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In accordance with the aims and objectives of the Sub-Branch, the following services are provided for members:

Welfare
Welfare is a priority of Miranda RSL Sub-Branch. Many areas of members' welfare may be addressed. The Welfare officer and assistant visit hospitalised members and those in nursing homes and those confined to their own homes. Members may receive a subsidy towards the cost of a telephone and television while hospitalised.

The Welfare officer also provides an RSL funeral service for deceased members if requested by the next of kin. Eligible members also receive a mortality payment from the Sub-Branch Welfare fund and a book is donated to a school nominated by the next of kin.

Subsidised cooking classes have been arranged for members in 2005 & 2006 to assist members with healthy living styles. In addition to the Sub-Branch, The Department of Veterans Affairs and the St George and Sutherland Evening College are involved in the funding and provision of the cooking classes.

For those members needing advice and assistance on welfare matters, contact the sub-branch office secretary.

Pensions
The Sub-Branch is fortunate to have the services of an excellent accredited Pensions and assistant Pensions officer. These people provide advice, consultancy and help with veterans and war widows with new and updated claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Pensions Officer can also assist with advocacy where appeals are lodged against decisions from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

As claims are involved and take some time to complete, members are requested to make an appointment to see the Welfare Officer, by contacting the Office Secretary or Pensions Officer.

Social
The Sub-Branch has an active Social Committee whose job it is to organise appropriate social activities for members. Sub-Branch members are encouraged to suggest ideas for potential social outings.

Most activities are subsidised by the Sub-Branch and members are usually asked for a contribution toward the cost of providing Social activities.

Activities include, Bus trips to places of interest in Sydney and surrounding places in NSW eg Richmond Air Force Base, the Canberra War Memorial, Kokoda Walkway at Concord and Race meetings. Anzac Sunday & Christmas are usually celebrated with luncheons and entertainment is provided by appropriate performers.

At least four significant social activities are provided for members each year.

A number of special activities are held throughout the year including a Luncheon for Life Member's, War Widows & Prisoners of War. The Sub-Branch provides special activities for other causes as they arise.

Member's are encouraged to remain after monthly general meetings to enjoy the social company of new and existing members. Refreshments are provided for members after each month's general meeting.  

Library
A large collection of official Historic Military books is available for loan or for research purposes from the Sub-Branch. Many of these volumes have been donated by Sub-Branch members or their families.

Military videos and novels are available for members to borrow. The library is also available for local school students who are researching Australian military history.

For access to the library, contact the Sub-Branch Office Secretary.

Welfare Bus
The Miranda RSL Sub-Branch has a Nissan Civilian Bus which can carry twenty people. The bus is garaged at the Miranda Parkside Plaza and is distinctly marked on both sides with "Miranda RSL Sub-Branch Welfare Bus". Drivers and offsiders are volunteers.

In 2000, the NRMA donated $5,000 to the Sub-Branch towards the cost of insurance and registration for the bus. The bus is available for use by community groups but bookings are essential. For bus bookings, contact the Sub-Branch office secretary.

Commemorative
Anzac Sunday - Traditionally on the Sunday before ANZAC Day, a non denominational service is held at St Luke's Church at Miranda. A concert and luncheon are often held for members on the same day at the RSL Club.

ANZAC Day- The most important day of the RSL's year begins with a march from Miranda RSL at 5.30am followed by a dawn service at the Cenotaph in Central Road Miranda.

A distinguished guest delivers an ANZAC oration at the commemoration service. Several thousand people attend the service including hundreds of school children.

Breakfast is provided by the Sub-Branch in the RSL Club to those who attend the Dawn Service.

Remembrance Sunday- Held on the Sunday before November 11 each year. This service is organised by the Southern Metropolitan District Council ( SMDC) and is rotated between Sub-Branches. A brief ceremony is held at the Miranda Sub-Branch on November 11 at 11am.

Battle for Australia- The Sub- Branch initiated an inaugural ceremony in 1999 to commemorate the occasion. Held in September each year the service is a combined event with Caringbah RSL and is held at the Cenotaph in Central Road Miranda. Crowd numbers are increasing each year with a good representation from local schools.

Other Remembrance Activities- Services are held in the RSL Club to commemorate Victory in Europe Day, the Battle of the Coral Sea on 8 May, and the Victory in the Pacific on 15 August.

Nightly Reciting of the Ode- A recorded version of the Ode is played each evening at 5pm. The current recording was made by Mr Rusty Priest AM in 2001.

The Eternal Flame- Is located inside the front door of the RSL Club. The setting has been moved several times because of building renovations. It is a significant symbol of remembrance which was built by a professional stonemason. A gas flame was replaced by an electric lamp in 2005.

Remembrance Walkway - Over thirty framed pictures from the Australian War Memorial are hung on the walls outside the Sub Branch Offices. A cross section of pictures from all Services serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of war. Oil paintings by local artists Ron Scobie and Laurie Moran are displayed in the RSL Club foyer and stair case.

Community
The Sub-Branch receives many requests from community groups each year for financial donations. The committee considers all requests and where appropriate sends recommendations for assistance to a Monthly General Meeting for approval. The State Branch of The RSL sets the criteria and financial limits for any one donation. The Sub-Branch has supported many causes including the Women's Auxiliary, Youth Club, Kokoda Walk Way , Sutherland Hospital , and Sutherland Family Support Network.

 

 

 





 Eternal Flame - located in the Club foyer.






Sub-Branch Welfare Bus and Committee members.






Committee member John Goodger in the library.











Battle For Australia Commemoration Service
5th September
At the Central Road Miranda Cenotaph




Remembrance Sunday Service
11th November 2007





Past President Mike Paris, Barbara Raatz &
Past President Cliff Raatz at Cliff's Life Membership
Presentation September 2007 





Sub-Branch member George Forwood with past
Federal Minister Tom Uren at the ex-POW's
Luncheon hosted by Miranda RSL Sub-Branch on the
13th November 2008.


 
©2006 Miranda RSL Sub-Branch