Nowra RSL Sub-Branch

17/10/2026

Expressions of interest are now open for veterans and family members of veterans who would like to volunteer as representatives at overseas Anzac Day services held by DVA in 2027.

We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, experiences and service histories.

Megan Banton was a volunteer at the Anzac Day service in Villers-Bretonneux, France, and shared the following about her experience:

"Volunteering at Villers-Bretonneux gave me a completely new appreciation for the impact of Australian service overseas. Being part of the team delivering these commemorations allowed me to contribute in a way that felt both meaningful and deeply personal. It reinforced the importance of preserving these stories for future generations."

If you would like to volunteer as a representative and assist DVA with commemorations in Gallipoli, Villers-Bretonneux, Sandakan, Hellfire Pass, Isurava or Singapore, applications for 2027 close on 8 November 2026.

For further information and to submit your application, visit: https://www.dva.gov.au/recognition-and-commemoration/commemoration-services/overseas-commemorative-services/veteran-and-family-representative-application-portal

16/10/2026

Veterans didn’t create this problem. Rogue providers did.

Yesterday, RSL National President Peter Tinley AM told the Senate inquiry into DVA-funded health treatment that veterans are carrying the burden for predatory providers.

“Veterans aren’t sales leads. These operators are targeting the vulnerable,” Mr Tinley said.

The RSL is calling for national laws that target exploitative providers, not veterans. It also wants DVA to make better use of the veteran consultation forums already in place.

👇Link to the media release and full submission is in the comments.

12/10/2026

Join us for a FREE Sunday brunch event to highlight veteran and family wellbeing.

10/10/2026

06/10/2026

An Australian soldier has died and five others have been injured during a training exercise in the Northern Territory.

The Department of Defence confirmed the Australian Army soldier died at the Mount Bundey Training Area on Monday.

The circumstances have not been revealed at this time.

Read More: https://nine.social/1arQ

06/10/2026

RSL Australia media release RSL Australia welcomed and supported Monday night’s ABC Four Corners investigation into unethical businesses exploiting veterans and overcharging taxpayers. For more than two years, RSL has […]

30/09/2026

I’m pleased to be hosting the Chief of Navy’s History Conference: 125 Years of Australian Naval History, on 19-20 November at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Join me for two days of discussion exploring Navy’s rich journey – since its formation in 1901 to where it is now, and where it is going.

Places are limited so register early to secure your seat.

https://events.humanitix.com/125-years-of-australian-naval-history

30/09/2026

26/09/2026

On the night of 26 September 1943, six men paddled into Japanese-occupied Singapore Harbour as part of a daring covert mission.

Operation Jaywick was carried out by members of Special Operations Australia from Z Special Unit. The Australian and British team travelled from Exmouth, Western Australia, towards Singapore aboard the MV Krait – a former Japanese fishing vessel – disguised as Malay fishermen.

After reaching Subor Island, 11 kilometres from Singapore, Major Ivan Lyon and five others set out in three two-man collapsible canoes. Under the cover of darkness, they entered Singapore Harbour and attached limpet mines to enemy ships before making their escape.

When the mines exploded, seven ships were sunk or badly damaged.

The six canoeists then paddled around 80 kilometres to rendezvous with the Krait, rejoining the vessel on 2 October. The team began the long journey home, arriving back at Exmouth on 19 October 1943.

Operation Jaywick remains a remarkable chapter in Australia’s wartime history – a mission of secrecy, ingenuity, endurance and extraordinary courage.

Today, we remember the men who undertook Operation Jaywick and recognise their service.

📸 Clockwise from top left: A group on board MV Krait en route to the Singapore area during Operation Jaywick; Group portrait after the completion of Operation Jaywick, "Z" Special Unit, Australian Services Reconnaissance Department, showing the personnel who carried out the operation; MV Krait (AWM).