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 Spirit of ANZAC Award recognises a club that has made an outstanding contribution throughout the year to its members and local community, reflecting the sacrifices of those who served and the ANZAC values of courage, endurance, initiative, discipline and mateship. The award considers the impact of a club’s community initiatives, its support for veterans and their families, its contribution to remembrance and understanding of service, and the culture it creates within its community. For Cronulla RSL, receiving the award for a second consecutive year reflects the breadth and consistency of this work and the Club’s commitment to putting these values into action throughout the year.

Accepting the award on behalf of Cronulla RSL was Club President Keith Ward, who has been a member of the Club since 1973.

“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, from 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 RSL Sub-Branch’s 2026 ANZAC Day Dawn Service, contributing funding towards 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.

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.

The Spirit of ANZAC Awards are proudly supported by Thomson Geer.

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