NEWS AND EVENTS
2025 Commemorative Services in Wagga Wagga
Get Involved!!
We encourage members to call in to the sub-Branch and find ways to contribute that suit your skills, abilities and schedules. More hands are always needed for ANZAC Day and other commemorative services, we could use more members trained to use our Public Address system, and we always need more members to assist us in the wellbeing space. We hope to see you at the sub-Branch!
REGULAR EVENTS
Sub-Branch Monthly Meeting - Second Wednesday Night Each Month
Held in the Mirage Room of the RSL Club at 7.00 pm, have your say in the operations and activities of the sub-Branch, keep up to date with sub-Branch events, followed by drinks upstairs.
BBQ Lunch Second Wednesday Each Month
The sub-Branch BBQ lunches are popular and are attended by members and local current serving personnel. We ask that RSVPs are submitted the prior Monday to 02 6921 3528 or admin@waggarslsubbranch.com.au
Informal Friday Food Nights
For those who can’t attend the Wednesday BBQ lunches, Friday evenings following our monthly BBQs will see the sub-Branch host an informal Snacks N Chats gathering at the Wagga RSL Club. RSVPs preferred.
2025 UPDATES
Field Archers Come and Try Day
The Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch in collaboration with the Wagga Wagga Field Archers, is holding an event called the Field Archers Come and Try Day.
The event will be held at 8.00 am, Saturday 1 November 2025, at the Wagga Wagga Field Archers, Wokolena Road, Alfredtown NSW. Included in the event will be an introduction, shooting on the field range, camaraderie, and a BBQ lunch. Everyone is welcome.
If you wish to reserve your place in the Field Archers Come and Try Day event, numbers are limited, so please contact the Wagga RSL sub-Branch on (02) 6921 3528 by Monday 13 October
Jeff - NSW Volunteer of the Year
The Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch's Treasurer and Wellbeing Support Officer Jeff Hunter, was recently honoured with a nomination to the Adult Category of the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Jeff was nominated for his commendable example of volunteer commitment, his pragmatic approach to financial management, his attention to detail and compassionate and sensitive assistance to Veterans in need. Jeff is continuing to set a positive example for volunteers.
The Wagga RSL sub-Branch congratulates him for receiving this nomination. Thank you for your commitment to making a difference to local Veterans at the sub-Branch, Jeff!
Victory in the Pacific Day 2025
On Friday 15 August 2025, the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch held a small commemoration for Victory in the Pacific Day.
This year was the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific. The date marked the day Japan accepted the terms of unconditional surrender, effectively ending World War II in the Pacific. Approximately 40,000 Australians lost their lives serving in the Second World War, and the impact was felt by all Australians.
Please see below, a photo of sub-Branch members and the Veteran community who attended the commemoration at the Cenotaph in the Wagga Wagga Victory Memorial Gardens.
Vietnam Veterans Day 2025
On Monday 18 August 2025, the Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association held a commemorative service in honour of Vietnam Veterans Day.
18 August each year marks the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, one of the most significant battles in Australia's military history. The Battle of Long Tan was a key engagement in the Vietnam War for Australia, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.
Vietnam Veterans Day also recognises the over 60,000 Australian men and women who served in Vietnam in combat, in support,and in the air and at sea.
Many people attended the commemoration, demonstrating the respect the community of Wagga Wagga has for Vietnam Veterans.
Please see below, a photo of sub-Branch President Rod Cooper, community leader Kay Hull AO, and Vietnam Veteran and sub-Branch Trustee David Gardiner, at the commemoration in the Wagga Wagga Victory Memorial Gardens.
Book Sale: The Forgotten Rising Sons
The Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch is currently selling books titled The Forgotten Rising Sons for $30.00 each. Andrew Johnston, a former Soldier, is the book's author.
The Forgotten Rising Sons is an account of the Kapooka Tragedy, the Australian Army's greatest loss of life during training that occurred locally, on 21 May 1945. The loss of 26 lives reminds us all of the true cost of the ANZAC spirit.
If you wish to purchase a hard copy of the book, please visit the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch at 26 Dobbs Street, Wagga Wagga, between 9.00 am and 2.00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.
International ANZAC Day Services 2026
Are you interested in volunteering for international ANZAC Day services in 2026?
The DVA is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Veterans or their family members to provide support in the delivery of international ANZAC Day services in 2026.
Some locations requiring volunteers include:
• Türkiye (Gallipoli)
• France (Villers-Bretonneux)
• Thailand (Hellfire Pass)
• Malaysia (Sandakan)
• Papua New Guinea (Isurava)
• Singapore
Please note that an EOI does not guarantee a role in the international commemorative services.
Would you like more details about this opportunity? We encourage you to read the full details and apply
here.
Bruce Visiting the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch
On Friday 4 July 2025, we were privileged to welcome a visitor, Bruce, to the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch. Bruce is a Veteran walking from Perth to Bondi to show support for the Black Dog Institute. He is aiming to raise awareness for mental health amongst Veterans and Emergency Responders.
Over morning tea, Bruce shared some of the highlights of his remarkable journey across the country. We wish Bruce well as his commences the final leg to Sydney.
Have a look at Bruce’s journey on his Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube channel.
Please see the photos of Bruce visiting us at the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch on Friday.
2025 ANZAC Day
On ANZAC Day this year, the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch welcomed Veterans, serving members, their families, special guests and the local community of Wagga to the services.
