Duncan Anderson, GAICD on LinkedIn: An incredible presentation that made most organisational rain look like a… (2024)

Saturday morning gratitude! I’m often asked is the RSL is my ‘paid’ job. I along with many others volunteer, supporting our mates and serving our community. I farm a few thousand Dorper sheep in the South West of WA. Farming is not what I’d describe as easy, it is rewarding, especially sharing it with my two children. This season has been really hard. No feed on farm, very little water for stock to drink, almost zero options to buy feed in, there simply is none in the State. Topping it off there are no options to sell sheep, resulting in a term I’d never heard ‘No Commercial Value’! Last Monday was simply awful. After a full weekend in the tractor preparing paddocks for rain, the reality of my situation hit. It almost broke me. It didn’t, it very nearly did! Instead I thought ‘what can I control now?’, then ‘always a little further!’ I also knew that after a good sleep not affected by alcohol, my brain would have reset. My sincere appreciation to Ben Pronk, Dr Dan Pronk and Tim Curtis at the The Resilience Shield for arming me with the skills, knowledge and belief!*pictured with my best mate Bouncer, taking a rest after a morning of work

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Along with many other organisations, RSLWA was incredibly fortunate to host the Secratary of DVA and Kahlil Scarf Fegan DSC, AM and ANZAC House. RSLWA is one part of a much larger group of amazing organisations and people striving to see veterans and their families thrive in Western Australia. Common purpose and aligned values were evident. Much has been done, so much more to do!#veterans

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In the lead up to ANZAC Day, I reflect on the amazing experience of the Japan - Australia Grassroots exchange program. The program sought to highlight the sacrifice of Australian Prisoners of War through the authentic reconciliation efforts of the Japanese Government. I was fortunate to represent RSL Australia alongside two descendants. We were all taken aback by the experience at the Hiroshima Peace Park. Not only laying a wreath at their memorial we were privileged to receive a presentation from a survivor of the blast. Just one snippet of wisdom carved from such horror "In war, protagonists are victims, and victims are protagonists". The Commonwealth War Graves in Tokyo was breathtaking, with three soldiers 'known unto god'. The people, the food and the culture, I can only commend to you a visit to Japan. An experience of a lifetime, I would like to acknowledge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for hosting this program and for the Vice Minister for graciously hosting us. RSL Australia will continue to support all efforts to never forget, both here in Australia and around the world. We may be the lucky country, however we all know luck goes hand in hand with effort and great sacrifice.Lest we forget.

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Yes!After sometime this program is underway. Another wonderful collaboration in WA supporting veterans and their families.We are proud to collaborate with Dr Richard Magtengaard at Resolute - for those who serve and Kaizen K9 in delivering this amazing program. #veteransRSL Australia

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Today has been an experience I will remember forever. We were incredibly fortunate to hear from a survivor of the atomic bomb. 87 and teaching herself English, she recounted the exact moment of the explosion and vivid memories that haunt her to this day. She left me with this lasting thought “In war, perpetrators are also victims and victims are also perpetrators”Hiroshima Memorial Peace Museum was a breathtaking experience. The team at the museum have done a stunning job to capture a simply horrific event. We were privileged to lay a wreath at the place where the 340 000 names (a list that grows each year) are recorded of those who have died as a result of the atomic bomb. Collectively we must not let this happen again. RSL Australia RSLWA

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Today was very special.A small yet poignant wreath laying and visit to the Yokohama War Cemetary in Tokyo. There is something about Australian men and women laying in another country as a result of their service. 3 unknown soldiers. Let us never make the same mistakes again. #veteransRSL Australia RSLWA

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What an incredibly humbling experience. Authentic engagement with committed volunteers focussed on service, not only the past but our future. Australia and Japan have been allies for much longer than we have been adversaries. We should never forget the past but most focus on the future for shared peace and prosperity.RSL Australia RSLWA

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Great people doing great things!A devotee of the The Resilience Shield have personally benefitted from applying these concepts every day. ‘Always a little further’

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The partnership between Working Spirit Ltd and RSLWA continues to grow from strength to strength!Another great example of us all working #bettertogether

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So many incredible supporters of veterans and family’s here in wonderful Western Australia. It remains an incredible privilege to play a small part in seeing our community thrive while never losing sight of those that need a helping hand

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