Busting a common myth about RSL clubs

If you’ve lived in Australia for some time, chances are you’ve visited an RSL club.  

But if you thought the money you spent there was helping to support veterans, in most cases you'd be wrong.

It’s widely (and incorrectly) believed that all RSL clubs are run by the RSL (Returned and Services League) – a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the welfare and interests of current and former service people and their families.

In fact, most RSL clubs are commercial venues with limited connection with the RSL and its charitable activities.

“People assume that all the profits from the bars and pokies goes towards helping veterans, but that’s simply not correct,” RSL Queensland State President Stephen Day DSC AM says.

“Of the roughly 230 RSL Sub Branches in Queensland, only about 40 (approx. 17%) have a relationship with an RSL club. Of those, only 19 (approx. 8%) own and operate their associated RSL club.

“RSL Queensland – the state branch – does not own or operate any alcohol or gaming facilities." 

Shared origins, separate entities  

RSL clubs have their origins in the RSL, hence their shared name.

Originally, nearly all RSL clubs were formed as or from RSL Sub Branches as a place for veterans and their families to gather. However, as RSL clubs grew larger and more complex to manage, some clubs separated from Sub Branches and the broader RSL structure.

Queensland introduced stricter liquor and gaming legislation in the 1990s, and the state’s RSL clubs have been separate from RSL Queensland ever since. 

Care, commemoration and camaraderie 

RSL Queensland’s purpose is to provide care, commemoration and camaraderie to veterans and their families. 

“RSL Queensland delivers welfare and wellbeing assistance to current and former service people and their families throughout Queensland – both statewide and on a local level through our Sub Branches," Stephen explains.

“RSL Sub Branches are predominantly run by volunteers – many of them ex-serving – who give their time to provide crucial support to veterans and their families in their local communities. This might be through helping them with DVA claims, driving them to medical appointments, or providing opportunities for them to connect with others in the veteran community.

“RSL Sub Branches also organise commemorative activities – such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies – to recognise our service people’s invaluable legacy.

“Very little of the funding for these activities comes from RSL clubs. In fact, most RSL Sub Branches are reliant on fundraising in their community to be able to do what they do.”

A complicated relationship  

Stephen says RSL Sub Branches’ relationships with their local RSL clubs vary greatly, making for quite a complex overall picture.

“In some cases, the club leases a property from the Sub Branch to operate its gaming venue, and the Sub Branch may co-exist in the building to carry out its welfare and commemorative activities," Stephen says.

"In other cases, a club may help the Sub Branch with the organisation and costs associated with commemorative activities. But sometimes they have no collaborative relationship at all, and the club may not direct any of its charitable spending to the Sub Branch for its veteran welfare activities.” 

Stephen says RSL clubs still play an important part of the social landscape, particularly in smaller regional areas. 

“Many Australians would have visited an RSL club at some point or another. However, patronising an RSL club doesn’t necessarily support veterans.” 

How you can support the veteran community 

If you’d like to support the veteran and Defence community, you can do so in a variety of ways, from donations to volunteering.