The Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen & Women (NSW)
The Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen & Women (NSW)
Financial Reports 2021
Financial Reports 2020
This website was first published on Anzac Day 2019. News from the Legion is updated on this page.
The 2021 AGM was held at the Cootamundra Ex-servicemen’s and Citizen’s Memorial Club at 11am on Saturday, 5th February 2022. The proposal to merge the Legion with RSL NSW as identified in the December Journal was put to the members and was accepted.
It must be highlighted that the Legion’s resolution to merge with RSL NSW does not mean we have merged yet and all sub-branch executive committees and members are asked to please refrain from assuming or acting as though we have.
There is much work that needs to be done in order to achieve a final agreement with RSL NSW and to transition to the RSL sub-branch structures. I would also like to reiterate that the RSL NSW has agreed that Legion sub-branches can continue to be called “Legion” Sub-Branches and there may not be any noticeable change to many members.
Next steps
State Council will be coordinating very closely with RSL NSW and will be in contact with all SubBranch Executive Committees directly to discuss what is required in order to ensure the correct process is followed to determine future arrangements. Sub-Branches should not assume any outcomes and are asked to not initiate any related action without approval.
State Council thanks all members in advance for your respectful cooperation. The merger will ensure that the history and legacy of the Legion is protected and that support, camaraderie and respect ‘for all who serve’ will continue in our local communities
Cootamundra Legion Remember Day 2021
State Vice President Warwick Adams with Cootamundra Legion President Noel Wilson
State Vice President Warwick Adams laying a wreath for all legion sub-branch members
Cootamundra Legion President Noel Wilson laying a wreath for Cootamundra members
State Treasurer Gayle Adams laying a wreath for all the women that served in Australian armed forces
State Vice President Mr Warwick Adams laying a wreath for all sub-branch of NSW
Cootamundra Sub-Branch President Mr Noel Wilson laying a wreath for Cootamundra Sub-Branch for VP Day 2021
https://www.dva.gov.au/newsroom/vetaffairs/vetaffairs-vol-37-no2-july-2021-0
Highlights in this edition include:
Please refer to the ANZAC Journal due in April for details.
The Hon Andrew Gee MP was sworn in as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel on 2 July 2021.
Minister Gee has held previous roles as the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister from 25 January 2019 to 6 February 2020; Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education from 6 February 2020 to 2 July 2021 and Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment from 6 February 2020 to 2 July 2021.
Minister Gee is the Member for Calare in New South Wales and was first elected to Federal Parliament in 2016 and re-elected in 2019.
Apr 2022
Australians gather around the world to commemorate Anzac Day
Thousands have gathered in Australia and around the world to commemorate Anzac Day and pay tribute to those who have served this nation in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. This year marked the return of international public commemorations for the first time since 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions. Anzac Day services have been held in Australia since 1916, with the day formally gazetted as a day of commemoration in every state and territory during the 1920s. Anzac Day pilgrimages to places of significance to Australians who have served is also a long-held tradition, with services held on Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, as early as 1923. Estimated attendance at Anzac Day domestic and overseas commemorative services Australian War Memorial Anzac Day Dawn Service, ACT, Australia 18,200 people Anzac Day Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Turkey 563 people Lone Pine Service, Gallipoli, Turkey 187 people Anzac Day Dawn Service, Villers-Bretonneux, France 665 people Anzac Day Service, Hellfire Pass, Thailand 450 people Anzac Day Service, Sandakan, Malaysia 85 people *Unfortunately the Service was not open for public attendance this year in accordance with local COVID restrictions Anzac Day Service, Port Moresby (Bomana War Cemetery), Papua New Guinea 2,000 people Media note on Anzac Day reporting Anzac Day can be an emotional time for veterans and families, and for those currently serving in the Australian Defence Force. As you cover stories and run programs about Australia's military history and its effect on Australians who have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) requests you include contact details for specialised counselling services and resources for veterans where appropriate. Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling Service provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families. They can be reached 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms website (www.openarms.gov.au) for more information. For more information on the meaning of Anzac Day and its history, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs Anzac Portal.
29 Jan 2022 40 years of veterans and family counselling
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling service, which provides critical support to Australia’s current and ex-service personnel and their families.
28 Jan 2022 Backing local communities to honour the service of Australians
Scores of ex-service organisations, clubs, schools and community groups will share in more than $1.1 million to help them honour the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women.
