There is only one constant in the entire universe and that is constant change.

We need to accept change or like the Dodo or the Democrats, disappear!?

We move with the times or follow the legendary Whoslem bird, you know, the one the flew in ever decreasing circles until it disappeared right up its own fundamental orifice.

Those who only stood also served. As did those who flew over empty skies from the back of an aircraft carrier, and only risked anything putting it down!

In some units every third training round is a live one. So even trainees can be shot at.

And when I trained, we heard stories of brave men training our future soldiers, and throwing themselves on a live one that had slipped through nervous recruits fingers and the like.

I don't frequent the local R.S.L, though entitled.

I used to have a one day a year flutter on the Melbourne cup, and continued to do so when the local TAB, was moved inside the local R.S.L, but stopped when my one bet a year meant Compulsory R.S.L membership!

We might be able to conscript servicemen and women! But that ends with your service; as does saluting a senior officer/tinpot potentate!

Ex should apply to most things; including the blind obedience of herded cattle.

I have some respect for those who saw front line duty and took advice from vastly more experienced senior NCO's, but very little for those, who safely ensconced miles to the rear; or in the local R.S.L., merely saw them and our (promise them anything including automatic citizenship; you've earned it) native allies, as expendable chess pieces!

My salute for them usually done with one or two fingers; the real one reserved for those who laid everything on the line, like hardly ever mentioned forward observers, who with unparalleled courage, directed fire on their own position!

The army may not be a democracy, but the R.S.L, is an integral part of one, and all our soldiers fought for; and indeed, the very freedoms that that bestows!
Rhrosty.

Great article Malcolm

You are right about the generational problems of the RSL:

- still living WW2 diggers would be mainly born around 1925 = 90 years old or older

- Korean War around 85 years old

- Vietnam War around 65-85 years old from the young ex-servicemen to officers and senior NCOs

Then there is a Big jump to those in Somalia, Iraq Wars, East Timor, Afghanistan - most are 50yo and younger. Most probably working and feeling too young or too different from the 70+ RSL members managing the Clubs.

Appealing to the 50 and younger is the way as you say.

Internet knowledge is often difficult or alien to the 70+. Hardcopy mailouts AND emails are often seen as complicated. This feeling is basically unfounded as emails are an easy addition.

So RSLs need to get past these Customer/Member Age, Manager Age and Internet hurdles to survive.

Regards

Pete

It is not as simple as the author imagines.

That there may be other forces at work is suggested by the closing down of a whole range of community clubs. Think technology for one likely suspect.

People are disengaging from mainstream society and withdrawing into their private caves. That should be a concern for government. Of course regarding the old have their own problems: usually poorer, health compromised, likely forgotten by relatives and poor city planning. Many cease club membership prematurely through transport and money problems.

Why single out the RSL?

I'm amazed that it is expected that only 20 of the 110 SA sub branches will survive the next ten years. I thought the rest were already gone!

In the 27 years since I first came to SA, I don't recall the RSL being of any cultural significance other than on ANZAC Day and in relation to war memorials. I thought the RSL's strength was a peculiarly NSW thing, due to their longstanding legislation allowing pokies in clubs but not hotels.

Yes certainly the convenient alternative of ONLINE GAMBLING - including to non-Australian websites - has town a hole in patriotic clubs.

Shouldn't be that way - but many of those websites are US located and we model our website legislation on the US - so ONLINE GAMBLING is a major reason for the closing down of Australian institutions like RSL clubs in NSW.

I'm doubtful that South Australia will survive, for there to be any RSL clubs there.

I guess we can only hope.