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RSL Australia Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

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The Returned & Services League (RSL) of Australia has announced the appointment of the highly respected and experienced Australian Army officer, and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Executive Officer, Brigadier Philip Winter, AM, CSC, ADC as its new National Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Brigadier Winter will take up his appointment in late January 2021.

Brigadier Winter has had a stellar career as a leader. He joins the RSL from the AFP where he has worked in forensics and intelligence portfolios over the past 10 years.  Before joining the AFP, he served in the Regular Army for more than three decades in artillery and intelligence appointments.  More recently, he led a range of projects in the Army Reserve, including the Centenary of Anzac, Invictus Games and Defence’s contribution to the 2019 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Sydney.  Brigadier Winter is currently the Director General of the Australian Defence Force Sports Cell.

RSL National President Greg Melick said the RSL was delighted to welcome Brigadier Winter to the RSL and was confident he would make a major contribution supporting current and former serving personnel.

“Brigadier Winter has had an outstanding Army career, with recent appointments including the Director General for the Centenary of Anzac events both in Australia and overseas, and the Chef de Mission role for our Invictus Games Teams in Toronto in 2017, Sydney 2018 and the US Warrior Games in 2019,” Major General Melick said.

“RSL National has recently developed a new Strategic Plan with a vision to deliver Australia’s veterans and their families, better opportunities in all aspects of their lives. I am extremely confident that Brigadier Winter is the right person to help us convert our vision into reality.”

Brigadier Winter expressed his excitement to be taking on this vital role with the RSL. 

“I was raised in Ingleburn in New South Wales, where the RSL made a significant contribution to so many families of veterans, like ours, with the help of some excellent RSL members and community-minded leaders.  

“The RSL has always played an important role in Australian society as the premier ex-service organisation for more than 100 years and continues to do so.  

“I recognise the importance of this role not only for veterans and their families but for all Australians across the many communities where the RSL has a presence. I look forward to commencing this important work in 2021,” Brigadier Winter said.

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