RSL Australia

02/09/2026

Today, on Battle for Australia Day, we remember the Australians who served and sacrificed in the defence of our nation during the Second World War.

From Darwin and Kokoda to Milne Bay and across the Pacific, we honour their courage, service and sacrifice.

Lest we forget.

On the first Wednesday of September, we observe Battle for Australia Day. This day commemorates the battles fought against Japanese forces in the South and Southwest Pacific during World War II, including the bombing of Darwin, the Kokoda campaign, and the Battle of Milne Bay, to prevent an invasion of mainland Australia.

Of the more than 39,000 Australians who lost their lives in WWII, around 17,000 were killed in the Pacific theatre of war. Battle for Australia Day serves as a reminder to honour those who defended our nation and contributed to the defeat of Japan.

Lest we forget.

📸 Australian War Memorial

01/09/2026

We remember Lance Corporal Stjepan Milosevic, Sapper James Martin and Private Robert Poate, who lost their lives in Afghanistan on 29 August 2012.

We honour their service and sacrifice, and remember all those affected by the attack that claimed their lives.

Lest we forget.

Today we remember Lance Corporal Stjepan Milosevic, Sapper James Martin and Private Robert Poate from 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment Task Group, who were killed in an insider attack at Patrol Base Wahab in Afghanistan on 29 August 2012. Two other Australian soldiers were wounded in the attack.

Lest we forget.

📸 Defence Australia

31/08/2026

Today, on Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day, we honour the Australians who served in the Malayan Emergency, Thai-Malay border operations and the Indonesian Confrontation during the 1950s and 1960s.

Thousands of Australians served across the Malay Peninsula, Borneo and the surrounding seas and skies, alongside Commonwealth and allied forces.

Across these campaigns, 62 Australians lost their lives, while many others were wounded, injured or medically evacuated as a result of their service.

Today, we remember their courage, service and sacrifice, and acknowledge all veterans of these campaigns and those whose lives were forever shaped by their service.

Lest we forget.

📸 Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, moving from hut to hut in a village as they carry out a routine patrol along the Malaysian-Indonesian border, Borneo, June 1966 (AWM).

28/08/2026

Last week, RSL National President Peter Tinley AM was interviewed on The Last Post Radio Show podcast about the League’s opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed $5000 allied health cap.

During his conversation with host Greg T Ross, Peter reiterated the RSL’s position: in trying to w**d out over providers and gougers, veterans should not be used as the hammer.

🔗 Listen to the episode via the link in the comments.

24/08/2026

RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM appeared on ABC News At Noon last Friday, explaining why we, together with 10 national national veteran service organisations, are opposing the Government's proposed $5,000 annual cap on allied health services.

More than 25,000 veterans would be affected. Many of whom are among our most vulnerable veterans, and have complex needs that require to be treated by more than one provider as part of their treatment plan.

The answer to the Government's question points to overservicing providers. The Department holds the claims data and can conduct that review at any point without involving veterans.

We are ready to work with the Government and the Department to create an alternative that targets those providers directly.

Legacy Australia TPI Federation of Australia Women Veterans Australia Defence Force Welfare Association Defence Reserves Association Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association Ltd Soldier On Australia Women Veterans Network Australia - WVNA

18/08/2026

Today, on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we honour the Australians who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. Almost 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1972. More than 500 lost their lives and over 3,000 were wounded.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the most significant battles fought by Australians during the war. On 18 August 1966, Australian and New Zealand forces fought for almost four hours in torrential rain against a much larger North Vietnamese and Viet Cong force. Despite being heavily outnumbered, they held their ground. Victory came at a heavy cost, with 18 Australians killed and 24 wounded.

RSL National President, Peter Tinley AM, today featured on The Last Post Radio Show Podcast, where he discussed the significance of the Battle of Long Tan and the leadership of Lt Col Harry Smith SG MC during the famous battle – and in the decades after. You can listen to the episode via the link in the comments.

Today, we remember those who fought at Long Tan and honour all Australians who served in Vietnam.

Lest we forget.

📸 Australian and New Zealand troops at Long Tan, Phuoc Tuy Province, Vietnam, 19 August 1966. Lt Col Harry Smith SG MC holds a briefing in the field shortly before his company returned to Long Tan the day after the battle (AWM).

17/08/2026

Tomorrow, 18 August, we commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day on the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966.

The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest military engagement of the 20th Century, with almost 60,000 Australians serving during a decade of conflict between 1962 and 1972. About 3,000 Australians were wounded during the war, and 524 died during their service in Vietnam or as a result of that service.

Tomorrow, we gather to say thank you.

There are many ways to get involved and pay your respects. Check with your RSL State Branch or local Sub-Branch to find out what commemorations and events are happening near you on Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

RSL Queensland
RSL NSW
RSL ACT Branch
RSL Victoria
RSL Tasmania
RSL South Australia
RSL WA

15/08/2026

Today marks Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day, commemorating the end of the Second World War for Australia.

On 15 August 1945, Prime Minister Ben Chifley announced that Japan had accepted the Allied terms of surrender and the war was over.

Across Australia, the news sparked scenes of celebration and overwhelming relief. Crowds poured into the streets of cities and towns, strangers embraced and people danced, sang and cheered. After six years of war, Australians could finally celebrate the return of peace and look forward to loved ones coming home.

But amid the celebrations, Australians also remembered the enormous cost of the war. Almost one million Australians had served, and some 40,000 lost their lives.

81 years on, we remember all who served and sacrificed, and honour those who never returned home.

Lest we forget.

14/08/2026

Your voice is important in this conversation. Your views and experiences will help RSL Australia advocate for change.

👇Have your say at the link in the comments.

Legacy Australia TPI Federation of Australia Australian Commando Association (NSW) Inc Women Veterans Australia Defence Force Welfare Association Defence Reserves Association Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association Ltd Soldier On Australia Women Veterans Network Australia - WVNA

13/08/2026

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Boughton CSC OAM, a dedicated servant of the veteran community and a Life Member of RSL NSW.

We extend our sincere condolences to Brian’s family, friends and the RSL NSW community.

Vale, Brian, may you rest well.