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History of the RSL
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) was founded in 1916 by soldiers returning from the trenches of World War I.
The aim was simple – provide a helping hand for their mates. Since 1916 the RSL has been making sure help is always at hand by providing much needed support, advice and camaraderie to the men and women of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Mission
The RSL was founded on the values of recognition, service, loyalty, quality and mateship.
RSL (Queensland Branch) is committed to:
- Providing welfare and support for the wounded, injured and ill;
- Honouring the memory of the fallen;
- Preserving the enduring spirit of mateship;
- and Promoting the interests of veterans and ADF members to Government and the wider community.
History
Following the aftermath of World War I, wounded soldiers began returning home to find there was limited Government support available to them. Diggers felt that a united voice was needed to bring about change for returned servicemen and women. The RSL was formed – an independent, apolitical organisation run by its members, for its members and the ex-service community.
The RSL proceeded to represent the interests of returned servicemen and women, lobbying the Government and providing welfare services. Originally known as the Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA), the name was changed to the Returned Soldiers and Airman’s Imperial League of Australia (RSSAILA) in 1940.
In 1965, the name was then changed to the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSLA). Finally, in 1990, the name was changed to the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL).
