A new generation finds special sense of belonging in rejuvenated RSL club
LEAVING the Army was never Jess Fraser’s choice, but an early medical discharge forced the 29-year-old to rethink the future she had dreamed of since childhood.
Now, with the Greater Springfield RSL Sub Branch, she is turning that loss into a new purpose in helping other veterans find their identity, connection and sense of belonging beyond the uniform.
RSL brings connection for younger veterans
In just 12 months, the Sub Branch has welcomed more than 200 new members, with 75 per cent of its membership aged under 45, making it a leader and one of the younger faces of the RSL movement.
For President Glenn West, that growth reflects a deliberate effort to make the organisation relevant, accessible and representative of veterans at every stage of life, while for Ms Fraser it has provided her and many other younger veterans with a place to belong.
At just 14, Ms Fraser dreamed of a life in the Army, inspired by her family’s military history and the promise of adventure.
At 25, she enlisted in the Australian Army as a distribution operator, known in military circles as a Qie, ensuring military units had the equipment and supplies needed to keep operations running.
But less than three years into her military career, an injury sustained during training brought her Army journey to an unexpected end.
“It taught me that I was far more adaptable and resilient than I realised, that I was capable of more than I gave myself credit for,” she said.
“I think we need to do more to recognise and support those who fall outside that expected mould, because service and sacrifice look different for everyone, and no veteran should feel their contribution is any less worthy of recognition.”
Mr West agreed as he said that the transition out of Defence could be just as challenging as the years spent serving.
“We too often see veterans who have left the Australian Defence Force, or people who are still serving, who don’t know how to get help when they need it,” he said.
“By the time they reach out, they may have needed that support for quite a while.
“We want that connection to be there before someone finds themselves struggling.”
That philosophy is helping shape the Greater Springfield RSL Sub Branch and its efforts to show younger veterans that the RSL is somewhere they belong.
“Having people around you who genuinely understand that part of your life can make an enormous difference to your wellbeing,” Ms Fraser said.
The Sub Branch’s youthful membership is not simply about changing perceptions but reflected in its leadership, with most Board and Executive members aged under 45.
“We want younger veterans to fill leadership positions and have a real say in how their Sub Branch operates,” Mr West said.
“People don’t necessarily set out wanting to connect with the RSL. They want to connect with people they feel comfortable around.
“When they see younger veterans involved and leading the Sub Branch, they can picture themselves being part of it.”
The Sub Branch remains committed to honouring previous generations while challenging the perception that veterans are simply older men and women whose service belongs to another era.
“They are also the parents at school pickup, the people you work with and the younger families in your street,” Mr West said.
