Balgowlah RSL - Sub Branch

16/08/2026

Our Vietnam Veterans proudly participated in the Northern Beaches commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan today at Palm Beach. One of 10 RSL sub-Branches on the Northern Beaches, Balgowlah-Seaforth-Clontarf showed up in strength. The marchers strode down Barrenjoey Road, before a dignified service and the laying off wreaths. Lunch at Club Palm Beach followed, the cost generously subsidised by the Narrabeen RSL sub-Branch. Well done to all involved.

08/08/2026

Beginning 110 years ago on 8 August 1916, the Battle for Mouquet Farm extended the Australians' gruelling tour of duty on the Western Front.

With Pozières secured, the diggers saw off the last German attempt to retake the high ground to its north in early August, before being ordered to continue their advance to Mouquet Farm.

Located just one kilometre north-west of Pozières, Mouquet Farm was heavily defended, with German soldiers able to withstand heavy bombardment from the underground cellars before quickly emerging to fight off any attackers.

Beginning on 8 August 1916, the 1st, 2nd and 4th Australian Divisions took turns grinding their way forward over a landscape devastated by ceaseless heavy shelling for the next four weeks.

Sergeant Percy Edward Nuttall wrote in his diary, “Went into firing line, after a march of 4 miles through trenches razed to the ground. Fritz spotted us, turned his artillery on us and cut our battalion up, we lost a big crowd, reaching our line. Dead bodies all the way up!”

The Australians managed to reach the farm, but could not hold it. Exhausted, they were relieved on 5 September. Mouquet Farm would not fall for another three weeks.

Over six weeks of intense fighting for Pozières and Mouquet Farm, the Australians suffered some 23,000 casualties, including almost 6,800 dead. Official Historian C.E.W. Bean later wrote that the Pozières ridge from the village up to Mouquet Farm was “more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth.”

01/08/2026

With deep sorrow, we say farewell to the last of Australia's last surviving veteran of WWII legendary Kokoda Campaign. Reginald “Reg” Chard has passed away aged 102, marking the end of a living chapter in one of the nation's greatest stories of courage and sacrifice. With his passing, Australia lost its final living eyewitness who had fought in one of the nation's most defining World War II campaigns. His legacy, and the legacy of all who served along the Kokoda Track, will never be forgotten.🕊️

As a young soldier, Reg endured the unimaginable horrors of war in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, fighting with extraordinary bravery during the pivotal Kokoda campaign that helped defend Australia. Yet throughout his life, he remained humble, insisting that the true heroes were "the ones we left behind."

Long after the guns fell silent, Reg dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of Kokoda, ensuring future generations would never forget the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served and those who never came home.

His passing is not only the loss of a decorated veteran, but the farewell to Australia's last direct link to the men who fought along the Kokoda Track.

Lest we forget. Rest in peace, Reg Chard. Your service, your sacrifice, and your legacy will never be forgotten.

16/07/2026

Balgowlah-Seaforth-Clontarf RSL Auxiliary marks 80 years of service at a celebratory winter gathering.
A winter luncheon became a warm-hearted celebration this week as members and guests gathered to mark the 80th anniversary of the Balgowlah-Seaforth-Clontarf RSL Auxiliary, honouring eight decades of service to veterans, fellowship and community spirit.
The occasion brought a welcome touch of ceremony to the club’s seasonal gathering, with NSW State Coordinator for RSL Auxiliaries, Mrs Pauline James, joining the celebrations. Our own Auxiliary Coordinator and Life Member, Mrs Di Traveller, added colour and context with a potted history of the Auxiliary, including the remarkable contribution made by her own family over the years.
The birthday festivities were not the only highlight of the day. Immediate past-President Mr Aurthur Ball was presented with a magnificent Lest We Forget quilt by Mrs James, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to our RSL sub-Branch and to the League more broadly.
The honours continued when service member Mr Bryan “Taffy” Renshaw accepted a Certificate of Service from President John Quick on behalf of the League, recognising an impressive 50 years of membership of the NSW RSL.
With stories shared, milestones applauded and friendships renewed, the luncheon captured the best of RSL life: remembrance, service and good company. The celebrations came to a fitting close when Pauline James and Di Traveller jointly cut the anniversary birthday cake, sealing a memorable day of camaraderie and merriment.”

02/07/2026

05/06/2026

84 years after Sydney faced one of its most dramatic and little-known wartime moments, the Defence of Sydney Commemoration service was held at the monument named in its honour, sitting above Sydney Harbour on North Head today.

Organised by the Australia Remembers Northern Beaches and North Shore Committee, the service honoured those who served in the defence of Sydney during World War II, and the 19 members of the Royal Australian Navy and the two British sailors who gave their lives.

The 2026 commemoration brought hundreds of people together, including RADM Chris Smith, AM, CSM, RAN - Commander Australian Fleet, and representatives from RSL NSW and RSL NSW sub-Branches across Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches.

RSL Balgowlah Sub-Branch president John Quick laid a wreath alongside many other wreaths and books from sub-Branches, organisations, community groups and local schools.

RSL NSW Governor-General of Australia

16/05/2026

A well earned rest in the sun for a group of our strollers on our promenade from Clontarf to Sandy Bay. Meanwhile, Arthur was busily commanding the bbq and sizzling the sausages. All part of our monthly wellbeing program.

24/04/2026

Over 400 people gathered at the Balgowlah RSL this morning for our dawn service.
Commander Shane Savy RAN was our guest speaker.
A brew , Anzac biscuits and a chat followed.
James Griffin MP RSL NSW
Governor-General of Australia

20/04/2026

Balgowlah-Seaforth-Clontarf RSL Sub-Branch ANZAC March Delivers Drumbeats, Dignity—and a Call to Dawn

Under glorious autumnal sunshine, veterans, RSL sub-Branch members, Memorial Club directors and local scout groups stepped off in fine form—kept in time by the Manly Band’s driving drumbeat and marshalled under the steady command of Warrant Officer Scott Wilson RAN, our parade commander.

After the march, the crowd moved to the Memorial Club’s function room for the traditional ANZAC Service—solemn, dignified and deeply felt. R A Miller Commemorative Scholar Taylor Roberts, alongside sub-Branch members, delivered the prayers, while band maestro David Cosentino led the room in song.

The service’s most moving moment came from Lieutenant Lara Piosevana RAN, whose keynote ANZAC address held the room captive with a carefully crafted, all-embracing and emotionally charged tribute.

With thanks to our elected representatives Zali Steggall OAM MP, James Griffin MP and Councillor Sarah Grattan for their support, and to our partners at the Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club for their assistance. Bravo Zulu to the sub-Branch Committee.

Next up: we look forward to seeing everyone at the Dawn Service at 0600 on ANZAC Day.
James Griffin MP Forestville RSL Sub-Branch

19/04/2026

ANZAC Sunday @ Balgowlah/Seaforth/Clontarf Sub- Branch, a National Day of Remembrance.
Balgowlah RSL - Sub Branch