A new RSL constitution involving changes to administration and removal of independency have been factors that caused the Narrabri RSL sub-Branch Women’s Auxiliary to cease to exist in December.

This is a sad occasion for our area and I decided to research its history for posterity.

The Australian Imperial Service of Women’s Auxiliary was formed in Sydney by mothers, wives, widows, sisters, daughters and aunts of men who served in the Australian Imperial Forces in the First World War (1914-1918).

The Auxiliaries grew from this beginning to raise money for the welfare of men and women who served and their widows and children.

In 1947, at the Annual State Congress of the Returned and Services League of Australia (NSW Branch) (RSL NSW), a Resolution was formed that an Annual Congress of all Women’s Auxiliaries be convened under the auspices of the RSL.

On August 18, 1948, Mr K. Todd OBE, Country Vice-President of the RSL NSW held the first Returned and Services League Women’s Auxiliary Congress at the Young Women’s Christian Association, Liverpool Street, Sydney.

The RSL Auxiliary is a non-political non-sectarian organisation.

It raises funds for the well-being of current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their families.

The RSL Auxiliary raises funds to support the RSL Welfare and Benevolent Institution by holding raffles, selling tokens during ANZAC and Poppy Day appeals, as well as fundraising avenues that arise throughout the year.

The RSL Auxiliaries were founded on fellowship and a desire to care for our communities and are voluntary organisations.

On March 5, 1936 a notice appeared in The North Western Courier as follows:

All ladies interested in the formation of a Ladies’ Auxiliary in conjunction with the Returned Soldiers’ League are cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held in the ‘Soldiers & Citizens’ club room on Tuesday March 10, 1936 at 7.30pm. A.E.L. Johnson (Hon. Secretary) and R.C.Piper (president).

At the time it was known as the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSS and ILA).

In 1940 it changed to the Returned Sailors’ Soldiers’ and Airmens Imperial League of Australia (RSS and AILA. In 1965 it changed to Returned Services League of Australia.

In 1983 it changed to Returned Services League of Australia Limited and in 1990 it changed to Returned and Services League of Australia Limited.

During the years of World War II Narrabri had various similar organisations including Legacy, the Air Force Association sub-Branch, the Australian Legion of

Ex-Service men and women sub-Branch, Narrabri Fighting Services Fathers’ Association, Narrabri Patriotic Committee, Red Cross Society and the Younger Set of the Women’s Auxiliary of the RSS and AILA.

The Narrabri ladies undertook many and varied tasks during the 1940s.

They formed a contingent and marched on ANZAC Day along with other organisations including the 1st AIF and 2nd AIF (in uniform), Volunteer Defence Corps, Voluntary Aid Detachment, Air Training Corps, Scouts, Cubs, and schools.

They distributed tobacco, cigarette papers, knitted woollen socks and scarves to men returning to camp from final leave. The demand for wool was paramount. Comforts and refreshment parcels were sent to men prior to their departure for overseas.

Assistance was given to the RSL sub-Branch through various functions, Poppy Day and Tin Hat Day (help the disabled sailors, soldiers and airmen) sales, American Card evenings, Diggers Ball, Diggers Christmas Tree and various Street Stalls.

On top of that they catered for the Diggers Race Meeting, ANZAC Day and the various dances held in the Town Hall.

Buttons were sold at the League Stall for the Patriotic Fund. Funds from the card afternoons were devoted to the prisoner-of-war parcels.

Records indicate that since 1999 the Women’s Auxiliary has raised an extraordinary amount of money and donated same to Defence Care NSW and the Narrabri sub-Branch Widows and Dependents Fund.

This is an incredible achievement from a small band of dedicated women.

What now?

These wonderful ladies will not be idle.

Many of them are heavily involved with Vinnies and Meals on Wheels etc.

I have a sneaking suspicion we will see these volunteers continuing to do what they do best – working for the welfare of others.

They all deserve a medal.

Richard Barry, Narrabri.

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