Bendigo District RSL Veterans Support in Bendigo, Victoria | Community organisation

Bendigo District RSL Veterans Support

Locality: Bendigo, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 5443 4013

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24.01.2022 NOTICE for Life, Service & Affiliate Members Notice is herby given that the Annual General Members Meeting of the Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch will be held o...n Monday 26th October at 5:00pm followed by a Special Resolution Meeting. Please note that due to the current restrictions regarding COVID-19 this will be an ONLINE virtual meeting on Zoom. Further details are available on the website: https://www.bendigorsl.com.au/activ/annual-general-meeting/ All members with registered emails will receive a digital notice of these meetings, if you do not receive a notice then please contact our team via email on [email protected] (please include your full name and membership number) Whilst we would normally welcome & encourage your in-person attendance at all meetings, this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions we are only permitted to have a very limited amount of people attend the venue. As such we kindly ask that you try to attend via Zoom and should you have any difficulties then reach out to our friendly team who would be happy to assist you in getting Zoom ready: You can email at any time to [email protected] You can call Tuesday or Thursday 9am-1pm on 03 5442 2950 If you are still experiencing difficulties and feel that you need to attend the meeting in person then please contact our Administration Officer Karina: You can email at any time to [email protected] You can call Tuesday or Thursday 9am-1pm on 03 5442 2950

23.01.2022 Today is the Battle of Australia Day. Every year on the first Wednesday of September, Australians commemorate the Battle for Australia and reflect on the bravery of those who served on Australia's home front, and the islands, the seas and in the skies to the north. It's an important reminder of a challenging time for Australians between 1942 and 1945. Thousands of Australians were engaged in actions against Japanese forces during the Battle for Australia. This includes those ...who served to defend the Australian mainland against attacks. Battle for Australia Day commemorates the first time in Australian history that Australia came under direct attack. It's a time for us to recognise those who served in the defence of the Australian mainland, and in land, air and sea battles in the Coral Sea, Papua and New Guinea. These actions stopped the Japanese southward advance. Their efforts contributed substantially to the defeat of Japan. Thank you to all those who served during that time. Lest We Forget. Bendigo District RSL

23.01.2022 A special offer! After the hugely successful Music From The Home Front concert on ANZAC Day and the #1 album release that followed. Mushroom Group are kindly offering the RSL Victoria community the opportunity to purchase the historic Music From The Home Front album for just $2.99, which is a discount of more than fifteen dollars. This offer is available for the next 24 hours only! To access the offer go to this link https://fwd.rocks/RSL and simply download the album to ...your PC or Mac, unzip and play, or add to your music player* The Music From the Home Front album features 27 tracks performed during the Music From The Home Front concert, including tracks from Colin Hay and Delta Goodrem, Jimmy Barnes with Diesel, Ian Moss, Mark Seymour, James Reyne, Archie Roach, The Wiggles, Paul Kelly, Guy Sebastian, G Flip, Birds of Tokyo, Crowded House and many more. Profits from the release will be donated to Support Act. A perfect purchase to get you through this ISO period. Bendigo District RSL

22.01.2022 The Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch will be holding a small Remembrance Day Service in the Memorabilia Garden. This will be a closed service due to the current restrictions. The President and other invited veterans and guests will lay wreaths on behalf of all veterans and community groups. The Shrine of Remembrance will live stream the Official Victorian State Remembrance Day Service through Facebook starting at 10:45am. There is still time to buy your Poppy or Poppy badge. Visit the Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch website at https://appeals.bendigorsl.com.au/

