The future of veteran support and community connection took centre stage last week as RSL Victoria’s top leadership toured Gippsland East to meet with regional sub-branches.
State President Mark Schröffel and chief executive officer Sue Cattermole visited nine branches across a marathon two-day circuit, stopping in Heyfield, Sale, Maffra, Briagolong, Stratford, Paynesville, Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance and Metung.
The tour included a key meeting at the Bairnsdale RSL last Thursday, April 9, where local leaders shared their successes and concerns directly with the state office.
For Mr Schröffel, who has held the presidency for less than 12 months, the visit served as a vital familiarisation tour to understand the unique pressures facing regional veterans.
“RSLs are about mateship; it’s part of the fabric of the community,” Mr Schröffel said.
“It is an important part of Australian culture, but we are establishing the need to transform the organisation.”
A primary focus of the discussions was the “succession crisis” facing several branches.
While some sub-branches in the region are thriving, others are struggling to find the next generation of leaders to carry the torch.
“Succession is a common problem,” Mr Schröffel noted.
“We have to look at who will be taking on these roles in 10 years’ time.”
Beyond the social aspect, the leadership team discussed moving toward a higher standard of governance and modernising support models.
A key message from the tour was that the RSL’s services are available to all veterans, regardless of whether they pay a membership fee.
“You don’t have to be an RSL member to be a beneficiary of our support,” Mr Schröffel said, reinforcing the organisation’s mission to serve the wider veteran community.
As one of the oldest organisations in the country, the RSL is currently navigating a delicate balance between honouring its long-standing traditions and evolving to meet the needs of modern service-leavers.
Leaders believe that by strengthening regional governance and fostering a new wave of local participation, the RSL will remain a cornerstone of Gippsland life for decades to come.
