At the same time, over 135,000 veterans are aged 70 and above, showing the continuing needs of those who served in earlier conflicts. The total number of living Australian service personnel in 2025 is estimated at around 577,000, including: o 32,400 Vietnam War veterans o 5,500 Korean and Malayan Emergency veterans o 9,700 from mid-era conflicts such as Somalia, Rwanda, and Bougainville o 57,100 post-1999 veterans (the largest operational group) o 130,700 peacetime Defence Force members and 106,800 reservists These figures clearly illustrate that the veteran population is both ageing and evolving and they reinforce the President’s call for balance and the RSL must evolve to meet the complex needs of today’s veterans and their families. Having said that, we don't want to neglect strong connections with older members who laid the foundation of the organisation. It’s also worth noting that over 200,000 veterans are not DVA clients, underscoring the importance of broader outreach and engagement across the veteran community. Department of Veterans' Affairs Annual Report 2024-25 ============================================================================ Well Old Boys, that’s about it for our 2025 summer edition. Our thanks again to John Wilson for his efforts with the preparation and presentation of our inaugural annual award. I don’t have any photos as yet but will try and include some in our next edition. John has also offered to be our ‘North Queensland Representative’. Thanks again to Graham Hampton and the Australian Artillery Association for publishing our newsletter on their website. Our treasurer, Gabby Hayes reports that our balance in the working account is $596.54 and Gabs will roll over our term deposit in December. Current balance of that is $4832.14 with interest of $45.91 to add on once matured. At this rate we can finance the annual award with costs of about $170.00 per year, for a few years yet. Once we fold up completely, the balance can go to the current 4th Regiment funds unless anyone has a better solution. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this edition. I will be writing again in the new year to coerce a few more stories. Susie and I are having a quite Xmas at home this year with perhaps just the occasional festive extra. I have a Xmas party to go to this coming Friday and an RSL Sub-branch party on Saturday. If anyone is at a loss on where to spend next Anzac Day, perhaps consider coming to Laurieton for a few days. The local Sub-branch are happy to have visitors and we normally have a pretty good show. Let me know if you are interested in coming our way in April. Best wishes to one and all. Pete
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