RSLQ 2021 Annual Report

17 RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2021 Year In Review F or me, 2021 was another year of listening, learning, and informing many of our volunteers of the role of the Board in supporting their Districts, Sub Branches and the work they do to deliver services to veterans. I have been in the role of State Vice President for nearly three years, and as part of the Executive team I have the privilege of getting out and hearing what our members have to say and what issues they are dealing with in their respective Districts and Sub Branches. I have attended several Annual General Meetings, particularly in the north of the state, as well as delegate meetings. I thank those Districts and Sub Branches for the invitations to attend and hear firsthand from your membership. During my visits, I have been told countless stories and witnessed firsthand the dedication of our members and those who volunteer their services over long hours and demanding travel times to assist veterans and their families. I know that our many volunteers do this because they have a passion for assisting those people less fortunate than others, which is one of our key Objects. In my time as Vice President, I’ve observed the recurring conversation about the skills required to be a District President, or a Director on the Board of RSL Queensland or a Sub Branch. It is apparent that the right people with the right skill sets need to be elected into these positions as our organisation grows more complex than ever. The Directors at Board level have to navigate governance, legal, risk management, and workplace health and safety requirements, and other areas under relevant legislation. This takes a certain level of expertise and experience, especially as we work to meet the growing needs of veterans. I was somewhat disappointed that our draft Constitution that was put to the membership failed at the 2021 Annual General Meeting, because I know the work that had taken place in the background to get it supported. Our Constitution has come up in many conversations since, and our membership still believe we need change to remain relevant to our younger veterans. Our members and staff should be immensely proud of their commitment and effort this year as they have supported our veterans and their families in what was yet another year of many changes and challenges. I remain totally committed to the RSL and its Objects. I still have the passion and dedication to get the job done and see the RSL become the pre-eminent organisation it should be, to be the leading light in the ex-service domain for many years to come. State Vice President's Report STATE VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT Bill Whitburn OAM State Vice President, RSL Queensland /