Merewether Hamilton Adamstown RSL Sub Branch

19/10/2026

Today, on War Widows Day, we honour the women and families who have endured the profound loss of a loved one through service to our nation.

We recognise the courage and resilience of war widows, the sacrifices they have made and the important contributions they continue to make to our communities.

Observed on 19 October, the birthday of Jessie Vasey, founder of the War Widows Guild of Australia, this day is also a reminder of her enduring legacy of advocacy, connection and support.

To all war widows, we acknowledge your loss, honour your strength and reaffirm the importance of ensuring your voices are heard and your sacrifices never forgotten.

Lest we forget.

📸 Image: Women and children on the wharf wave farewell to friends and family on the departing troop transport ship Strathallan, 15 December 1939 (Australian War Memorial).

15/10/2026

11/10/2026

10/10/2026

27/09/2026

RSL NSW invites veterans, their families and the wider community to attend a Star Ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the commencement of Operation Slipper.

Operation Slipper saw Australian Defence Force personnel serve in Afghanistan and the broader region for more than a decade, as part of one of Australia’s longest-running international armed conflicts. The commemoration will honour those who served and sacrificed, and provide an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact of their contribution.

The Star Ceremony will be held on Sunday 11 October 2026 at the Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney, commencing at 10.20am.

Veterans and their families, RSL NSW sub-Branches and members, ex-service organisations and members of the public are invited to attend, with Afghanistan veterans particularly encouraged to join the commemoration.

The ceremony will feature an address by RSL NSW CEO Mick Frewen, who deployed as part of Operation Slipper, and will be supported by the Australian Army. Distinguished guests are expected to include the Governor of New South Wales, Members of Parliament and senior representatives of the Australian Defence Force.

In a unique tribute, commemorative stars will be released into the Well of Contemplation in place of traditional wreath laying.

🔗 To attend, please RSVP by Thursday 24 September 2026:
https://forms.monday.com/forms/bb500996b701605c6521a3f2aaab2a2e

👉 For more information:
https://rslnsw.org.au/events/operation-slipper-star-ceremony/

27/09/2026

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Veteran Community Grants Program

The 2026/27 Veteran Community Grants Program is now open, with $205,000 in funding available and a new infrastructure and equipment category offering grants of up to $10,000.

Funding is available for projects that:
👉 preserve military history and educate the community
👉 deliver commemorative activities
👉 support veteran wellbeing
👉 improve facilities and services for the veteran community

Individuals, councils, schools, community groups and ex-service organisations are encouraged to apply.

📅 Applications close at 5pm on 11 November 2026.

🔗 Find out more and apply: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/vcgp

NSW Office for Veterans Affairs

27/09/2026

Hunter Defence and Veteran Community Forum
📅 Thursday 29 October 2026 | 9:00am – 2:30pm

Veterans, current serving members and their families in the Hunter region are invited to a community forum to learn about the services and supports available to the veteran community in NSW, gain a better understanding of caring for war memorials and military heritage.

Hear from:

NSW Minister for Veterans, the Hon. David Harris MP
NSW Government Office for Veterans Affairs and other agencies
Federal Department of Veterans’ Affairs
War memorial and military heritage experts
The Families of Veterans Guild
Legacy
RSL LifeCare
RSL NSW

The forum is open to anyone in the veteran community, including veterans, their families, advocates and ESOs.

Register your attendance now: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/hunter-defence-veteran-community-forum-tickets-2002106750185

27/09/2026

Applications are open for the 2027 Long Tan Bursary 💡

Children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans can apply for grants of up to $12,000 over three years to assist with the cost of tertiary education at an Australian university, TAFE college or registered training organisation.

The bursary, named in honour of the Battle of Long Tan, has supported over 1,000 students with their education in a range of fields, including commerce, law, medicine, teaching, aviation and science.

📝 Applications close 31 October 2026

AVCAT - Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust