Melbourne RSL

Melbourne RSL Melbourne RSL exists to support veterans and current ADF serving members.

Proposed $5,000 Cap on Veterans’ Allied Health Care From 1 July 2027, the Australian Government plans to introduce a $5,...
05/08/2026

Proposed $5,000 Cap on Veterans’ Allied Health Care

From 1 July 2027, the Australian Government plans to introduce a $5,000 annual limit on Department of Veterans’ Affairs-funded allied health services for Veteran Card holders.

The new system will replace the current 12-session treatment cycle, removing the need for veterans to repeatedly obtain GP referrals for continuing treatment. Provider fees for services such as psychology, physiotherapy and exercise physiology will also increase to better reflect current market rates.

Some essential services will remain outside the cap, including psychology and counselling provided through Open Arms, as well as dental, optical and medical specialist care. DVA has indicated that additional funding may be approved where there is a demonstrated clinical need, although the approval process has not yet been finalised.

Despite these safeguards, veteran organisations, clinicians and advocates have raised serious concerns about the potential impact on veterans with complex, chronic or service-related conditions. Those living with PTSD, physical injuries or multiple health needs may require sustained and coordinated care that quickly exceeds the proposed threshold.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Su***de emphasised the need for responsive, continuing and stage-based support throughout a veteran’s life. Recommendation 71 specifically highlighted the importance of services informed by lived experience and long-term evidence. Australia’s commitment to veterans must extend beyond symbolic recognition. Any funding framework must ensure that financial limits do not create barriers to treatment, discourage help-seeking or undermine confidence among serving personnel and veterans.

Policymakers should consult closely with veterans and health professionals before implementing this significant change.

There will be Melbourne RSL Members drinks being held this Thursday 6 August 3-5pm. The location is Melbourne Legacy Lev...
01/08/2026

There will be Melbourne RSL Members drinks being held this Thursday 6 August 3-5pm. The location is Melbourne Legacy Level 2, 293 Swanston Street Melbourne.

Princes Bridge - Engineering and Remembrance Princes Bridge is one of Melbourne’s best-known landmarks, carrying St Kild...
29/07/2026

Princes Bridge - Engineering and Remembrance

Princes Bridge is one of Melbourne’s best-known landmarks, carrying St Kilda Road across the Yarra River and linking the city with the arts precinct, parklands and Shrine of Remembrance. The present bridge, designed by architect and engineer John Grainger, was built by David Munro and opened in 1888, replacing earlier crossings from the settlement’s first decades.

Although Princes Bridge was not originally constructed as a war memorial, it later acquired an important commemorative function. It forms the northern gateway to Melbourne’s ceremonial avenue along St Kilda Road, leading towards the Shrine. For generations, service personnel, veterans, bands and community organisations have crossed the bridge during Anzac Day marches and military processions. In this role, the bridge marks a symbolic transition from the city to Melbourne’s landscape of remembrance. Wartime recruiting rallies, patriotic parades and victory celebrations also crossed it, embedding the bridge in the city’s military memory.

Princes Bridge also has a personal connection with General Sir John Monash. In 1885, while studying engineering at the University of Melbourne, the twenty-year-old Monash joined contractor David Munro and assisted with the bridge’s construction. He was a junior site engineer rather than its designer, but the project gave him practical experience in civil works, construction management and bridge engineering.

Monash later became an innovative engineer, Australia’s celebrated First World War commander and a driving force behind the Shrine of Remembrance. Princes Bridge therefore connects the young engineer helping build Melbourne with the national leader who shaped its principal place of commemoration.

Commemorating 60 Years Since the Battle of Long TanToday we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice and endurance of thos...
22/07/2026

Commemorating 60 Years Since the Battle of Long Tan

Today we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice and endurance of those who served in the Battle of Long Tan, fought 60 years ago on 18 August 1966 in the rubber plantation near Long Tan, South Vietnam.

In some of the most difficult conditions imaginable, a small Australian force, mainly from Delta Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, with artillery support from Australian, New Zealand and United States units, faced a much larger enemy force during an intense and dangerous battle. Heavy rain, fading light and overwhelming odds made their task even more daunting.

