Combatting Cultural Hysteresis: Renewing Veteran Clubs for Today’s Diverse Community

Introduction: As Australia’s foremost non-government veterans’ organisation, the Returned & Services League (RSL) has historically played a pivotal role in forging camaraderie, shared identity, and social support among those who have served. These bonds are widely recognised as protective factors against loneliness, mental distress, and elevated risks of suicide and self-harm. Despite its critical function in promoting veterans’ well-being, the RSL has experienced a significant and ongoing decline in membership, particularly among younger, female, and culturally diverse veterans. This erosion of participation raises concerns about the organisation’s future viability and its capacity to meet the evolving needs of those leaving military service.

Methods: In a mixed methods investigation of factors influencing this decline, an anonymous online survey was conducted with 76 current and former members of a South Australian RSL sub-branch between 2021 and 2024 (63.3% response rate). Responses to both multiple-choice and open-ended questions were analysed thematically using NVivo, revealing patterns in members’ experiences, motivations, and perceptions.

Results: Findings highlighted that older white male Vietnam veterans, who constitute the dominant membership, often credit the RSL with reducing isolation and mitigating suicidality through mutual support. However, many respondents identified a reluctance to modernise, along with exclusionary behaviours and language that alienated newer and more diverse groups. This cultural rigidity appeared to accelerate membership attrition and undermine the RSL’s role as a unifying, protective resource for all veterans.

Conclusion: These results illuminate challenges faced across the broader national RSL network. As Australia’s largest veteran support organisation, the RSL is uniquely positioned to foster social connectedness and help mitigate suicidality nationwide. Addressing generational divides, embracing greater inclusivity, and modernising traditional practices are critical steps toward safeguarding its legacy and ensuring it continues to support the diverse and evolving veteran community.