been worn with a deep sense of pride by the most revered in our land and one that glorifies the forms of dress of all privileged to wear it.
No wealth or influence can purchase the badge which may be worn only by those who have served their country.
Your attention is drawn to the three colours in the badge. The red represents the blood tie of war. White stands for the purity of motive in joining the League — to render service without thought of personal gain or ambition. The blue indicates willingness to render that service to a comrade anywhere under the blue sky — wherever he may be.
Depicted in the centre of the badge and encircled by the name of the organisation, you will see a sailor, soldier, airman and servicewoman marching together with their arms linked in friendship. This is to show within the circle of the League, all Services and all ranks march together in unity and comradeship.
RSL NSW Mission Statement
To provide for the well-being, care, compensation and commemoration of serving and ex-service Defence Force personnel and their dependants and promote government and community awareness for the need for a stable and progressive Australia.
Act of Incorporation
The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) is incorporated under an Act of Parliament No. 39 of 1935.
To view the Incorporation Act, click HERE
Our Services
To provide a place and an environment for the ex-service and serving Defence Force community for comradery and fellowship.
To provide the community with access to trained pension and welfare officers to be able to assist the veteran community.
To access the services provided by RSL Defence Care, click on the service required for more information …
- Assistance with claims (DVA Entitlements)
- Advocacy at the Veterans’ Review Board
- Financial Assistance
- Bereavement services
- Counselling
- Community support
- Transition to civilian life
- Building family and community resilience
- RSL Active
- Disaster assistance
- Forms
Staff at the RSL NSW Cardiff sub-Branch can also assist in the services above by clicking HERE
The State Headquarters is located at:
ANZAC House
Level 5, 341 George Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Telephone: (02) 9264 8188
Facsimile: (02) 9264 8466
email: support@rslnsw.org.au
The RSL NSW Cardiff sub-Branch is located at:
Cardiff RSL Club
45 Macquarie Road
(PO Box 374)
CARDIFF NSW 2285
Telephone: (02) 4953 7770
email: admin@cardiffrslsubbranch.org.au