RSL NSW drive 'Check on a Mate' campaign for veterans

The campaign, driven by RSL NSW, comes as the state's membership increased by 11 per cent over the past 12 months - the first time it's gone up in 40 years. Census 2021 data has shown that one in 20 (5.3 per cent) Australian households reported at least one person who had served, or was currently serving, in the Australian Defence Force.

The membership spike highlights the importance of the RSL, and the need for veterans to be able to access local support and services. The NSW branch has 26,000 members and more than 320 sub-branches, and help provide mateship, a ready-made community, connection and links to support services for veterans and their families.

RSL NSW president Ray James said the Census data shows we all know a veteran, or are connected to someone who has served.

"It's therefore all of our responsibility to make sure they are okay, know that they have support and know where they can seek that support. Whether that's a coffee with friends, or it's employment or wellbeing support."

Support through transition is an important way of ensuring ADF veterans' professional value and expertise is realised in civilian life. Census data shows that the employment rates of reservists (89 per cent) and all veterans (75 per cent) are comparable to the national average (74 per cent), clearly demonstrating that veterans bring highly valuable skill sets to the workplace, transferring training, knowledge and experience gained during their service.

The data also shows that serving in the ADF can provide great professional outcomes for women, with 17 per cent of female reservists, and 14 per cent of female veterans now working as managers, compared to 11 per cent of females in the general population.

RSL NSW member and veteran-led charity Swiss8 founder Adrian Sutter said transitoning out of defence is a challenge for many veterans, regardless of how rewarding a career they've had.

"Some have never been civilians as adults and need to learn even the basics - getting a Medicare card and renting a house," Adrian said.

"While basic training to become a soldier takes three months of around-the-clock hard work, transitioning out of Defence takes as little as 30 minutes. After walking out the gates, veterans need to rebuild their social networks and transition into civilian life, shedding the military identity and norms that civilian society doesn't recognise."

Adrian said the RSL offers its members opportunities to rebuild community and identity via initiatives such as family-friendly and accessible sports and recreation, social activities and more.

RSL NSW, with its charity partner RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, provides a range of support for veterans and their families including mateship and camaraderie, DVA claim support, employment services, and housing and homelessness support, as well as myriad other programs to assist veterans as they transitions into new careers and settle into civilian life.

To reach out to RSL Australia or find a branch near you, click here.