RSLQ 2021 Annual Report

Continued on next page 7 RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2021 Year In Review State President's Report So, as I look at our time, I see three words to define it: opportunity, opportunity, and opportunity. Let us grasp it. We, as veterans, swore to defend Australian values and the Australian way of life. As an organisation, we can and should strengthen our standing and reputation to have a voice on these and other matters of national and international relevance. Every day, outstanding, heartwarming work is done by RSL members. Whether it's organising funds to buy a mobility scooter for an elderly veteran out west, or paying the rent for a young veteran who was about to become homeless because they started a business just before COVID-19 that then collapsed due to the pandemic. Whether it's picking up a homeless family of eight off the streets on the Gold Coast and getting them into a home, or it's getting a group of folks together to help a veteran running a property out west, whose fences got washed away by the floods. T he story of our RSL is not a linear one. It's had some great times, and there have been times when we have struggled. Our history tells us that we are always at our best when the focus is on the noble Objects of the League. The origins of the RSL are well known, when the nobility of their purpose matched the courage of those same ANZACs who established it. In the aftermath of World War II it grew to become the most powerful institution outside of governments in our country. League membership was filled with Australians from all walks of life. Beyond their wartime experience, they had skills and standing in their communities. While the RSL flourished during the time of the WWII veterans, it did not seem attractive to Vietnam veterans. Many did not join initially but to their everlasting credit, as the WWII veterans faded away, they did sign up and ensured the survival of the League. After the Vietnam War there followed a quarter of a century of peace and, at the time, if you had not seen war service then you were ineligible to become a member of the RSL. Consequently, the size, capability, and voice of the League gradually diminished. What of today? We are fortunate to have an outstanding business in the form of the RSL Art Union. I am determined that it remains healthy, that it continues to enable us to deliver on our Objects, and that it will be the same great business for those that come after us. Though it will require effort, I see a strong outlook for the RSL Art Union. Which is necessary, because our veteran population is 200,000 and growing. Many need help. There are many more that want to help and to continue the mission of service. We need to provide a way for them to do that. / STATE PRESIDENT’S REPORT Major General Stephen Day DSC, AM State President, RSL Queensland