Launceston RSL in Launceston, Tasmania | Non-profit organisation

Launceston RSL

Locality: Launceston, Tasmania

Phone: +61 3 6344 9584

Address: 313 Wellington st 7250 Launceston, TAS, Australia

Website: http://www.rsltas.org.au

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• Non-profit organisation
• Community organisation
• Social club

25.01.2022 GRAND FINAL DAY CANCELLED Due to lack of number we will not be opening of Saturday evening to watch the Game in Brisbane.

25.01.2022 From 9-13 November Launceston RSL Sub-Branch member Heath Morton participated in the Veterans Active Recreation Program (VARP). VARP is a Tasmanian State Government sponsored, veteran led initiative aimed at familiarising and readying younger Australian military veterans for participation in the adventure tourism industry, while highlighting the unique contribution veterans can bring to these endeavours, namely communication, risk management, organisation, flexibility and adaptability. VARP will be running for three years but nominations can be submitted now for the next VARP to occur early in 2021. Expression of Interest forms can be accessed via the Point Assist website at http://www.pointassist.com.au/varp.html

25.01.2022 This week marks 100 years of the RAAF operating as an independent service. Happy Birthday to all those who have proudly served in the RAAF. Feel free to put up any photos that you have in the comments section. It would be great to see your history.

24.01.2022 Please contact me if you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who requires transport to participate in this years ANZAC Day March. Email the Secretary on: [email protected]

24.01.2022 Thank you Brian Ellis for sponsoring the Medals of NX 42365 SGT George Weekes 2nd / 6th Armoured Regt who fought PNG at the Battle Buna - Gona. Your support to this project is greatly appreciated. SGT Weekes story is below. SGT George Weekes was part of the 2nd / 6th Australian Armoured Regiment was formed in July 1940. In January 1942, the regiment received their first tanks in May. These were the M3 Stuart Light Tank. In mid-August 1942, the 2nd / 6th was chosen to be the f...irst armoured regiment to go to Papua New Guinea. arriving in Port Moresby in late September. By December 1942 the Japanese had been pushed back along the Kokoda Trail, and plans were underway to attack the Japanese positions at Buna, Gona, and Sanananda. Sailing at night by barge, the tanks were taken from Port Moresby to Oro Bay. C Squadron went into action first, supporting the successful American attack on 18 December. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, who took part in the bitter fighting at Buna. Moving through the coconut plantation, B Squadron provided invaluable assistance to the accompany infantry, attacking Japanese pillboxes and other defences. In one attack, on Old Buna Strip, all four tanks involved were put out of action in under two hours, and some of the crew was killed. Despite this, the remaining squadron continued fighting and Buna was captured at the start of 1943. Towards the end of April the 2/6th returned to Australia, where it became part of the 4th Armoured Brigade, at Caboolture, Queensland. The 2/6th remained in Australia for the rest of the war.

24.01.2022 The Renovation Sub -Committee has some good news to report. Part of the reno plan is to replace the dinning furniture in the the Flanders Room and as many of you know we received a Teddy Sheean Grant from the Tasmanian State Government to assist with this. The money allowed us to buy the material for seats (Not Cheap!) and have enough left over to do two tables and 20 chairs. Just! To save cost we were decided to have the old chairs reconditioned. A saving of over hundred do...llars on each chair. Also, we were also able to get the job done by the Kings Meadows Veterans Men's Shed so they also benefited from the grant. You can see the result of the work in the photos attached. You will note that the seats are have a improved seat. Also, we have had a donation of $5000 for this project which will purchase an additional 50 chairs and five table.