On 25 April 1915, Australia was devastated by the loss of lives as they arrived in Gallipoli in World War I. This changed Australia forever, and left a strong ANZAC legacy throughout the country.
Now ANZAC Day has shifted to acknowledge all Veterans who have previously served, and people who are currently serving, for Australia. The Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch is proud of our ANZAC heritage, and on this day, we honor those who have served our country.
We were humbled to see many members of the Wagga Wagga community attending the local events, which included the Dawn Service, the War Cemetery Service, the March and main Service, the lunch, and the Sunset Service. The community support does not go unnoticed, as it commemorates those who have endured, sacrificed, and demonstrated courage and mate-ship for Australia.
Please see below, some photos from 2025 ANZAC Day.
Xena the Therapy Dog
The sub-Branch was pleased to have Xena, and her handler Cherrie, visit us on Friday morning.
Xena and her little sister Poppy are the gentle, skillful, service dogs assisting ADF Children and Families, at Kapooka Public School. We are a proud sponsor of their training and support. We were delighted to hear about their progress when they visited us today.
We wish to acknowledge Cherrie's commitment to Xena and Poppy and to the Kapooka school community.
Xena will be celebrating her 6th birthday over the weekend, and we wish her a happy birthday!
Please enjoy the photos below, Xena and Cherie on the left and Xena and Sophie on the right.
Free Hearing Check for Veterans
RSL NSW has partnered with Hearing Australia to ensure local Veterans have access to free, quality, hearing checks. This initiative has been designed to prevent hearing loss in the local Veteran community, and operates via a Hearing Australia bus.
Hearing Australia strongly recommends that Veterans access hearing checks every three years after the age of 50. This is due to an increased risk of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing loss due to exposure to a high level of noise when serving.
To book your free hearing check, please call 134 432 or click here.
PAST EVENTS
Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch Newsletters
Please find below the Newsletters from the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch for March 2024 and September 2024.
2024 Remembrance Day Commemorative Service
On Monday 11 November 2024, the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch held a Remembrance Day Commemorative Service at the Cenotaph in the Victory Memorial Gardens. There were approximately 180 people at this moving service, demonstrating the importance of this occasion to the local community.
We were privileged to have Major General Stephen Jobson AM CSC as the keynote speaker at the Commemorative Service. We wish to thank Major General Stephen Jobson AM CSC, the Forest Hill RAAF Base, 1RTB Kapooka and the Australian Army Band Kapooka for their attendance and strong support.
Following the service, the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch and the Riverina Veteran and Family Hub held light refreshments for guests who attended the commemorative service.
Please view photos from the Remembrance Day Commemorative Service here.
2024 Post 1975 Conflicts Commemorative Service
On Tuesday 22 October 2024, the Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch held the 2024 Post 1975 Conflicts Commemorative Service.
The service was to pay honour and respect to all Servicemen and Servicewomen who were involved in global conflicts and peacekeeping missions since 1975.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Damien Morse, the Chief of Staff at the 1st Recruit Training Battalion (1RTB) Kapooka. We wish to thank LTCOL Morse, 1RTB Kapooka and RAAF Base Forest Hill for supporting the service.
Many community members attended the commemorative service. The Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch wishes to thank those who attended to acknowledge the service.
Please see photos from the commemorative service.
2024 Korea Veterans Day Commemorative Service
At 11.00 am on Saturday 27 July 2024, the Korea Veterans Day commemorative service was held in the Council Meeting Room at the Wagga Wagga City Council building.
The service was well attended and the Keynote Address was given by Major David Adams. The Charge d’Affaires of the Republic of Korea, Mr Joyoung Jeon, presented the Ambassador for Peace medal to Veterans of the Korean War from Wagga Wagga and Narrandera.
The Veterans who received the Ambassador for Peace medals (in alphabetical order) were Maskell Burke, Harry Edmonds, the Late Alan Evans (accepted by Mrs Nancye Evans), Harold Menzies (accepted by John Sullivan and passed to Harold in Narrandera following the commemorative service) and John Sullivan.
The venue for the commemorative service was changed from the Korean Memorial in the Victory Memorial Gardens to the Council Meeting Room at the Wagga City Council building, due to an inclement weather forecast.
Left to right: Colonel Kim, Veteran John Sullivan, Charge' d'affaires Mr Joyoung Jeon, Veteran Harry Edmonds, Veteran Maskell Burke, Mrs Nancye Evans.
2024 Inaugural Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO)
Commemorative Service
The inaugural Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Commemorative Service was held by the Wagga RSL sub-Branch at 11.00 am on Thursday 11 July 2024 at the Cenotaph in the Wagga Wagga Victory Memorial Gardens.
The MEAO service honoured the Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who served in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As Australia’s longest military engagement, from 2001 to 2021, the MEAO holds great importance.
We were honoured to have Major Jennifer White as the Keynote Speaker at the MEAO Commemorative Service. She delivered a moving speech and it was a privilege to have her participate.
See below the photos from the MEAO Commemorative Service of Major White (R) presenting her speech and Wayne Lennon (L) delivering The Ode.
2024 ANZAC DAY
2023 ANZAC DAY
RECENT EVENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
2023 KOREA VETERANS DAY
WINTER WELLBEING EXPO
THE XENA PROJECT