12 Jan 2022 Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of Australian involvement in the Vietnam War
Planning is underway for a range of significant events around the country to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War in 2023.
11 Jan 2022 Joint media release — Construction begins on permanent Nowra Wellbeing Centre
Construction has begun on a new purpose built, state-of-the-art facility to permanently house the Nowra Veterans Wellbeing Centre.
23 Dec 2021 Support available over the Christmas break
Support services for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, veterans and their families will continue to be available 24/7 over the Christmas period.
23 Dec 2021 Joint media release — $7.5 million for veteran wellbeing in Tasmania
The Morrison Government has today announced an additional $2.5 million for Tasmanian wellbeing services for veterans and their families, bringing the total support for Veteran Wellbeing Centres in Tasmania to $7.5 million.
20 Dec 2021 Grants open for our veteran community
The 2021-22 rounds of the Veteran and Community Grants and Supporting Younger Veterans Grants are now open for applications.
15 Dec 2021 Boost in support for ex-service organisations
Ex-service organisations supporting veterans, war widows, partners and dependants of serving and ex-serving Defence personnel have received a funding boost from the Australian Government to help them continue their important work.
10 Dec 2021 New appointment to Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission
The Defence and veteran community will be well served by the appointment of Major General Wade Stothart, DSC, AM, CSC to the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.
08 Dec 2021 80 Years Ago, the War came to the Pacific
Eighty years ago, on 8 December 1941, Australian Prime Minister John Curtin made a fateful announcement to the nation: “men and women of Australia, we are at war with Japan”.
06 Dec 2021 80th anniversary of the Siege of Tobruk
When German radio propaganda broadcaster William ‘Lord Haw Haw’ Joyce labelled the Allied defenders of Tobruk ‘rats’, little did he know that the tenacious troops would take the name and wear it as a badge of honour.
26 Nov 2021 Media statement — Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide hearings begin
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has opened in Brisbane today, with a ceremonial hearing beginning the proceedings.
25 Nov 2021 Townsville small business awarded Outstanding Veterans' Employer of the Year
Australian Expedition Vehicles (AEV) has been named the Outstanding Veterans’ Employer of the Year in the 2021 Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards.2
4 Nov 2021 Government protecting veterans' interests following court decision
In a significant win for veterans across the country, the Morrison-Joyce Government has taken action to ensure no veteran will be made worse off due to a Federal Court decision.
17 Nov 2021 Alignment of regulations across care and support sectors
Work to align regulation across the aged care, disability and veterans’ care sectors will significantly improve quality and safety for participants and consumers.
16 Nov 2021 Council of the Australian War Memorial reappointment
James McMahon DSC DSM will continue his work to support the commemoration and preservation of Australia’s military history, after being reappointed as a member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial.
12 Nov 2021 $4.35 million additional support for veteran groups across Australia
127 veteran groups around Australia will benefit from more than $4.35 million in additional funding through the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program.
11 Nov 2021 An unknown Australian soldier of the Great War identified The body of a Victorian soldier, killed in action during the First World War, has been identified in an unnamed grave in France, more than a century after his death.
09 Nov 2021 A call to honour the fallen on Remembrance Day
At 11am this Thursday, November 11, Australians will once again fall silent to commemorate Remembrance Day, in honour of all those Australians who have suffered and died defending our nation, our values and our freedoms.
09 Nov 2021 Funding to help local communities remember those who served Commemorative services, restoration of memorials and the installation of a new honour roll are among the notable projects sharing in over $800,000 of grant funding provided by the Australian Government under the Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants Program.
27 Oct 2021 Veteran Wellbeing Centre Network expanding South East Qld
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee today announced the Veteran Wellbeing Centre network is set to grow, with the opening of expressions of interest for a new centre in South East Queensland.
16 Oct 2021 New Memorial for Afghanistan veterans unveiled in Brisbane
A memorial honouring the selfless service and sacrifice of Australia’s Afghanistan veterans has been officially opened at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium today.
16 Oct 2021 Joint media release — Grand launch of Townsville Veteran Wellbeing Centre
Australia’s largest veteran community will now have further access to fundamental support services following the grand launch of The Oasis Townsville Veteran Wellbeing Centre today.
16 Oct 2021 Veterans claims system to be overhauled
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee has announced the appointment of independent consultants to overhaul the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ claims processing system.