23.01.2022 LAUNCESTON RSL ANZAC DAY COVID 19 MITIGATION PLAN The Launceston RSL Sub-Branch will be conducting an ANZAC Day Dawn Service, March, and Civic Service at the Launceston Cenotaph in Royal Park. This commemoration will be restricted to Ex Serving and Serving ADF members, nominated individuals and community groups. All attendees must be familiar with and help in actioning this COVID 19 Mitigation Plan to ensure the safe conduct of the ANZAC DAY 2021 Commemoration. The following...Continue reading

22.01.2022 The Veterans and Community Wood Centre celebrated International Women's Day on Wednesday with a lunch at the Kings Meadows Bowls Club. The lunch was to say "thank you" to all the female friends, customers and partners who have given support to "The Shed" this year. Sandra Bruce represented the Launceston RSL Sub-Branch at this event.

22.01.2022 As many of you are aware the Launceston RSL Museum has an extensive collection of service medals and medallion. Many of these sets have now been remounted and are on display. Most have been sponsored by individuals who have covered the cost of the remounting, display box and plaque. We thank all that have helped in this activity. That said we now have only six sets that need to be added to the collection. We have 2 x WWI and 4 x WWII sets now left to be mounted. If you are interested in sponsoring one of these medal sets please contact Wombat or Hans and we can tell you the cost of the sponsorship.

22.01.2022 It with deep sadness that we wish to tell you of the passing of one of the stalwarts of our club. Yesterday surrounded by her family, Maureen Taylor passed away. On behalf of the membership of the Launceston RSL Sub-Branch we offer our condolences to Des and his family. Rest in Peace Maureen and thank you for your service.

20.01.2022 Our recent presentation event for some WWII Veterans of their 75th Anniversary Medallion has been mentioned in the Federal Parliament during a recent sitting. This is an extract of the Member for Bass, Mrs Bridget Archer's speech: "Mrs ARCHER (Bass) (19:45): Many stories have been shared to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, and I'd like to share the stories of some veterans I was fortunate enough to meet a few weeks ago. On 20 August, I had the privilege o...f meeting Max Christmas, Don Bayles, Marie Brearley, Harry Reeve and Ronald Jones at the Launceston RSL, presenting them with the commemorative medallions to mark their service and to say thank you for their significant contribution. I'd like to take the time to thank retired Major Peter Williams, secretary of the Launceston RSL Sub-Branch, for all his work in arranging their attendance and for the lovely afternoon tea. It's significant to speak of these veterans today as we mark Battle for Australia Day, a time to acknowledge those who served in campaigns to the north of Australia and on the home front in protecting our nation." See more

18.01.2022 March on with Soldier on SGT Breeze and his team of 5 other serving members are fundraising to support veterans and their families. The Long Patrol is to help r...aise money for PTSD and prevent veteran suicide. SGT Breeze and his team are taking on the March On Challenge with Soldier On to honour their past war heroes and help the modern day veterans by committing to walk 96k’s on Saturday 6th March 2021. They will be walking from Launceston to Devonport. That’s right you read it right, 96k’s walking in 1 day. This is a massive effort. Why 96k’s you may ask? The Kokoda Track marks the course of one of the most important battles for Australians in the Second World War. The men who defended this rugged 96km track were the line of defence protecting Australia from imminent invasion. How can you help? SGT Breeze is looking for donations to Soldier On to assist veterans and their families. You can make a donation here https://fundraise.soldieron.org.au/fundraisers/longpatrol We will endeavour to provide you with updates through the day on his progress and from everyone here at Team Tassie we wish you all the best SGT Breeze.

16.01.2022 We have had an inquiry in regards to a dog tag that has been found. It belongs to TX5535 PTE James Davey. He enlisted in Scottsdale and was in the 2/43 Bn so he was possibly in Africa and the Pacific. His NoK was listed as Adam Davey. If you know of any relatives we would like the to pass the dog tag on to them.

16.01.2022 Just recently one of our members Dan Kotynia was presented with the Commendation for Brave Conduct. On behalf of the membership well done Dan................. They scrub up alright don't they.

