RSLQ 2021 Annual Report

State President's Report continued 9 RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2021 And yet, this work goes on unheralded. We need to get better at telling our story, to raise respect and our appeal in the broader veteran community. When I started in this position in December, I asked a question: what business are we in? I received a wide variety of responses, but the responses really centred on three things: care, commemoration, and camaraderie. That seems to cover off reasonably neatly all the big areas we’re involved in. We will use that as a foundation to tell our story and to guide our new Strategy. Work has commenced on our new Strategy. It will be ready for release before the end of 2022, and will guide us for the remainder of this decade. Let it be said of our time: their culture was consistent with the nobility of their purpose; they retained an unblinking focus on their objectives; they honoured the past, they looked after their today, but they kept an eye on the future. The RSL never had a finer reputation. I want to finish by recognising three people. I acknowledge Tony Ferris, RSL Queensland’s outgoing State President, who held the position for 2021. Tony gave an unquestioned commitment to his responsibilities. He, and his family, made significant sacrifices for the three-and-a-half years he was in our service, which included some particularly challenging times. After the better part of a decade, Barry Vains is standing down from his position as District President of Pioneer Fitzroy Highlands, and therefore his role on the RSL Queensland Board. Barry is a true believer. Beyond his outstanding commitment to the League, he brought an inquiring mind to the Board, a great eye for important detail, and collegiality. There are three things we ask of Board members: read up, turn up, speak up. Barry always did. Our meetings and work were always better when he was around. Fortunately for us, Barry has agreed to help with two of our subcommittees, so we will continue to benefit from his corporate knowledge and governance skills. Our CEO Robert Skoda has demonstrated calm stewardship through difficult waters - both as acting and, as of February 2022, our permanent CEO. We are not yet through those challenging times. Our full-time staff numbers, and therefore our organisation, grew quickly over the last few years to meet the growing demand for services. The growth was necessary and sensible, but when you grow quickly, organisational structure can become unbalanced. The time has come for us to review our structure to ensure it is coherent, managers have a sensible number of direct reports, and we can deliver our services efficiently and effectively. These are never easy journeys. Robert and the broader team will need our support as they complete this reorganisation into 2022. Year In Review State President's Report Major General Stephen Day DSC, AM State President, RSL Queensland / STATE PRESIDENT’S REPORT