Swansea RSL Sub-Branch NSW

02/11/2026

Remembrance Day Memorabilia – Swansea RSL

With Remembrance Day approaching, Swansea RSL Sub-Branch will be selling commemorative memorabilia this Saturday to support remembrance and honour those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

📅 Saturday, 7 November 2026
🕚 11:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Swansea RSL Club

We encourage our members and the wider community to stop by, show their support and help us keep the spirit of remembrance alive.

Every contribution is appreciated, and we sincerely thank our community for continuing to stand behind our veterans.

Lest We Forget

27/10/2026

VALE – John ‘Sheik’ Elias

It is with great sadness that Swansea RSL Sub-Branch acknowledges the passing of our fellow member and Vietnam Veteran, John Joseph Elias, affectionately known as ‘Sheik’.

Sheik proudly served with the Australian Army’s 17th Construction Squadron in Vietnam from January 1970 to January 1971.

Beyond his military service, Sheik remained deeply committed to the veteran community. As a Life Member of the Veterans Motorcycle Club, he held several leadership positions and was known for his dedication, generosity and unwavering support of his fellow veterans.

Our sincere condolences go to Sheik’s family, friends, fellow Sub-Branch members and his brothers at the Veterans MC Lake Mac.

Rest easy, Sheik. Thank you for your service, your mateship and the legacy you leave behind.

Lest We Forget.

VALE – JOHN ‘SHEIK’ ELIAS

Vietnam Veteran | Life Member | Brother

It is with profound sadness that the President and members of the Veterans Motorcycle Club – Lake Mac Chapter acknowledge the passing of our esteemed brother, John Joseph Elias, affectionately known as ‘Sheik’.

A proud Vietnam Veteran, Sheik served with the Australian Army’s 17th Construction Squadron in Vietnam from January 1970 to January 1971.

Beyond his military service, Sheik dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the Veterans Motorcycle Club, serving as Chapter President, Vice President and Treasurer, as well as National Treasurer.

Sheik was a man of remarkable tenacity, unwavering dedication and extraordinary generosity. He cared deeply for his fellow members and consistently placed the interests of the Club and Chapter above his own. His commitment to the brotherhood was never about recognition or position, but about doing what was right and ensuring those around him were supported.

His contributions to our Chapter were immeasurable, and his legacy will endure through the friendships he forged, the members he supported and the example he set for those who follow.

We extend our deepest condolences to Sheik’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of calling him a brother.

Rest easy, Sheik. Your duty is done, your legacy lives on, and you will forever remain our brother.

Lest We Forget.

Brothers by Choice.

21/09/2026

A Look Back at Our Sub-Branch Luncheon

Back in July, members of Swansea RSL Sub-Branch came together for our Sub-Branch luncheon — a great opportunity to enjoy a meal, catch up with familiar faces, and simply spend some time together.

While much of what we do focuses on advocacy, welfare and commemoration, occasions like these are just as important. Connection, camaraderie and mateship remain at the heart of our Sub-Branch and the wider veteran community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such an enjoyable day.

Here are a few photos from the luncheon — there’s nothing quite like good company and a chance to share a few stories.

19/09/2026

Looking Back – District Council Meeting at Swansea

Back in July, Swansea RSL Sub-Branch was pleased to host the District Council Meeting, welcoming Vince Williams and representatives from across our RSL community.

These meetings are a valuable opportunity for Sub-Branches to come together, share information and ideas, discuss matters affecting veterans and their families, and strengthen connections across our veteran community.

It was a pleasure to welcome everyone to Swansea and spend the evening with those who share our commitment to supporting current and ex-serving members and their families.

Thank you to Vince and everyone who attended and contributed to the evening.

A few photos from the night! 📸

08/09/2026

Help Save Victoria Barracks Sydney

Swansea RSL Sub-Branch stands with RSL NSW in opposing the proposed sale of Victoria Barracks Sydney.

For close to 180 years, Victoria Barracks has been part of Australia’s military history. Generations of Australians have passed through its gates before serving our nation, and it remains an important part of our Defence heritage.

This is not about politics. It is about ensuring decisions concerning significant Defence sites consider Australia’s current and future Defence needs, their history and significance, and the voices of those who have served.

With a Senate committee due to report on 15 September, there is still an opportunity for veterans and community members to make their voices heard.

RSL NSW is encouraging individuals to respectfully contact their Federal MP and has prepared information, MP contact details and a letter template to make doing so straightforward.

If Victoria Barracks matters to you, we encourage you to have your say.

👉 Information and letter template:

https://rslnsw.org.au/save-victoria-barracks-sydney/

Once a place with this history is gone, we cannot get it back.

Help us protect an important part of Australia’s military heritage.