14.01.2022 Media Release 31 March 2021 RSL Tasmania fully supports Royal Commission... RSL Tasmania would fully support the establishment of a Royal Commission to appropriately deal with the tragedy of veterans’ suicide. RSL Tasmania president Robert Dick said he welcomed Federal Parliament’s recent bi-partisan support for a Royal Commission. We stand ready to work with other branches of the RSL across Australia and the Federal Government to see a Royal Commission or an appropriate like body established as soon as practical, he said. Mr Dick said there were approximately 14,500 veterans living in Tasmania. RSL Tasmania is focused on what is important to our veterans and their families through the delivery of various programs and general support, he said. The issue of veterans’ mental health and veteran suicide is too important an issue to put into the too hard basket. There have been numerous previous inquiries that examined veterans’ mental health issues. The various recommendations of this work need to be implemented. Mr Dick said it was important to note during this Royal Commission conversation that RSL Tasmania did not support recent comments in the media attributed to national president Greg Melick about grieving mother Julie-Ann Finney. While noting that Major-General Melick has apologised for his comments, it is still important to place on the record that RSL Tasmania and our members do not support them, he said. It is clearly a tragedy when a veteran takes his or her own life. Supporting veterans who are struggling with mental health issues is one of our highest priorities. Media Enquiries to Robert Dick 0448 889 848

14.01.2022 Teddy Sheean's official recognition with the awarding of the Victoria Cross was celebrated at the Launceston RSL. This event gave our Museum national coverage by providing an excellent backdrop, for the announcement of the VC award, by Garry Ivory, the nephew of war hero Teddy Sheean, and the Veterans' Affairs Minister Guy Barnett.

13.01.2022 Another successful function at the Launceston RSL Club. Thanks once again to our volunteers.

12.01.2022 GRAND FINAL GAME AND WE ARE OPEN Its Grand Final time again we will be opening up on Saturday with a six o'clock start. We will have the big screen in action for the big event. We need to know how many pies and hotdogs to order so call the Secretary on 0408 238 100 or send an email to [email protected] confirm you will be attending the game.... We had a good turn out last year and a night game will be different and we will see if the Queenslanders can stuff this up as well.

11.01.2022 We have just completed the renovation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. This project was made possible by a Tasmanian Government Teddy Sheean Grant to the VVAA. Once again a number of Volunteers made the project a success and they included Brian Munday, Des Taylor and Mick Hayes. Thanks also go to the VVAA committee whose grant application and support for the concept were a major factor for this new addition to the Memorial Wall.

11.01.2022 Please 'share' to get the information out into the community. The Rememberance Day Service in Launceston is definately on (the news report on channel 7 was only regarding Hobart). All ex-servicemen and members of the public are invited. 11th November 2020 timings:... 0900 - RSL opens 1015 - Community bus departs RSL for the cenotaph 1030 - Service commences 1105 - Service concludes 1120 - Bus returns from cenotaph to RSL 1230 - BBQ at the RSL Hope to see you there.

10.01.2022 Thanks to all that have supported this years Christmas Raffle. The response so far has been fantastic. Teds looking after the prizes until the Christmas Dinner draw.

09.01.2022 Yesterday I attended the opening of the Australian War Memorial traveling exhibition For Country, For Nation. The exhibition is open from the 17 Apr - 11 Jul 21. It is and excellent display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples contribution to service in the Australian Defense Force from the the Boar War to modern conflicts such Afghanistan and Iraq. The touring exhibition For Country, for Nation highlight stories and explore themes of remembrance and tradition through family histories, objects, art, and photographs from across Australia, drawing inspiration from cultural traditions and symbols of warrior’s discipline, knowledge, leadership, and skill. For Country, for Nation is thematic in structure. Within each theme are stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience during wartime and peace.

09.01.2022 Recently, the RUSI held a Dinning-In Night in the Flanders Room. The night was a huge success with many of the attendees contacting the Committee to pass on their appreciation for the effort put in to make the night one to remember. Once again this was due to the efforts of our Volunteers. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Sandra Bruce, Sherron Kelty, Dianne Brzeski, Sarah Goss, Maree Whitton, Kent Luttrell, Krystal Lynch, Simone Doolan, Mark Reid and our new Barman Tom Sheriff. Great job and a fantastic table set up.

