Cronulla RSL Honour Animals Who Served During Times of War & Peace

Cronulla RSL has unveiled a memorial garden and plaque dedicated to animals who have served during times of war & peace, the first of its kind in New South Wales at an RSL Club.

Situated on Gerrale Street, the purple garden features a bronze plaque which was been developed in conjunction with the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) and recognises the sacrifices and deeds that animals have undertaken in battlefields around the world. The plaque was designed in consultation with Vision Australia, and features raised 3D shapes to assist those visiting the memorial who are blind or have low vision. Cronulla RSL is the first returned services club in the state to install a memorial in support of animals who have bravely served Australia.

Animals have played a very significant role in assisting our defence forces over the years. In the context of our Australian forces, dogs have been used for tracking, horses and donkeys have transported soldiers and equipment, pigeons have carried messages, and animals have provided comfort as mascots and companions.

Cronulla RSL hopes that the garden will give the community a place to commemorate those brave animals and raise awareness about the limited support received by Military Working Dogs (MWDs) upon their retirement. Cronulla RSL support their local retired MWD ‘Manic’, who served in Iraq and on Tactical Assault Group East (TAGE). The Australian Defence Force does not have a duty-of-care to MWD veterans when their service ends.

Cronulla RSL hopes that the garden will give the community a place to commemorate those brave animals and raise awareness about the limited support received by Military Working Dogs (MWDs) upon their retirement.

Because of the typical age of MWD retirement, the people who take on responsibility for veteran dogs are unable to take out pet insurance to help with the costs of their veterinary care. Unfortunately, many of the significant health costs come at the end of a dog’s life. This can be a significant impost on those that have given our military working dogs their retirement home.

‘We were so touched by Manic’s story and saddened to hear of the limited support war dogs and their handlers receive after their service, that we were inspired to help do what we could to make a difference,’ said Cronulla RSL CEO Sue McNeill. ‘There is currently no Department of Veterans Affairs waiting to support our war dogs when they retire. We owe them so much, at least to make their last few years of life comfortable and provide them with the medical treatment they need. We hope the wider community consider helping us help these veterans.’