RSL NSW Cardiff Auxiliary
If you would like to join the thousands of fun and like-minded women who actually care about our defence personnel fighting for our freedom every day, while their own families here at home need support … all are welcome to join us at our meetings for more information. You’ll be able to develop very important welfare skills and also enjoy visiting other auxiliaries when they hold functions where we share our achievements and ideals. You will have a direct positive impact on the welfare of veterans of all wars and conflicts through your membership and willingness to help in ways large or small depending on your time or capabilities.
History of the RSL NSW Auxiliaries
The Australian Imperial Service of Women’s Auxiliary was formed in Phillip Street Sydney by mothers, wives, widows, sisters, daughters and aunts of men who served in the Australian Imperial Forces in the First World War (1914-1918). The auxiliaries grew from this beginning to raise money for the welfare of men and women who served and their widows and families. In 1947, at the Annual State Congress of The Returned and Services League of Australia (NSW Branch)(RSL NSW), a Resolution was formed that an Annual Congress of all Women’s Auxiliaries be convened under the auspices of the RSL.
On 18 August 1948 Mr K. Todd OBE, Country Vice-President of RSL NSW held the first Returned and Services League Women’s Auxiliary Congress at the Young Women’s Christian Association, Liverpool Street, Sydney. There were 140 auxiliaries in attendance from all over NSW, approximately 3,110 members. The first president was Mrs K Todd (1948-1949), Metropolitan Vice-President, Mrs Pat Maitland, State Treasurer Mrs M. Hawkins and Mrs Gwen Richards as State Secretary.
The RSL NSW Auxiliary is a non-political non-sectarian organisation. We raise funds for the well being of our current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their families. Also we visit the sick in hospital and those convalescing at home. We raise funds to support the RSL Welfare and Benevolent Institution by holding raffles, selling tokens during the ANZAC and Poppy Appeals, as well as other fundraising avenues that arise throughout the year in their local sub-Branch area.
RSL NSW Auxiliaries were founded on fellowship and a desire to care for our communities. This continues to exist to this day. Members enjoy the friendship of like-minded women, visiting other auxiliaries when they hold functions, and being able to share our ideas and ideals. We are a voluntary organisation, dedicated to raising funds for the welfare of veterans of all wars and conflicts. Eligibility of membership is open to any woman over 16 years of age. Encouraging membership is the future of the auxiliaries to carry on this good work for years to come. Many present members have been in the Auxiliary for over 50 years, a lifetime of devotion to welfare of veterans.
