RSL Auxiliary
Who we are and what we do
The RSL Auxiliary is a voluntary, non-political & non-sectarian organisation founded on fellowship and a strong desire to care for our communities. That same strong desire still exists 100 years later to this very day. We are women 18 years and older. We organise fund-raising events for the well-being of our currently serving Defence Force personnel and their dependents, and our ex-service men and women, their families and children & War widows.
Perhaps you too have a strong desire to assist in any way you can large or small. Perhaps you’ve been feeling you need to have more of a sense of purpose in your own everyday life?
How to join
Simply download the form and hand it in to the Club.
Alternatively, you can fill in the online form.
Information will then be sent you by the Hon. Secretary Mrs. Gwen Imms, Callala Beach Women’s RSL.
Mrs. Imms may also be contacted at:
Address: 40 Catherine Street, Myola, NSW 2540.
Telephone: 02 4446 5550
If you’d like to join the thousands of fun and like-minded women who actually care about our Defence personnel fighting for our freedom everyday, 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.
We visit hospitals, convalescent homes, make home visits when required, and we raise funds through raffles, street stalls and other functions. We also sell ANZAC badges and remembrance emblems at the appropriate times each year in our local area and with our Sub-Branches. These functions and services assist our Welfare & Benevolent Institution’s Welfare Officers to carry out their ever-increasing duties to provide welfare.
How it all began
The Passionate History of the RSL Auxiliary
The Australian Imperial Forces Women’s RSL was formed in Phillip Street Sydney NSW by mothers, wives, widows, sisters, daughters and aunts of men who served in the Australian Imperial Forces in the First World War (1914-1918).
By 1947 an astounding 140 auxiliaries had grown across New South Wales. Thousands of women whose sole aim was (and still is) to continue their support in the ever-increasing need for Welfare. A Central Council of Women’s Auxiliaries was established by the R.S.L. in 1947 through a resolution formed at its State Congress.
A year later on 18th August 1948, Mrs. K.H. Todd OBE (NSW Country Vice President of Returned Service League of Australia) held the very first RSL Women’s RSL Congress at the YMCA Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW. 140 Auxiliaries (approximately 3110 members) attended from all over NSW. The first President was Mrs. K. Todd (1948 – 1949), the Metropolitan Vice President was Mrs. Pat Maitland, the Treasurer was Mrs. M. Hawkins and the Secretary was Gwen Richards.