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Anzac Day: Osborne Park RSL sub-branch focused on youth

Laura PondStirling Times

DESPITE its nearly 100-year history, Osborne Park RSL sub-branch is focused on youth.

Junior vice-president Dan Byles, of Osborne Park, is leading a new member strategy aimed at “delivering health, wellbeing, career growth and advocacy services for 21st century veterans.”

The 36-year-old Afghanistan war veteran said the sub-branch knew to survive, it needed to stay relevant to younger veterans.

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“he RSL as an organisation has been there for 100 years for past servicemen and as new ones, we have a responsibility to carry it on,” he said.

“We’re a sub-branch that is supportive of new and younger members.

“We have our own hall, a place where they can come and get advice.”

Mr Byles said they identified needs of modern veterans, which included addressing mental health challenges and difficulties finding work.

The website has been updated to provide a “one-stop shop” for veterans to access services and the hall is also intended to offer the same, with a focus on health and wellbeing.

A long-held tradition of holding weekly meetings at noon on Wednesdays has changed to make it more accessible, with meetings now at 6pm on Fridays.

Though the sub-branch is trying to shake its stereotype and wants to attract younger members, Mr Byles said it was about being inclusive for all veterans and there was much to be gained from the older members.

“Younger people can benefit from the mentorship of the older ones,” he said. “It’s about the passing on of history.”

The sub-branch will run an Anzac Day service at 6.30am followed a gunfire breakfast in the hall at 129 Main Street, Osborne Park.

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