08.01.2022 Removal of the Meritorious Citation (TF 66 SOTG IV-XX) If you feel this action is unfair petition the Governor General of Australia His Excellency General The Honorable David Hurley AC DSC to retain the Meritorious Unit Citation awarded to Task Force 66 (SOTG IV-XX). See link below you can read more and sign the petition here:... http://chng.it/nx4KwmMx5S

08.01.2022 Our service was forged through the bonds of mateship and a strong commitment to look out for one another. Veterans of the Vietnam War lobbied for a specialised ...counselling and support service for veterans and their families. This lead to the establishment of the Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling Service (VVCS) in 1982. Eligibility has since expanded to include veterans of all conflicts, and their families. The service was rebranded Open Arms in 2018. Through Open Arms, Australia’s Vietnam veterans have ensured future generations have a lifeline if they need support, #OpenArmsSupport #StrongerTogether Call us on 1800 011 046 if you want someone to talk to. [: Defence Australia]

08.01.2022 Some photos from Rememberance Day 2020

08.01.2022 Launceston RSL Museum The Launceston RSL Sub-Branch is the oldest RSL in Australia and it has a small but eclectic collection which recently has undergone renovation with the support of several grants, sponsorship and donations. This activity included the complete cataloguing and rebuild of our collection and museum. We commenced in late December 2018 and have just completed the last of the planned displays. This we achieved in seven months using only volunteer labour. We hop...e to open soon to visits by local schools, groups and individuals for tours conducted by our Veterans. Our intent was to completely remodel the existing museum and expand it with the development of three new wall displays, one each for the three services, the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force. Each wall section now displays individual service-related items from our museum collection. The displays include our innocuous (welded up / non - firing) and replica firearms collection, photographs, medals, painting and various military memorabilia relating to Tasmanian servicemen and women. Many swords and bayonet's, including a Japanese Officer’s swords, are displayed throughout the museum. There is a standing tower glass cabinet in each section, these cabinets display selected items including helmets, binoculars, personal items like pay books and such, trench art and a gas mask from WWI for example. The collection has numerous sets of military medals that have been donated by the families of deceased veterans. These are court mounted for display through the sponsorship of individual RSL club members and members of the public. These medal sets are displayed in acrylic cases, which are attached to walls throughout the club. Each display has an individual plaque displaying details of who the medals were given to, what units they served with and any relevant details of their service. We have three medal sets of Tobruk Veterans. One of these sets had a small wooden saving mirror with it. The mirror has inscribed on the back where the veteran served, and the names include Tobruk and Syria. We also have several mannequins dressed in various military uniforms including a number that represent modern veterans. For example, we have a seated mannequin dressed in the combat uniform of a veteran of the Afghanistan war dressed in modern combat equipment including replica weapons. Our latest mannequin is dressed in a full RAAF Flying Suit. Some of our larger items are displayed in such a way that visitors will be able to touch them. We have now reached the stage with the museum that we have completed our planned changes and are now developing new displays within club.

08.01.2022 We also had an anonymous sponsorship of TX 6811 PTE Edward Wheldon Medals. PTE Wheldon was part of the militia which remained on the Australian mainland during WWII. He served in York Force in the Northern Territory as part the 40th Battalion (Militia). During this time, the 40th Battalion served in Darwin. On 2 May 1945 the 12th / 50th Battalion was amalgamated with the 40th Battalion and became the 12th / 40th Battalion. This Battalion formed the bulk of Timor Force that accepted the surrender of the Japanese forces from the commander of the 48th Japanese Division at Koepang on 3 October 1945. It returned to Australia on 19 March 1946 and was disbanded on 29 May 1946.

07.01.2022 The Reno Team has been in action again today removing a wall on the top floor to increase the space in a planed new meeting room. When finished it will hold 16 to 20 people and will have an overhead projector fitted.

