Cronulla RSL Wins Spirit of ANZAC Award for Second Consecutive Year
Cronulla RSL has been recognised with RSL & Services Clubs Association Spirit of ANZAC Award for the second consecutive year, celebrating the Club’s significant and ongoing contribution to the community, veterans and Australia’s Defence community.
The award recognises Cronulla RSL’s commitment to putting the values of service, mateship and community into action throughout the year, supporting veterans and their families while creating meaningful connections between the Defence community and the wider Sutherland Shire.
Accepting the award on behalf of Cronulla RSL was Club President Keith Ward, who has been a member of the Club for over 50 years.
“It is a great honour to accept the Spirit of ANZAC Award on behalf of Cronulla RSL, particularly for the second year in a row,” Mr Ward said.
“I have been a member of this Club since 1973, so I have seen firsthand how Cronulla RSL has evolved while remaining true to its purpose.”
“What makes me particularly proud is the significant and continued effort the Club makes to support our community and, importantly, our Defence community. This is not something we only do on ANZAC Day. It is something we work at throughout the year.”
“This award recognises the commitment of our staff, volunteers, Board, Sub-Branch and community partners who continue to find ways to support those who have served and the families who stand beside them.”
“I’d also like to acknowledge Natalie Hawkins, our Community Projects Manager, who has led the Club’s work to find new ways to support and connect with the veteran and Defence community.”
During the assessment period July 2025 to June 2026, Cronulla RSL provided more than $513,000 in community support through ClubGRANTS, sponsorships, fundraising, donations, room hire assistance and in-kind contributions.
More than $197,000 was directed towards veteran and military heritage support, alongside significant in-kind assistance, venue access, communications, administration and volunteer resources.
The Club’s contemporary approach to veteran engagement has included the Weight of War Run, which brought more than 60 participants aged between 11 and 86 together in Cronulla, raising approximately $11,000 locally as part of a national fundraising effort supporting veteran wellbeing programs. The event also established a new partnership between Cronulla RSL, Weight of War and the Zero79 Foundation.
Cronulla RSL has continued its commitment to retired Military Working Dogs and their handlers, raising more than $46,000 for military and service animal causes since 2022. Almost $8,000 was distributed during the assessment period to military animal welfare organisations and retired Military Working Dogs.
The Club has also continued to develop its Service Recognition Program, recognising current and ex-serving Defence personnel and creating opportunities for service to be acknowledged beyond commemorative occasions. Work has also commenced on a Defence Community Advisory Group, providing contemporary Defence personnel and veterans with a voice in shaping future programs and activities at the Club.
A significant focus has remained the Club’s relationship with the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch. Cronulla RSL provides financial, operational, communications and venue support, enabling the Sub-Branch to focus on welfare, advocacy, remembrance and supporting its members.
The Club also stepped forward to support the operational delivery of the Cronulla sub-Branch 2026 ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Cronulla, contributing funding to assist with event-related costs in addition to its annual ClubGRANTS support, while providing substantial staff resources for planning, compliance, stakeholder engagement and event delivery. The service attracts approximately 20,000 people.
For Cronulla RSL, the Spirit of ANZAC Award is ultimately a reflection of a simple philosophy: service does not end when a uniform is taken off.
The Club continues to work with veterans, serving Defence personnel, families, the Sub-Branch, local Defence units and community organisations to create opportunities for connection, recognition, wellbeing and mateship.
Cronulla RSL Director Peter Hazeldine, Community Projects Manager Natalie Hawkins & Cronulla RSL President Keith Ward accepting the award in Canberra.