21.01.2022 On this day in 1999 INTERFET began deploying. After almost 25 years of Indonesian occupation, the people of East Timor were given the chance to vote for their independence or to accept special autonomy as a province within the Indonesian Republic. The election was preceded by widespread violence as pro-Indonesian militia sought out suspected independence supporters, and the rampage that followed the overwhelming vote for independence shocked the world. Militia and Indonesian ...troops embarked on a campaign of destruction, killing hundreds of East Timorese, and driving half the population from their homes. The international community demanded urgent action. Indonesia bowed to growing pressure and on 12 September 1999 agreed to the deployment of a peacekeeping force under Australian leadership. International Force East Timor (INTERFET), commanded by the Australian Major General Peter Cosgrove AC MC, was the Australian Government initiative mandated to restore peace and security, support the UN personnel already there and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations after the failure of the United Nations Assistance Mission East Timor (UNAMET) and would be the largest deployment of Australian troops since the Second World War. About 5500 of the 10,000-strong INTERFET were Australian military personnel, but twenty-two countries participated in the operation. As INTERFET began deploying they were confronted by horrific scenes of destruction across the capital, Dili. Smoke rose from burning buildings, and there were bodies in the streets. In February 2000, INTERFET handed over command of military operations to UNTAET (United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor) which saw in May 2002 East Timor gain independence. In May 2006, approximately 2000 ADF personnel were deployed to Timor Leste (East Timor) in Operation Astute following unrest between elements of the Timor Leste Defence Force. Australia's military involvement in this conflict ended with the close of Operation Astute on 19 April 2013. To those who served as part of INTERFET and the following missions in East Timor, Thank you. To help commemorate this anniversary, RSL Victoria has published seven stories from servicemen and women, civilians and journalists who were in East Timor during INTERFET. To hear their stories click this link: http://interfet.rslvic.com.au/ and explore our commemorative feature on INTERFET. Bendigo District RSL : Australian War Memorial & Australian Defence Force

21.01.2022 Another great veterans online guitar lesson last night. Keep up the practice team! Bendigo District RSL... Chris Morley Music Guitars for Vets Australia See more

20.01.2022 What are you doing this Sunday? Why not get a sweat on to remember with a HERO WOD (Workout of the Day). CrossFit By Design Bendigo are running a HERO WOD dedicated to Remembrance Day and the Poppy Appeal this Sunday 10:30am the 15th of November!... A HERO WOD is a workout that pays tribute to a military personnel or first responder that died in the line of duty. They are designed to be an intense workout that honours their sacrifice for us. This is a free workout but donation to the Poppy Appeal upon entrance would be appreciated. If you are keen to workout and raise a little money then contact the team at CrossFit By Design Bendigo to secure your spot! (20 spot limit). If you can not make the WOD donations to the Poppy Appeal can still be made via https://appeals.bendigorsl.com.au/

19.01.2022 Today is National Police Remembrance Day. Today we remember those whose lives were cut tragically short while serving their community. To those who have served, continue to serve the or have paid the ultimate price protecting our community we thank you. ... Bendigo District RSL

18.01.2022 Saying thank you to our service men and women who served during the Second World War, either overseas or on home soil, is something we should all take the time to do as a community particularly this year as 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. Acknowledging the significance of the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs produced a Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration that has been made availab...le to every living veteran of the Second World War. We are so fortunate to have 30 of the some one million Australians who served in WWII still with us today as part of the Bendigo District RSL. Over the past week Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch President Peter Swandale and Health & Welbeing Officer Craig were able to present some of our surviving Second World War members their medallions and certificates. What an honour and privilege to meet and present them with the Second World War 75th anniversary commemorative medallions and to hear their amazing stories. Stories from having punishments lessened due to sourcing a supply of cream, to what it was like to be in a Matilda Tank in the jungles of Bougainville hearing the War was over and the emotions attached to that. While we can never repay the debt we owe almost one million Australians who served, this medallion and certificate are a small but meaningful way we can say thank you to the veterans of the largest global conflict of the 20th century and remind us as veterans of today we truly do stand in the footsteps of giants.

17.01.2022 Did you serve in Australia’s military forces and have a military tattoo? The Australian War Memorial wants to see them. Behind every military tattoo is a story of remembrance, mateship, identity and healing.... Share a photo of your military ink on social media using the hashtag #InkintheLines and tell us what it means to you. Your tattoo could be shown on their digital display within the Ink in the Lines exhibition at the Memorial or on the Memorial’s website. Ink in the Lines will open 25 September 2020. See what’s been shared at www.awm.gov.au/ink #InkintheLines

17.01.2022 Pause, Reflect, Remember.

17.01.2022 Today is National Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Day. This day honours and commemorates the contributions of more than 65,000 honour Australian military, police and civilian personnel who have served as part of United Nations and other multilateral peace and security operations that have contributed to international peace and security, since the first deployment in 1947. Since that first deployment in 1947 Australia has been involved in more than 70 separate missions regionally a...nd across the globe. To those who have served as Peacekeepers and Peacemakers we say Thank You. Bendigo District RSL Australian War Memorial & Department of Defence