07.01.2022 Remembrance Day is fast approaching and we will be conducting a service at the Cenotaph. 12/40 RTR is once again supporting the ceremony with a Catafalque Party. Chaplin Hinds will lead the service. Timing are as follows for 11 Nov 20: RSL opens 0900h Community Bus leaves RSL 1015h Service will commence at 1030h ... Service will concluded at 1105h Community Bus returns to RSL 1120h BBQ commences 1230h COVID safe distancing and rules apply at the Cenotaph. Hoping for a good turn out.

06.01.2022 On the 20th of September 1999 the first Australian troops (INTERFET) were deployed to East Timor to stabilise the fledgling country. 3 Battalions were deployed making it the largest deployment since Vietnam. Pictured is a 5/7 RAR (Mech) armoured personnel carrier being welcomed by the local population. To all of our East Timor/Timor Leste veterans take the time out today to have a cold one...thankyou for your service.

06.01.2022 Thanks you to our recent sponsors of Medal sets Phil Dowl, Julian Tully, Brian Ellis and Mr Anonymous.

05.01.2022 Volunteers needed. We are a little bit desperate for people to help out with manning stalls in Bunnings North Launceston and the Brisbane Street Mall for our annual ANZAC APPEAL. If you are able to help please write in comments below or contact Heath Morton.

05.01.2022 The Government announces a Royal Commission into veteran suicide.

04.01.2022 This is what the new meeting rooms will look like. This is the completed Board Room. Thanks to Derek, Des, Brian, Mick, Heath, Mark and Sandra for their efforts. With a bit of luck the top floor will be completed in twelve months. If you know anybody that wants to donate to assist us with this project please send them our way. The next part of the project will see the carpet and vinyl completed in the hallway to the Advocate's area.

03.01.2022 The Launceston RSL Sub-Branch is the oldest RSL in Australia. What you did not know is that we have a very interesting copyright.

03.01.2022 All, A thank you card form Des Taylor and Family.

02.01.2022 The crew down at Bunnings (Launceston) today. Drop by and grab a snag

02.01.2022 All from the National President. MEDIA RELEASE 3 December 2020 Any revocation decision premature The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) says any decision to revoke the Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) for the Special Operations Task Group, would be premature. ... RSL National President Greg Melick said considering views expressed by the Prime Minister, other leaders, ex-service organisations and respected serving and ex-service personnel, any decision should await the final outcome of any further investigations and proceedings. A revocation of the citation is all-encompassing and the RSL is extremely concerned at the message this would send and the impact on the personnel and veterans who are affected by this action, Major General Melick said. We appreciate the difficulties faced by the Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, in that an MUC is a commendation awarded to a unit, not individuals, reflecting the unit’s collective actions, some of which, when considering the aggregate of the matters raised in Justice Brereton’s report, may if substantiated, warrant the removal of the MUC. The current regulations do not allow the removal of an MUC from designated individuals. Perhaps consideration can be given to amending the regulations to allow most individuals to continue wearing the citation if at the end of the day it is removed from the unit? As we said on November 20, all personnel suspected of alleged war crimes in Afghanistan are entitled to due process and in line with this position, any removal of decorations and citations should await the final resolution of the pending investigations. The RSL views the allegations as extremely serious but actions such as this impact adversely on veterans who served in Afghanistan, the vast majority of whom are in no way involved in the alleged conduct. Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel serve in a unique and highly challenging environment and the allegations, resulting inquiry, report, subsequent announcements and media speculation have caused considerable distress and mental health concerns, General Melick said. The RSL is committed to supporting all serving and ex-serving members of the ADF through the provision of wellbeing and general support to veterans and their families. Any former or serving personnel suffering adverse impacts and distress to immediately contact their local RSL Sub-Branch for direction to access wellbeing and other support services or call Open Arms on 1800 011 046.

02.01.2022 An interesting article on the changing demographics of our veterans.