For 178 years, Victoria Barracks Sydney has stood at the heart of Australia’s military story. Generations of Australian servicemen and women have served at the historic Paddington site, which remains an operational Defence establishment and the spiritual home of the Australian Army in New South Wa...

18/08/2026

VALE Theodore Rikus OAM

It is with sadness that Swansea RSL Sub-Branch acknowledges the passing of former Sub-Branch member Theodore Rikus OAM on 10 August 2026.

We remember Theodore with respect and acknowledge his connection to our Sub-Branch, his service, and the contribution he made to the wider community.

Our sincere condolences are extended to Theodore’s family, friends, former colleagues, and all those who knew him during this difficult time.

Funeral Service
📅 Saturday, 5 September 2026
🕙 10:00am

For those unable to attend the service in person, it can be viewed online here: https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?id=fcf39f9c-66bc-4981-8e47-c0c0b171ffb5

Theodore’s service and contribution will be remembered with gratitude and respect.

Lest We Forget.

In loving memory of Theodore 'Joe' Rikus OAM

For more information please visit:
https://www.pettigrew.com.au/upcoming-services/rikus-oam-theodore

08/08/2026

A recent Newcastle Herald article highlighted the growing costs and challenges involved in delivering ANZAC Day commemorations across the region.

Swansea RSL Sub-Branch is incredibly proud to oversee ANZAC Day commemorations at both Swansea and Catherine Hill Bay. Swansea is one of the largest and most well-attended commemorations in Lake Macquarie, while both services hold an important place in our local community.

Bringing these commemorations together each year takes months of planning and the combined efforts of volunteers, local organisations, businesses, emergency services, community partners and many others working behind the scenes. As the costs and requirements involved continue to grow, that support becomes increasingly important.

To everyone who attends, volunteers, donates, provides services, supports our fundraising, lends a hand or simply stands alongside us on ANZAC Day, we say thank you.

We are incredibly fortunate to have a community that continues to stand behind our veterans and understand the importance of remembrance.

Your support helps us ensure the ANZAC tradition remains strong in Swansea and Catherine Hill Bay for generations to come.

Thank you for standing with us.

Lest We Forget.

27/07/2026

Swansea RSL Sub-Branch NSW would like to sincerely thank Swansea RSL Clubfor its ongoing support through the ClubGRANTS NSW program.

This support plays an important role in helping us continue our work for veterans and their families, allowing us to deliver commemorative events, provide welfare and advocacy support, and create opportunities for connection within our local veteran community.

Strong community partnerships make a real difference, and we are grateful to Swansea RSL Club for its continued commitment to those who have served.

On behalf of our members, thank you for standing with the Swansea RSL Sub-Branch and supporting the veteran community.

We look forward to continuing our strong partnership for many years to come.

23/07/2026

Veteran Card Update

If you hold a DVA Veteran Card, you may notice a new card arriving in your mailbox between July and October.

Some card holders may not receive their updated card before the expiry date printed on their current card. If this happens, don’t worry — your current Veteran Card remains valid during the rollout period, even if the printed expiry date has passed.

The updated cards feature a new design only. There are no changes to your entitlements, eligibility, or how you use your card.

For more information, please see the original post below and follow the link in the comments. 👇

DVA is rolling out updated Veteran Cards between July and October.

Some card holders may not receive their new card before their current card’s printed expiry date.

All Veteran Cards remain valid during this period – even if they appear expired.

While the cards will have a new look, there are no changes to entitlements, eligibility, or how they are used.

👇 Tap the link in the comments to find out more.

15/07/2026

A significant national commemoration has been announced to mark 25 years since Australian troops first deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Slipper.

This service will honour the more than 35,000 Australians who served during our nation’s longest-running conflict, remember the 47 ADF personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice, and acknowledge the 263 who were wounded, along with the families who stood beside them.

Whether you served, know someone who did, or simply wish to pay your respects, this is an important opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of the Afghanistan veteran community.

Further details, including how to register to attend or watch the live broadcast, can be found in the original post below.

Lest We Forget

On Monday, the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs announced a national service marking 25 years since Australian troops first deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Slipper.

More than 35,000 Australians served during the nation’s longest-running conflict. 47 Australian Defence Force personnel lost their lives, and 263 were wounded.

On Sunday, 11 October 2026, they will be honoured at a special service at the Australian War Memorial.

Veterans, serving personnel, families and all Australians are invited to attend this free national commemoration. The service will also be broadcast live on ABC iview for those unable to attend.

Register via the link in the comments.

📸 June 2008: Australian Army soldiers prepare to board CH-47 Chinook helicopters during a night-time operation in Uruzgan province (Defence Image Gallery)