RSL LifeCare, a service provider affiliated with the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) in New South Wales, has formed a partnership with RSL Queensland to bring the RSL Employment Program to New South Wales. This collaboration aims to enhance career opportunities for veterans and their partners, building on the success of a program originally launched by RSL Queensland in 2018. RSL LifeCare's involvement signifies a commitment to leveraging its established network and resources within the NSW veteran community to offer comprehensive support, including career counselling, skills translation, and job application assistance, to facilitate the transition of ex-service members to civilian employment.
The collaboration between RSL LifeCare and RSL Queensland brings together RSL LifeCare's established presence and deep commitment to veterans' welfare in NSW with the innovative RSL Employment Program developed by RSL Queensland. Together, they are providing comprehensive support services, including career counselling, skills assessment, and job application support. Justin Donnelly, Operations Manager at RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, emphasised the goal of this partnership: "By uniting the strengths of RSL LifeCare and RSL Queensland, we aim to provide veterans and their partners with unparalleled support, facilitating a smoother transition to civilian employment."
Troy Watson, RSL Queensland Deputy CEO – Veteran Services, further highlighted the broader mission of the partnership, stating that securing meaningful employment for veterans and their partners transcends mere job placement. It encompasses offering the necessary tools and support to navigate the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. "Our RSL Employment program is available to veterans and their partners, no matter when they left Defence – and we’re proud to be able to partner with RSL LifeCare Veteran Services to help deliver the Program on-the-ground in New South Wales to help support more veterans and their partners,” Mr Watson explained.
"Our RSL Employment program is available to veterans and their partners, no matter when they left Defence – and we’re proud to be able to partner with RSL LifeCare Veteran Services to help deliver the Program on-the-ground in New South Wales to help support more veterans and their partners,”
According to Mr Watson, the partnership not only taps into the unique strengths of each organisation but also marks a significant step towards providing a more cohesive and supportive environment for veterans adjusting to civilian life.
The partnership between RSL LifeCare and RSL Queensland represents an important innovation that taps into the potential benefits of collaboration across the RSL network. While individual RSL branches have historically operated with a degree of autonomy to address local needs, this initiative showcases how cross-boarder cooperation can amplify the impact of veteran services.
As a national organisation, the RSL would do well to develop more unified strategies to improve resource allocation, spur innovation, and ensure consistency in support services. Such coordination could help alleviate the mixed feelings veterans have towards the organisation's effectiveness. This initiative establishes the foundation for such an approach.