Collie Cardiff RSL Sub Branch
Serving the Collie Community Since 1918
The Beginning of the RSL
Returned Soldiers associations were first formed in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria as early as 1915. Clubrooms provided by the public were used as meeting places for invalided soldiers from Gallipoli. They became a gathering place for discussion on serious wounds and health problems because of war service, and the lack of Government repatriation support and medical services. In 1916 it was realised that without unity between the four states little would be achieved. Meetings were held between the states and an agreement reached on the formation of an Australia-wide Returned Soldiers Association. A provisional constitution and statement of aims and objectives was drawn up in Melbourne in June 1916, and in September 1916 the RSL commenced operation. Tasmania joined the league in 1917 and the strong Western Australian Association joined in 1918.
RSL Sub Branches are an exclusive club, full membership cannot be bought but rather is earned by service in the Defence Force of Australia or associated allied countries.
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Collie-Cardiff RSL Sub Branch - History
The Collie Sub Branch of the RSL was first formed in 1918 and the Cardiff Sub Branch followed in 1919. In 1957 the Cardiff Sub Branch closed and a new charter was raised for Collie-Cardiff RSL Sub Branch. The centenary of the Sub Branch in Collie was reached in 2018 representing 100 years of service to the Collie community. At the annual RSL congress meeting in Perth in 2019, the Collie-Cardiff Sub Branch was presented with a framed 100 Year Service Certificate in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the charter of the Collie RSL Sub Branch on the 8th day of June 1918. This certificate is proudly displayed at the club premises.
The RSL Badge-Design
The RSL badge represents a readiness at all times to serve Queen and country and former comrades. The badge cannot be purchased and can only be worn by those that have served their country. The badge is the shape of a shield, where the crown is symbolic of our loyalty to our monarch, our nation and the RSL. The shield is symbolic of the protection which the RSL provides for its members, widows, orphans and dependents of those that have paid the supreme sacrifice. Following changes to the league in 1990, the present Returned and Services League badge was introduced. Within the centre circle now march a sailor, soldier, airman and servicewoman, with their arms linked in comradery.
The RSL Motto
At National Congress in 1923 The NSW branch moved that the motto for the league be ‘The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance’, which was accepted and has been the league motto ever since.
Aims and Objectives of the RSL
Although the wording of the aims and objectives of the league have altered over the years the intent has always remained the same. The RSL's mission is to;
- To ensure that programs are in place for the well-being, care, compensation and commemoration of serving and ex-serving Defence Force members and their dependents; and promote Government and community awareness of the need for a secure, stable and progressive Australia.
- To perpetuate the close ties of friendship created by a mutual service in the Australian Defence Force or allied forces, to maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour among all past and present members of the Defence Force and to set an example of public spirit and noble hearted endeavour.
- To preserve the memory and records of those who suffered and died for Australia.
- To promote loyalty to the nation, and to guard the good name and preserve the interests and standing of members of the Defence Force.
Preserving the memory and records of those that have died and those that have served Australia
The Collie-Cardiff RSL Sub Branch prides itself in its tireless efforts to ensure Collie Boys from all wars are remembered, those that died, and those that served and returned. The Sub Branch conducts annual commemoration services for the Collie community on both ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. In addition the Sub Branch ensures accurate records are kept for all those Collie soldiers that have served the nation. The records are now kept on an interactive computer based touch screen.