Cronulla RSL Honoured with Prestigious Spirit of ANZAC Award
Cronulla RSL is proud to announce it has been awarded the Spirit of ANZAC Award at the 18th Annual Spirit of ANZAC Awards, held during the 24th Annual RSL & Services Clubs Conference in Hobart, sponsored by Thomson Geer.
The RSL & Services Clubs Association is the peak body representing RSL and services clubs across New South Wales, providing guidance, advocacy, and support to ensure clubs continue to honour the ANZAC legacy while delivering meaningful contributions to their communities. This year’s conference welcomed more than 350 delegates from across the country, making it a highly valuable and inspiring event for all who attended.
Cronulla RSL is deeply honoured to be recognised at such a significant gathering. The award reflects the Club’s unwavering commitment to veterans and the broader Sutherland Shire community, placing people at the heart of everything it does.
Over the past year, Cronulla RSL has worked to create a welcoming space, strengthen camaraderie, and deliver programs that bring people together. The Club has supported the Sutherland Shire through a wide range of initiatives — from major community events like the Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival, Australia Day Celebrations, Pro Velo Super League, and the Walk for Respectful Relationships, to grassroots projects including Snacktember, the Runner Up Shoe Drive, and Trees of Hope.
Commemorations remained central to the Club’s mission, with the 2025 ANZAC Day Dawn Service drawing 20,000 people to Cronulla Park, and War Animal Day providing a moving tribute to the role of animals in wartime. New initiatives such as the Service Recognition Membership Card have offered daily acknowledgment to Defence Force members, while ongoing partnerships with schools, charities, and veteran organisations have helped strengthen education, wellbeing, and connection across the community.
Through fundraising, facility access, volunteering, and advocacy, Cronulla RSL continues to honour the ANZAC values of courage, mateship, and service — enriching lives and building a stronger community for all.
"We are humbled to be acknowledged with the Spirit of ANZAC Award," said .Nathan Whiteside, CEO of Cronulla RSL. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team, the strength of our veteran community, and the ongoing support of our members.’
As part of the conference, Cronulla RSL CEO Nathan Whiteside, Community Projects Manager Natalie Hawkins, and Group Managing Director of Catering HQ, Steve Sidd, were honoured to sit on a panel where they shared insights into Cronulla RSL’s programs, community impact, and industry innovation. Conference brochure.
“We are also grateful to the RSL & Services Clubs Association for bringing together such a valuable conference, where passionate delegates shared ideas, celebrated achievements, and strengthened our collective mission” said Whiteside.
Looking ahead, the Club remains focused on creating opportunities for connection and support. With Trees of Hope applications now open, Cronulla RSL is proud to once again invite local charities and community groups to take part in this cherished initiative, continuing the tradition of shining a light on organisations that make a real difference across the Sutherland Shire. Find out more here.
Cronulla RSL: A Year of Service, Support and Community Spirit
Cronulla RSL continues to place the community at the centre of all its work, guided by the enduring values of the ANZAC spirit. Over the past year, the Club has served as a unifying force for veterans and the wider Sutherland Shire, offering a welcoming space, fostering connection, and delivering programs that make a lasting difference.
Between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025, the Club contributed more than $467,000 to the community, This support included direct donations, sponsorships, in-kind contributions, and ClubGRANTS, far exceeding statutory obligations.
Community Support & Fundraising
Cronulla RSL has provided sponsorship and in-kind support to multiple community clubs, schools, and groups. Major events backed by the Club included the Sutherland Shire Council Australia Day Celebrations, Pro Velo Super League, Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival, and the Walk for Respectful Relationships.
The Club has also actively supported fundraising efforts and local initiatives, including:
More Than a Run in partnership with Lululemon and Movember, which brought together over 200 runners and raised awareness for men’s mental health.
A Mid-North Coast flood appeal in support of Givit.
A McGrath Foundation fundraiser for breast care nurse services at Sutherland Hospital.
Snacktember, which collected 700kg of pantry items for families in need.
