Nowra RSL Sub-Branch (RSL NSW)

The Nowra RSL Sub-Branch is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL NSW). It serves as a support and advocacy group primarily for returned service personnel, their families, and veterans in the Nowra and Shoalhaven region of New South Wales. The Sub-Branch provides welfare assistance, conducts commemorative services, and offers a venue for members and veterans to meet and support each other.

History

The origins of the Nowra RSL Sub-Branch trace back to May 1919 when an initial organization was established to support returned servicemen and the families of those who died during World War I. This early formation aimed to assist those affected by the war and to provide a community for veterans in the Nowra area. Over time, this group evolved into the contemporary Nowra RSL Sub-Branch, aligning itself with the broader Returned and Services League of Australia network[1].

Functions and Activities

The Nowra RSL Sub-Branch delivers a range of services focused on the welfare and support of veterans and their families. These include assisting with Department of Veterans' Affairs claims and related issues, providing support for welfare problems, and organizing commemorative events to honor service and sacrifice. The Sub-Branch also maintains a communal venue that enables members and veterans to gather and strengthen their support networks[4].

Affiliation

As a part of the RSL NSW, the Nowra Sub-Branch operates within a wider framework of advocacy and support for Australian military veterans. The Returned and Services League of Australia, formed nationally in 1916, has a long history of lobbying for veterans' benefits and welfare, and the Nowra Sub-Branch represents these interests locally within the Shoalhaven region[5].

Governance and Registration

The Nowra RSL Sub-Branch is registered as a charity under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), operating under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 96049293783RR0001. Its registration underscores its commitment to providing ongoing support and advocacy to the veteran community in accordance with Australian charitable regulations[3].

This overview highlights the Nowra RSL Sub-Branch’s foundational role in supporting veterans locally, its historical roots, and its continuing mission within the national RSL framework.

[1] https://www.nowrarslsb.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Sub-Branch-History-Precis.pdf [2] https://rslnsw.org.au/sub-branch-listing/nowra-rsl-sub-branch/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/dcf5eeec-38af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/history [4] https://www.nowrarslsb.org.au [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Returned_and_Services_League_of_Australia