Foreword from the President
As President of the Bentleigh RSL Sub Branch Inc., I am proud to present our Strategic Plan for 2025–2030. This plan represents our collective commitment to honouring the legacy of service that defines our organisation while evolving to meet the needs of a changing community.
Our strategic priorities reflect our dedication to supporting veterans and their families, strengthening ties with our community, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our sub-branch. We aim to achieve this through diversification, innovative partnerships, and enhanced service offerings that benefit our members and the wider community.
At the heart of this plan is our unwavering focus on making a meaningful social impact. We will continue to provide vital support for veterans while fostering a sense of belonging and connection for all who engage with us. Whether through new programs for younger veterans, community-focused initiatives, or improved facilities at our Cheltenham site, we are committed to creating a positive and lasting legacy.
This plan also underscores our responsibility to ensure the long-term viability of our sub-branch. With a focus on sound financial management, sustainable revenue streams, and effective governance, we are well-positioned to navigate the challenges ahead while delivering on our mission.
I commend this strategic plan to our members and stakeholders. It is a road map for our shared future—a future where the Bentleigh and Cheltenham Moorabbin RSL sites continue to thrive as vital parts of our community.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our mission. Together, we can achieve great things for our veterans, members, and the broader community.
Mark Schröffel
President
Bentleigh RSL Sub Branch Inc.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to be a thriving, inclusive community hub that supports veterans, their families, and the broader community through impactful social, cultural, and economic initiatives.
Strategic Imperatives
Diversification for Sustainability
Develop a long-term investment strategy to generate $500,000 per annum in portfolio income.
Establish a contingency fund to ensure financial stability.
Community Connection and Engagement
Enhance the sub-branch’s role as a welcoming, accessible, and vibrant community hub.
Enhance member benefits and value propositions to attract and retain a broad and inclusive community.
Operational Excellence
Streamline processes to focus on core activities and reduce inefficiencies.
Invest in training and development to enhance staff and volunteer capabilities.
Priority Initiatives
Investment Strategy & Contingency Fund
Establish a diversified portfolio to generate sustainable revenue streams.
Build a financial buffer to address potential challenges and ensure long-term viability.
Programs for Younger Veterans
Create tailored initiatives such as digital skills training, wellness workshops, and family-focused events
Enhance outreach efforts to support veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Community-Focused Partnerships
Foster partnerships with local businesses, organisations, and stakeholders to develop mutually beneficial initiatives.
Expand service offerings, including training programs, facility rentals, and collaborative community events.
Social Impact Assessment
Develop metrics to evaluate and report on the social, cultural, and economic impact of RSL initiatives.
Use findings to inform future programs and advocacy efforts, ensuring alignment with community needs.
Key Outcomes
Financial Security
Establishment of a contingency fund to safeguard against unforeseen challenges.
Strong governance to ensure financial stability.
Sustainable Non-Gaming Revenue
Diversified income sources, including investment portfolios and community-focused business activities
Reduced reliance on gaming revenue for long-term sustainability.
Improved Veteran Wellbeing
Enhanced mental health, social connection, and quality of life for veterans and their families.
Increased access to tailored programs that meet veterans’ evolving needs.
Enhanced Social Impact
Stronger community relationships and increased engagement with RSL initiatives.
Greater recognition of the RSL’s contribution to veterans and the broader community.
Enhanced Reputation
Recognition as a welcoming, inclusive, and innovative organisation.
Strengthened ties with local stakeholders and community partners.
Stronger Advocacy
Increased influence on policy and decision-making to support veterans’ issues.
Enhanced outreach and representation for all veteran cohorts.
Conclusion
This strategic plan provides a clear roadmap to ensure the Bentleigh and Cheltenham Moorabbin RSL’s continue to thrive as vital parts of our community. Through focused initiatives and a commitment to delivering measurable outcomes, we will honour our legacy and build a future that benefits veterans, members, and the broader community.