15 Oct 2021 Join in and 'get moving' during Veterans' Health Week
More than 720 events that focus on veteran wellbeing will kick off across Australia on 16 October as part of our country’s largest Veterans’ Health Week to date.
13 Oct 2021 Resources to help schools commemorate Remembrance Day
A range of commemorative and educational resources will help young Australians understand the history and significance of one of the most important days on the nation’s calendar, ahead of next month’s Remembrance Day commemorations.
07 Oct 2021 Joint media release — Veterans recognised in civilian life
The 2021 Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards have recognised the outstanding contributions made by veterans in the civilian workforce and the organisations that support them and their families.
02 Oct 2021 Remembering the epic battle of Maryang San
On Sunday 3 October, we pause to remember the courage, valour and sacrifice of Australian forces on the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Maryang San in the Korean War.
29 Sep 2021 Annual AIHW report highlights need for veterans' support The Australian Government has today received a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) into the rate of suicide among serving and former-serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
23 Sep 2021 Media statement — Shrine of Remembrance sanctity restored I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to all those who have come together to restore the sanctity of Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance following its appalling use as a protest site yesterday.
22 Sep 2021 Media statement — Shrine of Remembrance Today’s protest at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance was disgraceful and those who participated in it are to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
18 Sep 2021 Virtual commemorative service for the 50th anniversary of Australia’s last battle in Vietnam Australians will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the last major battle fought by Australian troops during the Vietnam War on Monday 20 September 2021.
16 Sep 2021 Statement on new security partnership and nuclear-powered submarines The announcements of Australia’s new security partnership with the United States and United Kingdom, and that we will be working with them to build nuclear-powered (not nuclear armed) submarines in Australia, is the most important defence initiative of our time.
10 Sep 2021 20th anniversary of September 11 terror attacks Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of the devastating September 11 terrorist attacks that killed almost 3,000 innocent people including 10 Australians.
03 Sep 2021 Remembering our merchant mariners Today we commemorate Merchant Navy Day and acknowledge the crucial role Australia’s merchant mariners have played during wartime.
01 Sep 2021 Honouring those who defended Australia during the Second World War Today marks Battle for Australia Day when we pause to remember the bravery of the thousands of Australians who defended our country from direct attack by the Japanese during the Second World War and in campaigns to our nation’s north.
31 Aug 2021 Honouring our veterans who served in Malaya and Borneo Today is Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day, when we pause to recognise and remember the 10,500 Australians who served in the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation.
30 Aug 2021 Minister Gee Statement – Townsville accident The news that two soldiers lost their lives today at Dotswood, near Townsville in Queensland is tragic and devastating. I would like to extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and serving soldiers who are grieving at this time.
28 Aug 2021 Bring on the badges this Legacy Week Australians are encouraged to buy a badge, bear and other merchandise during Legacy Week to support the partners and children of veterans who lost their lives or have been seriously injured serving our country.
27 Aug 2021 Media Statement — Murderous atrocity demonstrates why our ADF were fighting The events in Kabul are a murderous atrocity and if anyone was ever in any doubt about the righteousness of the Australian mission in Afghanistan this is a brutal reminder of the terrorists and criminals we were fighting against and the threats they posed to our national security and security
25 Aug 2021 Aussie veteran vying for more Paralympic gold Australians are celebrating our veterans competing at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
24 Aug 2021 Mr Stuart Smith appointed Defence Engagement Commissioner Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee today announced the appointment of Mr Stuart Smith AO DSC as Defence Engagement Commissioner.
23 Aug 2021 Media Statement — Young veterans show support for our troops “Every single one of us that went, knows the difference we made on the ground when we were over there.” These are the words of one contemporary veteran who I met with following the unfolding events in Afghanistan.
18 Aug 2021 Ex-service organisations convene support for Afghan veterans Ex-service organisations from across the nation have met with the Australian Government today to throw their support behind efforts underway to assist veterans and families impacted by the situation in Afghanistan.
17 Aug 2021 Vietnam veterans remembered Wednesday the 18th August is Vietnam Veterans’ Day - an opportunity for our country to pause and remember the service and sacrifice of the Australians during the Vietnam War, and to acknowledge the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
16 Aug 2021 Support available for Australians who served in Afghanistan This is a distressing time for many of our Defence personnel and veterans who served our nation in Afghanistan with courage, dignity and honour, and made such a significant contribution to the allied military effort.
