Circular 31/21 The new RSL NSW website is now live
The RSL NSW website has been updated with a renewed focus on our members and the wider veteran community. There are some key components of the website that sub-Branches should be aware of:
Membership Applications
The RSL NSW Membership Application Forms have been updated and are now available under ‘Get Involved’ and in the ‘Members’ Suite’. The following editable PDF forms have been developed in consultation with representatives of the Forestville, Newcastle, and Wingham RSL sub-Branches and will replace all membership forms in circulation:
Transfer of Membership click here
Prospective members can now complete an online application form on the RSL NSW website. The information that is captured in this form will be sent directly to the RSL NSW Membership Team at ANZAC House who will liaise with the sub-Branch to process the new membership. Applications will eventually be automatically directed to the RSL NSW sub-Branch email account.
The Application for Membership process is outlined on Page 46 of the RSL NSW Constitution. The Process does not include a requirement for an applicant to be reviewed or accepted at a sub-Branch meeting for ‘provisional membership’ and I understand that this step of the process, if followed, is causing some delay to new members joining the League. This step is unnecessary and has been removed from the new membership forms.
Some questions have been raised about the payment of the membership fee of $35 considering that membership fees will not be payable in 2022, as outlined in the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan. Sub-Branches will continue to be invoiced for membership fees in the meantime.
Find your local sub-Branch search:
The search function for sub-Branches is now determined by geo targeting. If a user types, for example, postcode ‘2340’ for Tamworth, then the Quirindi and Werris Creek sub-Branches are also included in the search return to present the user with options in the vicinity of their home, workplace, or Defence base.
Sub-Branch pages
The sub-Branch pages have been upgraded to include a ‘Join Now’ link and a map that shows where the sub-Branch is located. The pages have the capability to house a photo of the sub-Branch or members and to post event information etc. This is a project in itself and I will gather a working group to work through this capability. It is hoped that this will help sub-Branches save time and money on keeping websites up to date.
As exists on the current site, the email contact information for the sub-Branch is the RSL NSW email address, so sub-Branches should expect correspondence from website users/veterans who need help or have questions. This is another critical reason why sub-Branches should be accessing and using their RSL NSW email account on a regular basis. ANZAC House can drive all the enquiries in the world to sub-Branches but this is useless if the enquiries are going unanswered.
Members’ Suite
The Members’ Suite that contains member and sub-Branch resources has been relocated and is now titled Member Resources. The page can now be accessed from the bottom menu on the front page of the website or by clicking here.
This is a temporary location for the Members’ Suite while the sub-Branch and Members’ Portals are being enhanced to house these resources. It is hoped that the Portal upgrade will be completed by the end of this year.
If you have any questions about the website, please contact marketing@rslnsw.org.au