The Runner Up Pre-loved Shoe Drive, which gathered over 200 pairs of shoes for people experiencing homelessness.
Ongoing support for Escabags, providing crisis packs to individuals escaping domestic violence.
Installation of a 24/7 defibrillator outside the Club in partnership with Heart of the Nation.
The annual Trees of Hope campaign, which engaged 11 local not-for-profits and raised awareness of their work through decorated Christmas trees displayed in the Club.
The School Grants Scheme, which has supported local schools since 2012.
Commemorative Activities
Cronulla RSL works closely with the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch to support veterans and commemorate service. This includes financial and in-kind support for general operations, ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, and Remembrance Day ceremonies.
The 2025 ANZAC Day Dawn Service was a milestone year, marking the Sub-Branch’s 100th anniversary. An estimated 20,000 people gathered in Cronulla Park, one of the largest turnouts in the region. The Club played a vital role in planning, logistics, and community engagement.
On ANZAC Day, the Club also hosted commemorative activities, including warm milk and rum, a breakfast (free for emergency services personnel who supported the service), sausage sizzle, live entertainment, Two-Up, and digital displays highlighting ANZAC history. A highlight was the HARS fly-past, featuring the Caribou and Dakota aircraft.
The day also included fundraising activities, with proceeds supporting the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation, Working Paws Australia, and a local fund for retired Military Working Dogs Manic and Aslan.
In February, the Club once again hosted War Animal Day, a moving ceremony at Cronulla Park honouring the role of animals in wartime. The event included readings, purple poppies, traditional protocols, and the presence of retired military dogs Manic and Aslan, drawing around 100 attendees including students, dignitaries, and community members.
Veteran Support & Welfare
Cronulla RSL proudly launched the Service Recognition Membership Card to honour current and ex-serving Defence Force members. Marked with a red poppy, the card provides daily recognition, access to exclusive benefits, and connection to wellbeing resources. Staff have been trained to understand its significance, creating an environment of gratitude and respect for veterans year-round.
The Club has supported numerous veteran initiatives, including:
Hosting the sold-out screening of Bravery & Betrayal, a documentary highlighting the stories of Special Forces veterans and their families.
Partnering with Engadine Sub-Branch on care packages sent overseas, with contributions from local students.
Supporting the Zero79 Foundation, focused on mental health and transition outcomes for Special Operations veterans and families.
Backing the 4/3 Royal NSW Regiment in their 24-hour Relay for Life challenge in full field gear.
Supporting the Remembrance Day rugby match between Burraneer Hammerheads and the Sydney Combined Forces Rugby Club.
Providing facilities and support to groups such as the 2 Commando Regiment, War Widows, and the Sub-Branch Rep Ready program.
Ensuring the welfare of retired Military Working Dogs Manic and Aslan, including covering care costs and raising awareness nationally. The Club’s Community Projects Manager also accompanied them to Canberra, where they received Australia’s first Animal Distinguished Service Award.
Hosting Santa Photos with Santa Pics Sydney, raising funds for the Military Working Dog cause.
The Club has also invested in staff capacity to support veterans, with the Community Projects Manager completing Mental Health First Aid training.
Education, Opportunity & Engagement
Cronulla RSL fosters education and community engagement around the ANZAC legacy. Highlights include:
Naming its restaurant Bonfield, after decorated WWII veteran and nurse Beryl Bonfield, alongside a private dining room named 1942.
Contributing to Lilli Pilli Public School to create a Memorial ANZAC Garden.
Involving De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah students in making white wooden crosses for the Dawn Service.
Running the Books in Lieu of Wreaths program, with a record number of children’s books donated in 2025.
At its core, Cronulla RSL is more than just a club. It is a living embodiment of the ANZAC spirit. Every initiative, every act of service, and every community connection reflects the values of courage, endurance, initiative, discipline, and mateship. From commemorating our veterans to uplifting schools, charities, and local groups, Cronulla RSL proudly continues to serve the Sutherland Shire with remembrance, compassion, and community spirit.