Cronulla RSL Highly Commended
Cronulla RSL have been awarded the RSL Services, Spirit of ANZAC Award, Highly Commended
Cronulla RSL has been recognised by RSL & Services Clubs Association, for its outstanding contribution to members and the local community throughout the past 12 months, being awarded the “Spirit of ANZAC Award - Highly Commended”.
The award shines a spotlight on RSL clubs around the nation, who epitomise the sacrifice of those who served in the defence of our nation and in the traditions of the ANZAC's – courage, endurance, initiative, discipline and mateship.
From the 1st July 2022 – 30th June 2023 Cronulla RSL worked with a number of wonderful organistaions and donated approx. $260,000 to the local community ($40,000 in-kind, $134,000 ClubGRANTS, $85,000 cash donations). In addition, The Club continued to remain dedicated to the recognition of remembrance days, whilst identifying and creating more relevant ways to provide support.
Cronulla RSL Community Projects Manager, Natalie Hawkins said ‘ The Club (Cronulla RSL) has a deep-rooted commitment to serving and supporting the local community, and we always strive to make a positive and lasting impact’.
‘Over the past 12 months, The Club has continued to go beyond its primary role as a veterans' club, and has extended its reach to various community initiatives, charitable causes and events, that uplift and enrich the lives of individuals and families in the Sutherland Shire. The unwavering support of our members and local community has been the driving force behind our incredible contribution’ said Natalie.
Support for our Local Community
Below are some of the notable areas of support to the community by Cronulla RSL, through the year, that stand outside of the ClubGRANTS program.
Trees of Hope
9 local not-for-profit organisations were invited to decorate a Christmas Tree as part of Trees of Hope, which was displayed in the Club’s foyer. Members, guests, staff & board voted for their favourite tree, with the most popular trees winning a share of over $7,000. ‘Trees of Hope’ has been brightening up Cronulla RSL during the festive season since 2016.
Pictured, the local charitable organisations participating in the Trees of Hope initiative 2023
School Grants Scheme
The Cronulla RSL ‘School Grants Scheme’, is designed to assist local students further their academic, sporting, or artistic endeavours. The scheme enables schools to provide selected students with scholarships to help fund extracurricular activities. This year a total of $7,400 scholarships has been awarded to students across 9 schools. Since it’s inception in 2012, the Scheme has donated $65,000 to students in the Cronulla area.
Headline Acts
Cronulla RSL held a ‘voters choice’ music event series for the second year in June 2023. ‘Headline Acts’ brings immense benefits to both club members and the local community. The event attracts a diverse range of talent and entertainment, creating a vibrant atmosphere that extends beyond the club walls. This not only enhances the social and cultural experiences of club members but also provides a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and gain exposure.
Australia Day
Cronulla RSL were the major sponsor of the Sutherland Shire Council Australia Day celebrations. The three-day program across the Sutherland Shire included events reflective of the Australia Day Council theme: Reflect, Respect, Celebrate. The program included sunset cultural ceremony, outdoor cinemas and major concerts (one of which was one of NSW largest concerts on iconic Cronulla Beach, attracting a crowd of over 20,000 people).
Cronulla RSL were the major sponsor of Australia Day, in Cronulla in 2023.
Recognition of Remembrance Days
War Animal Day
On Friday 24th February Cronulla RSL recognised National War Animal Day, and the important roles that animals have and continue to play in war. A special memorial service was held at the Club’s Memorial Garden.
Local high school students lay flowers during War Animal Day in Cronulla
Vietnam Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, ANZAC Day
Cronulla RSL supported the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch, by donating to the delivery of ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans Day & Remembrance Day services in Cronulla through ClubsGRANTS. In 2023, the Cronulla RSL ANZAC Day service saw a record number of attendees, with an estimated 10,000 people gathering before dawn on April 25th.
The support provided by Cronulla RSL to cover the costs associated with these services is immensely beneficial for both the sub-branch and the wider community. By covering these costs, Cronulla RSL ensured that the sub-branch could focus on organising a memorable and dignified event without any financial burden. This support not only relieved the sub-branch of financial pressures, but also allowed them to allocate their resources towards providing support to veterans.