11 Aug 2021 New data on veterans released day after census 373,500 Australians have served in the Australian Defence Force over the past 35 years, of which 59,000 are currently serving, according to new statistics released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
10 Aug 2021 Recognising the Australians who served in the Indonesian Confrontation On 11 August 1966, a peace treaty was signed between the Indonesian and Malaysian governments, bringing to an end the Indonesian-Malaysian Confrontation.
10 Aug 2021 Additional mental health support for white card holders Ten thousand veterans with complex mental health needs will have access to a network of qualified GPs nationwide, following the expansion of support provided by the Australian Government.
06 Aug 2021 Anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine, Gallipoli Today marks the 106th anniversary of the start of the four-day Battle of Lone Pine, one of the deadliest battles of the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War
.04 Aug 2021 An unknown Australian soldier of the Great War identified A previously unknown Australian First World War soldier buried in an unnamed grave in France has been identified.
03 Aug 2021 Census question to support veterans Have you ever served in the Australian Defence Force? One week from today, Australians will for the first time be answering this question as part of the 2021 Census.
30 Jul 2021 The Battle of Romani The Battle of Romani was a pivotal mounted and infantry victory by the Allies in the First World War. 105 years on, Australia reflects on this significant battle that marked the end of the German and Ottoman campaign to capture the Suez Canal.
26 Jul 2021 Australia pauses for Korean Veterans’ Day Sixty-eight years ago on 27th July, the Korean War Armistice was signed, marking the end of a three year conflict. Of the more than 17,000 Australians who fought, some 340 lost their lives to defend South Korea, over 1,216 were wounded and 29 became prisoners of war.
18 Jul 2021 Commemorating the Western Front Battles 105 years on This year we commemorate the 105th anniversary of two significant and devastatingly costly battles fought by Australians on the Western Front during the First World War — the Battle of Fromelles and the Battle of Pozières.
08 Jul 2021 Joint media release — Defence and Veterans suicide Today the Government has formally established a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide following approval by the Governor-General.
06 Jul 2021 Celebrating NAIDOC Week and indigenous veterans Australians are encouraged to pause and remember the legacy and valuable contribution of Australia’s First Nations’ service men and women this NAIDOC Week.
18 Jun 2021Joint media release — Veteran health boost with Fussell House opening in NSWVeterans and their families will have improved access to health care with the opening of Fussell House at Concord Repatriation General Hospital in Sydney today.
17 Jun 2021Veterans’ Health Week 2021 — funding now available VETERANS and their families are being encouraged to get moving and increase their physical activity, with $200,000 in funding available nationally to assist community groups and ex-service organisations with planning and hosting Veterans’ Health Week events in October 2021.
16 Jun 2021Council of the Australian War Memorial reappointment Mr Kerry Stokes AC has been reappointed as a member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial for a further 12 months.
16 Jun 2021New sculpture to recognise the Sufferings of War and Service Following three years’ work with veterans, their families, ex-service organisations and the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, a new sculpture will be placed on the grounds of the Australian War Memorial recognising the sufferings of war and service.
09 Jun 2021Veterans’ Oasis opens in Townsville A new one-stop support shop that has been years in the making has officially opened in Townsville today to provide ongoing support for veterans and their families.
07 Jun 2021Australian War Memorial early works approvedTODAY the Australian War Memorial received approval from the National Capital Authority to proceed with the early works package for its development project.
06 Jun 202150 years since Operation Overlord, including the Battle of Long KhanhTomorrow a national commemorative service will take place at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra, marking 50 years since the Battle of Long Khanh, part of Operation Overlord, in the Vietnam War.
28 May 2021Reflecting on First Nations' stories for Reconciliation WeekThis Reconciliation Week, Australians are urged to take meaningful action towards reconciliation to the theme, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.
28 May 2021Honouring United Nations PeacekeepersTOMORROW on International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers, Australians are encouraged to recognise those who have contributed to global peacekeeping efforts.
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Press releases from the Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs:
Vale `Cootamundra Sub-Branch President. The funeral for Allan Miller was held on 25 June 2020 and was attended by sub-branch members. The Legion flag was laid on Allan’s coffin and Mr Miller’s family were given an Australian National Flag and $100.
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