Returned and Services

Yanchep/Two Rocks Sub-Branch
Returned and Services League

Meetings:
The Yanchep/Two Rocks Sub-Branch of the Returned and Services League (R.S.L.) meets on the second Monday of each month, except January, in the Yanchep Sports Club, Yanchep Beach Road, Yanchep at 11:00 AM. The Ode Ceremony is conducted at 1200 hours, followed by Fellowship.

Membership
Ordinary and Affiliate Membership is available. Ordinary membership is open and welcomed to all members and ex-members of the Allied Defence Forces who have served at least six months in that Service. Affiliate Membership is also available to the families and widows of Members and members of Paramilitary and other all-important emergency services.

Affiliate members can enjoy the hospitality of the ANZAC Club and the League statewide. Affiliate Membership will expand the League's involvement throughout the community and enhance the image and presence of the RSL throughout the wider community.

Membership enquiries should be directed to the Secretary (see below).

Aims and Objectives

• To perpetuate the close ties of friendship created by a mutual service in the Australian Defence Forces or in the forces of Nations traditionally allied with Australia, and the recollections associated with that experience; and to maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour among all past and present Members of the Defence Forces of the Commonwealth and to set an example of spirit and noble endeavour.
• To preserve the memory and records of those who suffered and died for the Nation, to erect monuments to their valour and to establish and preserve, in their honour, the annual commemoration day known as "ANZAC DAY".
• To provide a welfare service for the sick, the wounded and needy amongst those who have served in the Australian Defence Forces, on United Nations secondment or allied veterans and their dependants, including pensions, medical attention, housing, and suitable employment; with particular regard to those who are disadvantaged in the Veteran community.
• To inculcate loyalty to the Nation and secure patriotic service in the interest thereof.

History
The Yanchep/Two Rocks Sub-Branch of the Returned and Services League was formed on the 19th July 1977 following a successful Anzac Day Memorial Service and Parade held in Two Rocks on the 25th April of the same year, at the request of local ex-service men and women. Subsequent services and parades were initially held in the car park adjacent to the Two Rocks Tavern.

Following the opening of the Atlantis Marine Park, that venue was no longer suitable and an alternative venue was necessary. As a temporary measure, later parades were held in front of the Recreation Centre at Charnwood Park.

After several months of discussions and debate, it was resolved that a memorial would be built by the members of the Sub-Branch using donated materials and under the supervision of committee member Mr L. Neave. The memorial was located in the then Memorial Garden of the Yanchep National Park, in front of the Yanchep Inn, based on the following reasoning:

• the area that is now the National Park was on the old Geraldton to Perth stock route where many stockmen and drovers watered their cattle and camped overnight on the banks of what is now known as Loch McNess, many of which, no doubt, enlisted in the services in both World Wars and paid the supreme sacrifice; and
• during World War 11, the Yanchep National Park was taken over by the Royal Australian Air Force:
  • the Yanchep Inn became the base for the No. 4 Convalescent Unit, later to be renamed the No. 4 Rehabilitation Unit; and
  • the Gloucester Lodge became the Headquarters of the RAAF No. 227 Radar Unit.

Subsequently, the War Graves Commission donated a large bronze memorial plaque depicting all the badges/emblems of the fighting services. This plaque was then placed on the base of the Memorial. Some years later, it was forcibly removed and stolen, never to be recovered.

With the assistance of a Grant from the City of Wanneroo Bicentennial Trust Fund, a new memorial plaque was designed and installed on the Memorial. The Memorial was re-dedicated on ANZAC DAY 2001.

This simple Memorial has considerable sentimental and historic value to our RSL, members and to the general Community as witnessed by the attendances at our Remembrance Day and Anzac Day Services.

President: Arthur Faulfs

Contact: Joyce Harris - Phone/Fax: 9561 1672

Affiliated
Organisations

Sports
Badminton
Cricket
Football
Karate
Soccer
Surfing

Leisure Activities
Arts & Craft
Blessing Of The Fleet
Christmas Project
Dancing
Fishing
Literature
Music
Sailing

Community Organisations
Environment
Local Government
Religion
Residents
Returned And Services
Sea Rescue
Support
Transport

Age and Gender Groups
Seniors
Toddlers
Women