We are sorry”: RSL NSW President apologises to veterans of the Vietnam War

This Vietnam Veterans Day marks the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. RSL NSW is taking the opportunity to apologise to veterans of the Vietnam War who, in some cases, were turned away by the organisation when they returned from service.

RSL NSW President Ray James said: “RSL NSW acknowledges a generation of veterans who are still healing and we publicly recognise our charity’s past mistakes this Vietnam Veterans Day. As a Vietnam veteran myself, it’s extremely important to me that all veterans know that RSL NSW is committed to ensuring that no veteran is ever left feeling unwelcome.

“RSL NSW has made huge strides to ensure it is an inclusive and welcoming organisation for all veterans and their families. We want all veterans to know that when they walk into any of our sub-Branches across NSW, they will find a welcoming and supportive community, and be connected to the specialised services they need.

RSL NSW welcomes veterans and their families to join in commemorations, events and recreational activities that build on the foundations of the RSL, particularly mateship and camaraderie. This is our promise to veterans.”
City of Newcastle RSL sub-Branch President Ken Fayle said: “After serving in Vietnam, I found much-needed support in the connections made at the City of Newcastle RSL sub-Branch. This wasn’t the case for all Vietnam veterans – many were left ostracised when returning from conflict, without access to key support services.

Over the past 50 years, a great deal has evolved in terms of veteran care as the needs of veterans have also changed over time. Much of this change is driven by the Vietnam veterans’ experiences. RSL NSW remains true to its foundation of services and support, mateship and camaraderie. But there is more to do.

Bronte Pollard, Chair of the RSL NSW Young Veterans Committee, said, “This apology and commitment reflects the organisation that I want to help build for myself and for other younger veterans – an RSL NSW that delivers support for all veterans and their families in our community.”

The work that RSL NSW has done in the past 50 years is clear to see. Now home to 320 sub-Branches and more than 27,000 members, RSL NSW is committed to providing ongoing support to all veterans.

In 2022 alone, 2,943 new members have joined RSL NSW, due to a concerted effort to evolve and meet the needs of contemporary veterans and their families.

Last year RSL NSW sub-Branches donated $3.1 million to its charity partner RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, to continue to provide free support for veterans and their families including DVA claim support, employment programs, financial assistance, housing and homelessness services, and myriad other programs.

RSL NSW is a member-based charity that supports veterans and their families. RSL and Services clubs, which facilitate the sale of alcohol and gambling, are a separate entity to the charity in NSW.