An estimated 10,000 people attended the ANZAC Day service in Cronulla in 2023.
Support for Veteran Welfare Activities
ANZAC Day Fundraising
Cronulla RSL fundraising activities on ANZAC Day 2023, have raised $7,000 to support the efforts of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) & Veteran Service Animals.
Cronulla RSL raised over $7,000 for AWAMO & local Veteran Dog, Manic, during ANZAC Day Two-Up in 2023
Manic
Over the past 12 months, Cronulla RSL have continued to support Manic, a working dog who served in Iraq and on Tactical Assault Group East (TAGE). Manic is the Club’s first honorary four-legged member. Manic retired from service in 2020 and now lives in the Sutherland Shire.
Cory Rinaldi ‘Sacrifice’
Cronulla RSL are proud to purchase and display "Sacrifice”, artwork painted by Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch President, Cory Rinaldi. ‘Sacrifice’ was part of Cory’s Exhibition at the ANZAC Memorial, ‘A Soldiers Healing’, which documented his journey of service and healing through the creative power of art.
Cory Rinaldi’s ‘Sacrifice’, is now on display at Cronulla RSL
Promotion of ANZAC Traditions
Cronulla RSL Podcast, ‘Friends By The Beach’
The Friends By the Beach podcast stands as a remarkable platform that serves multiple purposes within the club community. The podcast serves as a means to share the captivating stories and experiences of its members. By providing a space for veterans, and community members to recount their personal narratives, the podcast not only highlights the diverse perspectives within the club but also creates a sense of unity and understanding among its listeners.
Memorial Garden
Cronulla RSL has unveiled a memorial garden and an AWAMO plaque, dedicated to animals who have served during times of war & peace. Situated on Gerrale Street, the purple garden features a bronze plaque which was been developed in conjunction with the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) and recognises the sacrifices and deeds that animals have undertaken in battlefields around the world.
Cronulla RSL installed a memorial garden, dedicated to animals impacted by war.
Walk the Walls
Sutherland Shire Council held a community festival, ‘Walk the Walls’, which was a revitalisation of spaces affected by graffiti and vandalism through the installation of artworks of various genres and styles on ‘problem walls’ around the area. Cronulla RSL donated funds to assist with the delivery of the event, and donated club facilities for the project. Cronulla RSL is located adjacent to Cronulla Park; A public space, that is frequented by our local community day and night. It is renowned for attracting antisocial behaviour and associated crime.
This mural, with a nod to diggers and the local environment, s located on the Cronulla RSL Car Park wall.
War Animal Day Package
To help inspire organisations such as clubs and schools around Australia, to commemorate War Animal Day on February 24th each year, Cronulla RSL have established a helpful downloadable guide, to assist staff with implementing the special day in their commemorative calendar. The War Animal Day guide includes useful resources, such as event planning, execution and marketing tools. Also included, is a letter template for individuals to use when contacting their local club, requesting that they consider adding War Animal Day to their commemorative calendar.
Zero600 Challenge for Invictus
In June 2023, Cronulla RSL staff signed up for the Invictus ZERO600 Challenge. To raise funds for Invictus and raise awareness about the incredibly sad statistics involving veterans and suicide, staff rose early and were active before 6am for 6 days. The team raised $750.
Club Taree, a regional club in NSW, won the award. They were recognised for their commitment to remembrance through initiatives such as ANZAC Day display and the recent refurbishment of the Taree RSL Sub Branch Memorial Display. Plus, key achievements such as le Tour de Taree and the Club Taree Mental Health Challenge.
Find a list of all organisations supported by Cronulla RSL through Grants, Sponsorships and In-Kind support by clicking here.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CRONULLA RSL COMMUNITY
Nestled in the heart of Cronulla, the Cronulla RSL stands as a beacon of community strength and support. Whether through sponsorships, donations, or volunteer efforts, the club's unwavering dedication to the community remains steadfast.