Port Broughton R.S.L.

26/10/2026

HMAS Vampire (D11) was a Daring-class destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy that entered service on June 23, 1959. Throughout its period of service, the ship carried out various operational duties and served as part of Australia’s surface fleet before being decommissioned on August 13, 1986.

Following its retirement, HMAS Vampire was preserved as a museum ship and is now part of the collection at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, Sydney. The vessel stands as a piece of Australia’s maritime heritage, offering visitors an opportunity to gain a closer look at the history of warships and the lives of sailors in the Royal Australian Navy.⚓

26/10/2026

26/10/2026

25/10/2026

Australia’s first Women Veterans’ Strategy has been released. It's a milestone that was shaped by women veterans who shared their experiences, and their persistent advocacy.

In a joint statement with Women Veterans Australia, Defence Force Welfare Association and Legacy Australia, we welcome the long-awaited Strategy as a good, and much needed, first step.

The Strategy alone does not deliver change. Collectively, we're now calling for:

→ A funded implementation plan with clear targets

→ Annual public reporting and independent oversight

→ Action on sexual violence, medical discharge and homelessness

→ A stronger voice for women veterans in policy decisions

Read more: https://www.rslaustralia.org/news-stories/rsl-calls-for-action-on-women-veterans-strategy

WVA Chair Llani Kennealy spoke with ABC Radio National about what comes next. Listen via the link in the comments.

24/10/2026

How did a wildflower become the symbol of Remembrance Day? 🌺

During the First World War, red poppies were among the first plants to return to the shattered battlefields of northern France and Belgium. Soldiers said their colour came from the blood of their mates.

At Ypres in 1915, the poppies moved Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write a poem that begins:

"In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row"

Moina Michael, who worked for the American YMCA, read the poem just before the Armistice and resolved to wear a red poppy always.

Anna Guérin, the French YMCA secretary, took the idea further, selling poppies to support widows, orphans and veterans in need. The poppy was soon worn across the allied nations.

In 1921, the forerunner of the RSL imported a million silk poppies made in French orphanages and sold them for a shilling each, splitting the money between a charity for French children and its own welfare work.

The RSL still sells poppies for Remembrance Day today.

🔗 Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x6Dk5

📸 Artwork: Kenneth Macqueen, 'Wild poppies, Mont Kemmel',
c.1917-1918, watercolour on paper, 11.9 cm x 17.6 cm. ART93950
(Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by the Macqueen family in 2009)

24/10/2026

Members and friends are respectfully advised of the passing of our member Allan Scott on the 19th of October 2026, following an extended period of illness.

Our sincere condolences are extended to his wife Cheryl who has advised that in accordance with Allan's wishes, there will be no public funeral held.

Rest in peace now old friend.

Send a message to learn more

19/10/2026

Today, 19 October, is War Widows Day - a day to recognise the war widows and widowers whose partners died as a result of service.

The date was set to coincide with the birthday of Jessie Vasey, who was born in Roma, Queensland, in 1897.

After graduating from university, she married George Alan Vasey in 1921. He served in the Australian Army in both world wars, and during his service he saw the poor living conditions faced by the widows of his men. He encouraged Jessie to help.

On 5 March 1945, Major General Vasey was killed on active service, and Jessie became a war widow herself.

Later that year, on 22 November, she founded the War Widows Guild of Australia in Melbourne. The Guild was soon established Australia-wide, supporting widows of servicemen who had died of war-related causes. As its President, Jessie campaigned for better pensions, housing and medical assistance until her death in 1966.

Help us honour all families of those who serve, by supporting the creation of a new sculpture at the Australian War Memorial.

Donate: https://brnw.ch/21x6vaN
Recognising Families Sculpture

19/10/2026

Look who I just met. Yamba the Assistance Dog. He’s a gorgeous 4.5 yo lab. The ex serviceman kindly allowed me to take a photo of him.

18/10/2026

Why do we pause at 11 am on 11 November?

At 11 am on 11 November 1918, after more than four years of fighting, the guns on the Western Front fell silent. More than 70 million people had been mobilised for the First World War. Between 9 and 13 million died, and as many as a third have no known grave.

The allied nations chose that day and that hour to remember the people they had lost. From the first anniversary in 1919, the silence of the Western Front was recalled at the eleventh hour in ceremonies across many allied nations, and it has been kept every year since.

On Wednesday 11 November, when 11 am arrives where you are, pause for one minute's silence for all those who died or suffered while serving in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Why do you pause at 11 am? Tell us in the comments. 💬

🔗 The origins of Remembrance Day: https://brnw.ch/21x6unh

📸 An unidentified cinematographer films the last shots fired before the Armistice, 11 November 1918. A03267