25/03/2026
# STATEMENT # # – Oatley RSL Sub-Branch
Recently, we have been made aware of a number of very public comments regarding our decision to conduct and maintain our own community-based Anzac Day Dawn Service and family day within Oatley, and to step away from our long-standing arrangement to share Dawn Services with neighbouring sub-branches. Forgoing an Oatley Dawn Service for two
Years.
Firstly, we wish to state that we wholeheartedly support the Penshurst and Mortdale RSL Sub-Branches. Our decision is in no way a reflection of those organisations or the important work they do.
Oatley RSL Sub-Branch is a constitutional, governance-driven organisation made up of 62 members, many of whom are under the age of 50 and continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force. No single individual makes decisions on behalf of the Sub-Branch. All motions—whether raised by members or the Board—are formally presented to members, reviewed (often with input from RSL NSW) by members, and voted on by the membership. This includes decisions relating to events, governance, and community engagement. All meetings are electronically recorded and issued to RSL NSW who is a corporate member of the sub-branch.
Following considerable feedback and encouragement from both our local community and our elderly and ailing veterans—many of whom expressed a strong desire to see a Dawn Service held locally each year, while they are still able to attend, our members voted to hold the Anzac Day Dawn Service annually at the Oatley Memorial Gardens.
This decision was also influenced by practical considerations. Concerns were raised regarding future developments at Mortdale RSL Club, which are expected to impact its availability as a venue for several years, and the ongoing capacity limitations at other locations like Penshurst, which is located on a road, within a street intersection and attracts very few Oatley residents. We also sought feedback from the Oatley community, which overwhelmingly supported the continuation of a local Dawn Service being held here, within Oatley, annually. Instead of every third year.
It is evident that Oatley’s Dawn Service consistently attracts strong attendance and engagement from the community. In comparison, some neighbouring locations present challenges for our members, particularly elderly veterans, including limited space and the need to stand for extended periods in less suitable environments like a street. Given the facilities and memorial we are fortunate to have in Oatley, our members determined it was both appropriate and necessary to hold our own service.
We also note that Oatley RSL Sub-Branch has historically contributed financially to the Dawn Services of neighbouring sub-branches, despite those services attracting only a small proportion of the Oatley community we have consistently helped fund those services without question. After careful consideration, our members voted to respectfully step away from the existing arrangement, while offering continued support where appropriate.
In recent weeks, we have observed a rise in misinformation across community social media platforms, often driven by members of the public with vested interests and agendas, particularly regarding our relationship with the Oatley RSL Community Club and the nature of our Anzac Day activities.
To clarify:
• The Sub-Branch is a volunteer run charity with a mission to support local veterans and their families within our direct community and to fund and hold annual commemorative services locally in support of our mission. Our mission is not to prop up local clubs and local club pokies and two up revenue on Anzac Day. Especially clubs that do not provide any funding, support, donations or direct links to veterans and the league whilst being approved to hold the leagues name. Clubs holding the leagues name should act in accordance with the leagues honours and traditions first and foremost.
• The dawn service breakfast is heavily subsidised by our sub-branch. Reducing the cost for the general public heavily. Offering local members of the community a cheap and affordable breakfast. Funds we could use to support our mission. The sub-branch runs at a heavy loss providing the dawn service breakfast at a substantial subsidised rate to the community.
• All food has been sourced from local Oatley businesses, ensuring that our community benefits directly from the event. Unlike previous years and breakfast providers, we haven’t outsourced our food supply nor have we tried to source the cheapest and easiest vendors to provide us with our required stock.
• The breakfast will be prepared by local charitable organisations, who will receive financial support (a hefty donation by the sub-branch) through their involvement—funds that will be reinvested back into community initiatives by those local charitable groups and organisations.
• The breakfast will be held adjacent to the Oatley Memorial Gardens, allowing attendees to remain within the solemn and respectful atmosphere of the occasion, rather than queuing for extended periods at club like venues with limited seating, packed with alcohol and pokie machines. The breakfast will be more solemn and family oriented. Members of the public can still walk the two minute walk up to the club for a post dawn service beer if they like. A large majority of the community have stated that they would prefer a more family friendly atmosphere for breakfast, more appealing to all and relevant to the day and the sombreness and respect that should follow the Dawn Service as apposed to a packed club with little to no reference to the league nor the service of past and current military veterans.
This approach ensures that Anzac Day in Oatley supports not only our veterans, but also local businesses, charities, and the broader community and not one single entity.
We also wish to address misinformation regarding “two-up.” At no point have we banned two-up, nor directed the Oatley RSL Community Club to do so. However, following numerous complaints from local residents regarding excessive noise—including the use of a DJ in the carpark, we requested that two-up be relocated to a more appropriate area within the venue. This request reflects the need to respect our neighbours, uphold the solemn nature of Anzac Day, and ensure the day remains respectful and family-oriented. The carpark is a shared, gazetted space, and its use must consider the broader community. Having a DJ playing in a carpark on Anzac Day does not reflect the respect and intent of the day.
It is disappointing that some commentary appears to be based on incorrect or misleading information. We encourage members of the community to understand that this decision was not made lightly, nor by any one individual. It was the result of careful consideration, formal process, and a collective vote by our membership—the veterans and custodians of the League.
Our focus is not on supporting the financial interests of any particular club or venue nor is it financially propping up neighbouring sub-branches, helping fund their services. Our sole priority is to support our veterans, our community, Oatley, and the integrity of Anzac Day.
The success of our Dawn Service and family day will directly contribute to veteran support initiatives, as well as provide meaningful benefits to local businesses, charities, and community groups who are now actively involved in the event.
If we fail. The entire community and local businesses and supporting community groups fail. Misinformation damages us all.
We hope this statement provides clarity and reassurance.
If you have any further questions you can contact the sub-branch directly via our website, contact details.
We look forward to standing together with our community this Anzac Day in Oatley.
🌺Lest We Forget.🌺