Eighteen Australians lost their lives and many more were wounded. Their bravery, discipline and mateship have become part of Australia’s military history and national memory.

Long Tan reminds us that service is not only measured in strategy, numbers or outcomes. It is measured in courage under pressure, loyalty to one another, and the willingness to stand firm when the situation seems impossible. It also reminds us of the families who waited at home, the veterans who carried the experience for the rest of their lives, and the responsibility we share to remember them with dignity.

On this 60th anniversary, we honour those who fought, those who fell, those who returned, and all who served in Vietnam. We also acknowledge the lasting impact of war on veterans and their families, and the importance of continuing care, respect and support.

Lest We Forget.

The distinctive silhouette of the Rising Sun badge, worn on the upturned brim of the slouch hat, has long been associate...
17/07/2026

The distinctive silhouette of the Rising Sun badge, worn on the upturned brim of the slouch hat, has long been associated with the spirit of ANZAC and the enduring tradition of the Australian soldier.

First introduced in 1902, the badge was originally known as the General Service Badge and issued to Australian troops serving in the Second Boer War. Over time, it became the unifying emblem of the Australian Army. While now officially referred to as the Australian Army Badge, it remains best known by its historic and symbolic name - the Rising Sun.

Across its history, the badge has evolved through eight patterns, each reflecting the era in which it was worn and the changing identity of the Army. From the World Wars to modern peacekeeping and combat operations, the Rising Sun badge has been proudly worn by generations of Australian soldiers.

In August 2025, the eighth pattern was introduced featuring the Tudor Crown to reflect the reign of King Charles III, and thoughtfully updated to meet contemporary standards of clarity, simplicity, and accessibility, while honouring the legacy of the badge.

The Rising Sun is more than a badge, it is a symbol of commitment, heritage, and service. As such, it is protected by law and its use must respect Army heraldry and tradition.

Melbourne RSL Career ConnectionsDetails of our next event are as follows:Veteran Support Teams (Tickets via Eventbrite l...
08/07/2026

Melbourne RSL Career Connections

Details of our next event are as follows:

Veteran Support Teams (Tickets via Eventbrite link)
Event by Defence in Business
Wed, July 29, 2026, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
BUPA Offices: 33 Exhibition St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
Ground Floor
Event link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1986180211479?aff=oddtdtcreator

About:
This event is designed to bring together the Victorian Defence in Business community — ex-service professionals, employers, business owners, and supporters — to connect, exchange insights, and explore current and emerging opportunities.

It will be especially relevant for:
🔹 ex-Defence professionals exploring their next step
🔹 employers seeking veteran talent
🔹 organisations supporting veteran transition and engagement

You’ll hear from organisations supporting and working with veterans, including:

🔹 RSL Victoria
🔹 Soldier On
🔹 Australian National Veteran Art Museum (ANVAM)
🔹 Melbourne Legacy
🔹 DVA Open Arms

Kindly sponsored by BUPA.

Melbourne RSL affiliates with several ex-service organisations that support veterans, serving ADF members and families. ...
01/07/2026

Melbourne RSL affiliates with several ex-service organisations that support veterans, serving ADF members and families. Through its partnership with Defence in Business we have asked representatives of Soldier On, Australian National Veteran Art Museum (ANVAM), Melbourne Legacy, DVA Open Arms and RSL Victoria to present an overview of their services at a networking event “Veteran Support Teams” on the 29th July 2026. See: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/veteran-support-teams-tickets-1986180211479?aff.

RSL Victoria provides practical support, advocacy and connection for current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families across Victoria.

With more than 100 years of service behind it, RSL Victoria works to ensure veterans and families can access help at every stage of the journey — from serving and transitioning, through to civilian life, ageing, health challenges and family support needs. Its services are available to ADF members, veterans and families living in Victoria, and you do not need to be an RSL member to ask for support.

RSL Victoria’s Veteran and Family Services include free military compensation advocacy, wellbeing navigation, referral to health and community services, and support to connect with Ex-Service Organisations. Its Veterans & Families Hubs help people access wellbeing support, advocacy, employment and housing advice, social connection, and physical and mental health services closer to home.

The RSL also provides opportunities for mateship, belonging and community connection through local Sub-Branches, wellbeing activities, commemorative events and programs such as RSL Active. These activities help reduce isolation, encourage participation and strengthen the bonds between veterans, families and the wider community.

For veterans, serving ADF members and families, RSL Victoria offers more than assistance in difficult times. It provides a trusted network, a pathway to practical support, and a community that understands service, sacrifice and transition. Whether someone needs advocacy, wellbeing support, referral, connection or simply a place to belong, RSL Victoria is there to help.

Melbourne RSL affiliates with several ex-service organisations that support veterans, serving ADF members and families. ...
24/06/2026

Melbourne RSL affiliates with several ex-service organisations that support veterans, serving ADF members and families. Through its partnership with Defence in Business we have asked representatives of Soldier On, Australian National Veteran Art Museum (ANVAM), Melbourne Legacy, DVA Open Arms and RSL Victoria to present an overview of their services at a networking event “Veteran Support Teams” on the 29th July 2026. See: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/veteran-support-teams-tickets-1986180211479?aff.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support for current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families.

Founded by Australia’s Vietnam veterans, Open Arms understands military service, transition, deployment, separation from family, trauma, grief and the challenges that can come with life during and after Defence service. Its counsellors and staff are military-aware, and many have lived experience of service or military family life.

Open Arms offers individual, couple and family counselling, available face-to-face, by telephone and online. Support can help with anxiety, depression, stress, anger, trauma, PTSD, relationship difficulties, family change, transition to civilian life and bereavement. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 011 046.

Open Arms also provides group treatment programs, education workshops, online programs, self-help resources, care coordination for complex needs, and a Community and Peer Program where trained peer workers with lived experience walk alongside veterans and families.

Eligibility includes current serving Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, ADF members transitioning to civilian life, ex-serving members, partners and children, some former partners who are co-parenting, and eligible reservists. Parents and siblings may also be eligible where a service person has died in service-related circumstances or by su***de.

For veterans, serving ADF members and families, Open Arms offers a trusted, confidential and compassionate place to start a conversation and get support.

Melbourne RSL affiliates with several ex-service organisations that support veterans, serving ADF members and families. ...
17/06/2026

Melbourne RSL affiliates with several ex-service organisations that support veterans, serving ADF members and families. Through its partnership with Defence in Business we have asked representatives of Soldier On, Australian National Veteran Art Museum (ANVAM), Melbourne Legacy, DVA Open Arms and RSL Victoria to present an overview of their services at a networking event “Veteran Support Teams” on the 29th July 2026. See: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/veteran-support-teams-tickets-1986180211479?aff.

Melbourne Legacy has been supporting the families of veterans for more than 100 years, continuing a promise first made in 1923: to stand beside the families of those who served. Today, Melbourne Legacy provides care, connection and practical support to veteran families across Melbourne and Victoria.

Its services are designed around the needs of each family. Melbourne Legacy helps families navigate difficult times through tailored services, referral pathways, wellbeing support, advocacy, and community connection. This may include assistance for partners, widows, children and families affected by a veteran’s service, injury, illness or death.

Melbourne Legacy also helps veteran families access entitlements, community care and other support services. Where specialist help is needed, the organisation can connect families with trusted referral partners, including ex-service and community organisations.

Importantly, Melbourne Legacy understands that service affects the whole family. Its work is not only about crisis support; it is also about helping families rebuild confidence, reduce isolation, create social connection and feel part of a community that understands their experience.

For serving ADF members, veterans and families, Melbourne Legacy offers reassurance that support is available when it is needed most. Whether a family is seeking guidance, advocacy, emotional support, referral to services or connection with others, Melbourne Legacy provides a compassionate pathway forward.

For more than a century, Melbourne Legacy has honoured service by caring for those who carry its legacy at home.

Address

Level 2, Legacy House, 293 Swanston Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000

Telephone

+61493460328

Website

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