RSL AUSTRALIAN FORCES OVERSEAS FUND
NSW DIVISION
In 2010, RSL AFOF provided parcels to all serving members of the Australian Defence Force and Australian Federal Police posted overseas. The majority of these personnel serve in peacemaking missions on a six month rotation basis and, to ensure that each receives the benefit of a package during their period of service, the packages are made available for delivery twice yearly. These packages are loosely referred to as the mid-year and Christmas packages.
RSL AFOF parcels were sent to Afghanistan, Timor Leste, Iraq, Middle East, Sinai, Solomon Islands and Sudan. Australia has large numbers of personnel serving in these overseas missions. The packages contained various items to remind personnel of home, and included ANZAC biscuits, glucose confectionary, salted peanuts, muesli bars, lollies, a letter of appreciation on behalf of all Australians, and Membership contact details.
In 2010 again we saw RSL AFOF continue its support of our serving members by providing HMAS Parramatta on Operation Slipper with physical fitness gear, sports uniforms, and Satellite TV services for 2FH deployed to MEAO.
Again in 2010, we saw volunteers from RSL State Branch, RSL sub-Branches and Civilians from the Defence Department and the Department of Veteran Affairs joining with serving members of the Deployed Forces Support Unit (39th Battalion) at Randwick Barracks in NSW to pack over 3500 parcels for shipment overseas under the direction of Mr Derek Robson, the RSL AFOF Executive Commissioner.
It should be noted that it is essential for the Fund to keep sufficient finances on hand, so that in the event of a sudden requirement, RSL AFOF can act immediately in support of our forces.
To achieve this we receive regular support from the RSL community and thank all sub-Branches, Women’s Auxiliary’s and others for their generous donations totalling $54,489.00. Those donors are listed below:
| Ashfield RSL sub-Branch | $1,000.00 |
| Avalon Beach RSL sub-Branch | $1,000.00 |
| Balgowlah – Seaforth –Clontarf RSL sub-Branch | $10,000.00 |
| Bomaderry RSL sub-Branch | $1,000.00 |
| Bondi Junction – Waverley RSL sub-Branch | $1,000.00 |
| Campsie RSL sub-Branch | $1,500.00 |
| Canterbury – Hurlstone Park RSL sub-Branch | $1,000.00 |
| CCWA (Yamba RSL Women’s Auxiliary) | $700.00 |
| Chester Hill – Carramar RSL sub-Branch | $1,000.00 |
| City of Blacktown RSL sub-Branch | $3,000.00 |
| City of Lismore RSL Women’s Auxiliary | $1,000.00 |
| City of Newcastle RSL sub-Branch | $94.00 |
| Concord and District RSL sub-Branch | $2,000.00 |
| Cronulla RSL sub-Branch | $500.00 |
| Miss Elizabeth Holt | $25.00 |
| Foster – Tuncurry RSL Women’s Auxiliary | $1,000.00 |
| Forestville RSL sub-Branch | $2,000.00 |
| Granville RSL sub-Branch | $500.00 |
| Manly RSL sub-Branch | $350.00 |
| Newtown RSL sub-Branch | $5,000.00 |
| Old Bar RSL sub-Branch | $100.00 |
| Pittwater RSL sub-Branch | $1,000.00 |
| Pottsville Beach RSL Women’s Auxiliary | $1,400.00 |
| RSL Welfare & Benevolent Fund | $1,500.00 |
| Mrs Margaret M Haynes | $20.00 |
| Wagga Wagga RSL sub-Branch | $2,000.00 |
| Woolgoolga RSL sub-Branch | $300.00 |
| Woonona – Bulli RSL Women’s Auxiliary | $2,000.00 |
We are also most grateful for the significant $12,500.00 donation received from the United Returned Soldiers Fund through the sale of the badges on ANZAC Day.
We would like to acknowledge the fine effort and support provided by Mr John Cannings our Honorary Solicitor for his council, Miss Annette Mulliner, Honorary Treasurer, Mr Barry Lloyd, Chartered Accountant, Honorary Auditor and Mr Don Rowe, State President of The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) and State Commissioner of RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund (NSW Division).
Mr John Boyle
Honorary Secretary