17.01.2022 WWII At Home (www.wwiiathome.com.au), is an interactive online platform that explores 18 sites of significance that represent the transformative impact World War II had on Victoria. Explore Victoria's response to the war effort, sites of reflection that honour the sacrifice from war, and places that embody the post-war rejuvenation. Jump on and check out these significant Victorian places, stories and connections. ... The WWII at Home website was created by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) in association with the Centre for Architecture Victoria | Open House Melbourne and was funded by the Victorian Government as part of a state-wide program to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Bendigo District RSL Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum

16.01.2022 Suns out guns out! Our Veterans Fitness Group getting it done with another awesome session. ... Bendigo District RSL CrossFit By Design Bendigo

15.01.2022 On this day in 2008, the Battle of Khaz Oruzgan took place. A combined Australian, American, and Afghan patrol was ambushed by Taliban fighters near the village of Ana Kalay, Khaz Oruzgan, Afghanistan. The battle was one of the most intense for Australian forces since the Vietnam war at the time.... Outnumbered and surrounded the battle would last over nine hours before the patrol managed to break out from the ambush and return to FOB Anaconda, having expended nearly all ammunition. During this contact, Corporal Mark Donaldson would perform acts of exceptional gallantry in the face of accurate and sustained enemy fire that ultimately saved the life of a coalition force interpreter and ensured the safety of the other members of the combined Afghan, US and Australian force and for this he would later be awarded the Victoria Cross. Australian Explosives Detection Dog (EDD) Sarbi would spend almost 14 months missing in action (MIA) in Afghanistan after disappearing during the Battle of Khaz Oruzgan. She was rediscovered alive in late 2009 by US forces and returned to Australia. From the 37 man patrol there was 1 KIA (US), 11 WIA (9 Aus) & 1 MIA (EDD Sarbi). : Australian War Memorial

15.01.2022 Are you as excited as we are? We are re-opening TOMORROW at 9am! Our phones have been very busy all weekend and we advise booking into the bistro early to avoid... disappointment. Call our friendly team between 9am-5pm on 03 5442 2950 The bistro will be open as follows: Breakfast 9am-11am (weekends only) Lunch 12pm-2pm Dinner 5:30pm-8:30pm The TAB/Sportsbar area will remain closed as the space is being used for additional bistro seating. All areas of the venue (except the TAB area) will be open per current government restrictions. Please pay attention to our teams instructions upon entering the venue and remember to wear your face masks. #bendigodistrictrsl #bendigo #rsl #reopening

14.01.2022 Great workout today for the Veterans Fitness Group. CrossFit By Design Bendigo hosted our Veterans group and a free class after with a Hero WOD (workout of the day) dedicated to the fallen following Remembrance Day. The workout was a challenge but worth the effort to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. ... They bled, we sweat! Bendigo District RSL

14.01.2022 Our Veterans Fitness group are continuing to get after it with another great session yesterday. Bendigo District RSL CrossFit By Design Bendigo

13.01.2022 October is Mental Health Awareness Month and Walking Off The War Within want you to walk as one. Did you know that: 1 in 5 people experience symptoms of mental illness each year in Australia ... 8 people in Australia die from suicide every day It’s more important than ever right now to look after your mental health. So.... people of all ages are invited to walk as one up to 20km or more this October. Show your support by ‘attending’ their Facebook event https://facebook.com/events/s/walk-as-one-20k-one-month-your/3343688892364503/?ti=icl Bendigo District RSL

11.01.2022 Today on the 78th anniversary of the day Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean chose certain death to try and save his shipmates, the Governor-General will present the insignia of the Victoria Cross for Australia to the Sheean family. The Victoria Cross for Australia the first to a member of the Royal Australian Navy was approved by Her Majesty The Queen on 12 August 2020. Teddy Sheean was 18 years old when he was was killed during an attack by Japanese aircraft which sa...nk the HMAS Armidale in the Arafura Sea on 1 December 1942. He turned his back on the chance of survival to return to his gun and fire on Japanese aircraft strafing his shipmates. He chose certain death to try and save his mates. The Investiture Ceremony, held outside on Government House’s Vista Lawn, will be a celebration of Ordinary Seaman Sheean’s remarkable gallantry, sacrifice and the significance of his actions to modern Australia. Bendigo District RSL

11.01.2022 R U OK? Reach out to a mate!

11.01.2022 September 7 - 11 is Women's Health Week. Women’s Health Week will be a great reminder to take time out to check in on your health and to keep making positive changes that can last a lifetime. Take some time to put your health first. Keep an eye out on Jean Hailes for Women's Health socials and head to their website www.womenshealthweek.com.au/the-week/ each day to explore health tips, tools and information on how to unlock your own powers for good health.... Bendigo District RSL

