How Cronulla RSL Supports Military Working Dogs
Australian Defence Force does not have a duty-of-care to Military Working Dogs (MWD) veterans when their service ends. Because of the typical age of MWD retirement, the people who take on responsibility for veteran dogs are unable to take out pet insurance to help with the costs of their veterinary care. Unfortunately, many of the health costs come at the end of a dog’s life. This can be a significant impost on those that have given our military working dogs their retirement home. There is currently no Department of Veterans Affairs waiting to support our war dogs when they retire. We owe them so much, at least to make their last few years of life comfortable and provide them with the medical treatment they need. The Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation has a program in place to financially help and support these veteran Aussie MWDs.
Manic was given honorary four-legged Cronulla RSL membership in 2021. The Club are proud to have been supporting his family financially (to assist with food, veterinary and medical expenses) since.
How Cronulla RSL Supports MILITARY WORKING DOGS
Honorary Membership for Manic
Cronulla RSL’s CEO Sue McNeill says ‘We were approached by Manic’s handler in 2021, to get permission for Manic to visit the club after the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. We approved without hesitation; service dogs are diggers too!’.
The Club was so welcoming, that Manic was announced as the first honorary four-legged member and was issued his own membership card.
‘We were so touched by Manic’s story and saddened to hear of the limited support war dogs and their handlers receive after their service, that we were inspired to help do what we could to make a difference’ said McNeill. ‘We hope that our efforts encourage other clubs to support their local service dog, and get behind the AWAMO’.
Cronulla RSL CEO Sue McNeill presents retired Military Working Dog, Manic, with his membership card.
Installation of Memorial Garden, dedicated to Animals Impacted By War
Cronulla RSL unveiled a memorial garden and plaque dedicated to animals who have served during times of war & peace, the first of its kind in New South Wales at an RSL Club.
Cronulla RSL were the first RSL Club in NSW, to install a Memorial Garden dedicated to animals impacted by war.
Fundraising to Support AWAMO & Manic
Cronulla RSL fundraising activities on ANZAC Day 2021, 2022 & 2023, have raised over $22,000 to support the efforts of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) & Veteran Service Animals.
Because of the typical age of military working dog’s retirement, the people who take on responsibility for veteran dogs are unable to take out pet insurance to help with the costs of their veterinary care. Unfortunately, many of the significant health costs come at the end of a dog’s life. This can be a significant impost on those that have given our military working dogs their retirement home.
AWAMO is a volunteer not-for-profit organisation made up of community members from diverse backgrounds, that have the like-minded aim to recognize the deeds of animals during Australian military service, and to educate generations to follow of the sacrifices of four legged diggers have made.
War Animal Day
On Friday 24th February in 2023 & 2024, 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. For more information, visit www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/waranimalday
The Cronulla RSL community gathered to honour War Animal Day in 2024
Guide to help other clubs
Cronulla RSL encourage other clubss to include War Animal Day in their organisation’s commemorative calendar. They have created useful resources and templates to download.
Cronulla RSL hope to encourage other RSL’s to hold War Animal Day, and have created a downloadable guide on how to hold their own ceremony.
ClubsNSW Heart of the Community Award
Retired military war dog Manic was the centre of attention when Cronulla RSL Memorial Club took out a major award at the NSW Clubs and Community Awards Night. The Cronulla club won the ClubsNSW Heart of the Community Award for its work in supporting Manic and the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation.
Cronulla RSL won the ClubsNSW Heart of the Community Award for its work in supporting Manic and the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation.
RSL & SERVICES CLUB - SPIRIT OF ANZAC 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.
Reach out to us about our support of War Animals
WE'RE WORKING WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO GIVE BACK & GROW THE COMMUNITY OF CRONULLA
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.