Emu Park RSL Sub Branch Inc.

12/06/2026

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Lest we forget

30/05/2026

Another beautiful afternoon at the Sub Branch😎 🏝️

24/05/2026

At today's general meeting, the question was asked by Barry Fulton if anyone knew what SAO stood for. Brian Hollis was quicker sticking his hand up than a 6 year old kid holding a soggy sao sanga in class busting to go to the loo! 'Salvation Army Officer' replied Brian.

Correct. Student of Merit award for Brian.

The most common belief is reproduced below via the internet.

"Salvation Army Colonel Arthur S Arnott was a relative of the firm W. Arnott, the now famous Australian biscuit manufacturers.

Launched in the early 1900s, the biscuit is said to have been named SAO after the Colonel for his work as a Salvation Army Officer. For 50 years, Colonel Arnott was a specialist in the work of young people."

And that is our lesson in history for today 🥸

20/05/2026

A message from our State President, Major General Stephen Day DSC AM.

I would like to thank all our volunteers of the Emu Park RSL who give their time and commitment to supporting our Sub-Branch and our veterans.
Ron
President

17/05/2026

Well another fun members day out and what a cracker of an afternoon! ☺️ thanks to all who attended and thanks to bowls club for having us, thanks to the patient bowlers for organising us and to the bar staff for being their lovely selves ☺️I’m sure it was enjoyed by all.
(Nobody lost their sheep station 🐑🤣)

13/05/2026

Three weeks on from ANZAC Day 2026, we remain deeply appreciative of the strong support and attendance shown by our community and visitors for our local veterans, past and present, and the broader defence community.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the local businesses that donated supplies for our traditional Dawn Service BBQ breakfast, which was generously cooked by the team at Swebworthy Constructions.

A special thank you to Bell Park Bakery, Drakes Emu Park, Dynamic Eggs and Emu Park Meats. Your generosity in providing food for the breakfast is greatly appreciated, and all proceeds go directly to supporting the Emu Park RSL Sub-Branch Inc. and helping us continue our work for the veteran community.

Thank you all.

12/05/2026

Farewell Warrior. Your duty was done with honour and pride. Lest We Forget

We join veterans and current serving Defence members across the country in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Special Air Service Regiment soldier Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle who has sadly passed away following a training incident at Jervis Bay Airfield in New South Wales.

Whether in training or on deployment, this is a sobering reminder that members of our Defence Force put themselves in harm’s way every day to ensure our continued safety and security. Today, as we mourn this loss, we remember and honour their service to our nation.

Lest we forget.

If anyone in the veteran community needs support, please reach out to Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 or Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14.

📷 Defence Australia

11/05/2026

Battle of Coral - Balmoral On 12 May 1968, South Vietnam.

"I was in the 1RAR Mortar platoon on the night of 12th/13th May 68. We were pinned down by heavy incoming ordinance from NVA. They were so close we couldn't use our Mortars, only personal weapons. We had one hand gr***de between 18 of us, in the bottom of my pack with electrical tape around it. We had NO wire, NO claymores. NO sandbags, NO other Grenades. NO time to set up a defence as we arrived about 17:00hrs. STAND TO was just after 18:00hrs. We managed 6" deep shells-crapes to protect us from RPGs, Mortars, Grenades, Heavy and Light machine gun fire. It also was our only protection against our own direct fire from 3RAR Mortars, 161 Battery guns and other ordinance from numerous USA guns, Gunships and Spooky DC47 Gatling guns. We started with 18 troops but lost 5KIA and 8WIA in the space of a few hours of fighting. It was a mess from the first take-off to the last arrival (us). Medals were awarded to those who planned this CMF. God help us we don't do this again. Brian ( 1RAR Mortars 1968)"

On 12 May 1968, Australian and New Zealand forces established Fire Support Base (FSB) Coral about 7 km north of Tan Uyen, in an area used by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces to stage attacks on Saigon, to intercept and disrupt enemy units moving toward or away from the city. As helicopters delivered personnel and equipment throughout the day, the enemy observed the build-up and launched an attack in the early hours of 13 May, bringing heavy fire on Australian artillerymen, mortarmen and machine-gunners on the main axis of the assault. Nine Australians were killed and 28 wounded, and Coral was then strengthened into a robust defensive position. On 24 May, Australian troops established FSB Balmoral about 4.5 km north of Coral; it was attacked twice, and patrols continued in the area until the Australians withdrew on 6 June. Between 12 May and 6 June 1968, 25 Australians were killed and many more wounded in what became Australia’s most costly and protracted battle of the Vietnam War.

Lest We Forget

09/05/2026

Another successful Open Mic night. Thanks to all who organised, participated and came along to support. Well done. 👏🏻

07/05/2026

Vietnam Veteran and member of the RSL Emu Park Sub-Branch, Barry Fulton, took personal time out to drive to Marlborough to place wreathes on the memorial plaques in honour of local community members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in war. Well done Barry, you're a legend.