09.01.2022 The ADFs new Australian-designed Hawkei protected vehicle is ready to enter full-rate production at the Thales Australia Protected Vehicles facility here in Bendigo. The Hawkei is will provide superior mobility, survivability and communications while protecting the lives of our soldiers when operating in increasingly lethal and complex environments. Hit the link to see more: https://youtu.be/eJCioYj5y8A

09.01.2022 Today we remember the events of September 11 2001. The 11th of September, 2001 is a significant day not just for America, but it is also a significant day for numerous Australian veterans. It was on this day in 2001, that the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington DC and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania killed 2,977 people going about their business. These events impacted the world and things would never be the same.... These events would lead to our involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq. On this day we remember not just those who were killed in the horrific terror attacks, but all those men and women who have been killed, wounded and left changed forever fighting the wars that followed. In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, hug them a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.

08.01.2022 Bendigo District RSL wishes all the Dad’s out there a very Happy Father’s Day. We wish we could be celebrating with you and hope to see you all very soon.

08.01.2022 Today will likely be a very difficult day for many in the Veteran community but please remember you are not alone. Reach out to a mate or contact any of the supports available if you are finding things difficult. - Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling - 1800 011 046... - Safe Zone Support -1800 142 072 - MensLine Australia - 1300 789 978 - Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 - Lifeline 13 11 14 - Bendigo District RSL Veteran Support - 03 5443 4013 For any life threatening emergency situation call 000 immediately.

08.01.2022 This week is NAIDOC week, a week where we recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have played significant part in Australia’s military history, beginning with the Boer war and continuing on to today’s operations. Hit the link to the Australian War Memorials NAIDOC page. Compiled on this webpage are just some of the stories from the Memorial that recognise, cele...brate and commemorate the history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/naidocweek2020 : Australian War Memorial & Department of Defence Bendigo District RSL

06.01.2022 Another few online guitar lessons down range The group have started a song that most veterans could relate to ‘Dumb Things’ by Paul Kelly. The group even started to get their heads around bar chords.... Keep practicing guys! Bendigo District RSL Chris Morley Music Guitars for Vets Australia

06.01.2022 Yoga is back! Our yoga group has returned and there are some space left. Tuesday 5.30pm at the Eaglehawk Citizens Brass Band Hall.... These are a free class open to all veterans, dependents and first responders. To register : [email protected] Omni Yoga & Mindfulness Bendigo District RSL

05.01.2022 3 DAYS TO GO... The Bendigo District RSL will be re-opening on Monday 23rd November at 9am And bistro bookings are NOW OPEN!... It is ESSENTIAL that you book a table as we cannot guarantee tables for walk ins. Call us daily between 9am-5pm to book on 03 5442 2950 As of Monday we will be open daily from 9am-1am and will be serving meals as follows: Breakfast 9am-11am (weekends only) Lunch 12pm-2pm Dinner 5:30pm-8:30pm All areas of the venue (except the TAB area) will be open per current government restrictions. Face masks will need to be worn when moving around the venue and patron limits will need to be adhered to, so please make sure to listen to our teams instructions. Our friendly team will be more than willing to answer any questions. We look forward to seeing you all next week. * Photo taken pre-covid mask restrictions ** Information subject to change

05.01.2022 Self care is a vital part of maintaining good health and a vibrant life. It’s a way of living that incorporates behaviors that help you to be refreshed, replenish your personal motivation, and grow as a person. Wellness is an interactive process of becoming aware of and practicing healthy choices to create a more successful and balanced lifestyle. Wellness is:... A direction in which by its nature, moves us toward a more proactive, responsible and healthier existence. The integration of the body, mind, and spirit. The loving acceptance of ourselves today and speaking into ourselves for who we choose to become tomorrow. Choice living; a compilation of the daily decisions we make that lead us to that person we choose to become. As we to move out the latest phase of isolation and begin to reconnect with those around us, now is a great time to look at ones wellness and change potential negatives that may have taken hold whilst isolated. Bendigo District RSL

04.01.2022 If you attended the Bendigo District RSL Annual Dinner last year you may recognise these two amazing faces. We were fortunate enough to have Gary and his wife Renee share some of their amazing story with us. Gary survived a catastrophic helicopter crash in June 2010 whilst on operations in Afghanistan.... You can hear their incredible stories via the Life on the Line Podcast with episodes dropping this week. Bare Coaching

04.01.2022 Veterans Film Festival 2020 (Virtual) launches online on November 30 and runs until 31 December, so mark your calendars, make some popcorn, and get ready to stream all the latest films by veterans and filmmakers exploring themes of conflict. Why not head over to their YouTube channel for a sneak peak at some of the feature films and shorts for this year's festival https://www.youtube.com/user/VeteransFilmFestival Hit the link to find out more:... https://veteransfilmfestival.com/ See more

04.01.2022 RSL Active Online Activities. Online physical training Classes are held Wednesday evening 6.00pm - 6.45pm and Saturday morning 9.00am - 9.45am. ... Register for next week's classes: https://rslactiveonlinept13.eventbrite.com.au Register for this Saturday's class: https://rslactiveonlinept12.eventbrite.com.au Online yoga Held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5.45pm - 7.15pm. Register for next week's sessions: https://rslactiveonlineyoga25.eventbrite.com.au These slow-paced classes are suitable for all levels, including the absolute beginner. The sessions are an opportunity to pause and unwind and will include gentle movement, stretching and guided meditations. Online art classes Held every Wednesday evening. This class is ideal for all ages and levels of experience. Register for next week's class: https://rslactiveonlineart20.eventbrite.com.au

03.01.2022 The coming weeks, months and possibly longer will be a difficult time for many in our veteran community particularly those who served in Afghanistan with the Afghanistan Inquiry Report completed and handed to the Chief of the Defence Force. We understand there are allegations that will disturb current and former serving veterans, their families and the wider community. We believe that we have a world-class defence force that has a culture of service above self. ... There is no greater service you can give to our nation than to put on the uniform and serve within the Australian Defence Force and be prepared to place yourself in harm’s way to help those, who can’t necessarily help themselves. But underneath those uniforms there are humans and all the frailties that brings with it. In the coming weeks, months and longer we may see some very disturbing and disappointing headlines that will further impact our veteran community. It is important to understand that our ADF personnel must be held to account and if some have done the wrong thing justice needs to take its course. Also, let us all wait for the full details to be released and judicial process actioned before casting any judgement. Equally important we must remind ourselves that, to quote George Orwell "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm". To those who keep us safe, and the families who support them in their service, Thank you. Those current and former serving veterans involved in, or affected by, the Afghanistan Inquiry and their families, welfare supports are available, see below: Bendigo District RSL Veteran Support Phone: (03) 5443 4013 Email: [email protected] Open Arms Please remember Open Arms offers a free counselling service for veterans and their families. Support is available for serving members and veterans, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phone: 1800 011 046 Safe Zone Support Safe Zone Support is a free and anonymous counselling line for current serving ADF personnel, Veterans and their families. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides access to specialised counsellors with an understanding of military culture and experience. Veteran Central Veteran Central is a place for Victorian Veterans to go and be connect with Ex-Service Organisations that are best positioned to support the need and maintain wellbeing. Phone: 1300 645 838 To find out more on these services and more go to https://afghanistaninquiry.defence.gov.au/welfare-support There is also so much power in reaching out to a mate and supporting each other. It is not weak to speak and sometimes speaking to a mate that you feel has your back could be a great step forward. : Department of Defence

01.01.2022 Today is R U OK Day and this year's message is 'There's more to say after R U OK?' Lowering the stigma of mental illness and suicide we must continue the lived experience conversation. Mental-wellbeing and suicide prevention is all our responsibility. Learn what to say next so you can have a conversation that could change, or even save, a life.... Visit https://www.ruok.org.au/ See more

01.01.2022 National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention Federal Parliament Bill for Public Consultation. On 27 August 2020, the Federal Attorney-General introduced legislation in Parliament to establish the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention. The package of legislation comprises two Bills: ... National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill 2020. National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2020. The Attorney-General opened consultation to the public on 27 August 2020, with a closing date of 24 September 2020. RSL Victoria, RSL Queensland and RSL New South Wales are leading the development of a national RSL submission to the Federal Attorney-General and would like to invite all Victorian RSL Service members and their families to provide their feedback on this once in a generation opportunity. Feedback can be provided in two ways, either: By directly providing written submission to RSL Victoria, which will in turn inform our input to the national RSL submission via [email protected] (To allow the drafting and subsequent finalisation of the joint RSL National submission, written feedback must be received by 5pm 9 September 2020). By providing written submission directly to the Federal Attorney-General. For more information go to: https://www.ag.gov.au//national-commissioner-defence-and-v