Commemorate War Animal Day in Cronulla

Cronulla RSL will host a special service to commemorate the ‘National Day for War Animals’ on Saturday 24th February, 10am at the Club’s memorial garden.

The National Day for War Animals recognises the important roles that animals have and continue to play in war.

Animals have been put to many uses in war, serving as transport, beasts of burden, messengers, protectors, mascots, and pets. They have played an important part in all wars in which Australians have been involved. It is estimated that more than 8 million animals died in WW1 alone: 400,000 horses left our Australian shore – only one was allowed to return home. 20,000 dogs, 200,000 pigeons, camels, mules, donkeys and even insects all played their part in battle.

In 2019 Minister Scott Buchholz announced in Federal parliament that the 24th February would be Australia's official war animal day. War Animal Day is a day all Australians can wear a purple poppy and think not only about our soldiers who gave their lives in war, but also spare a thought for the four-legged and winged heroes that fought and died alongside our troops.

The Chief Executive Officer of Cronulla RSL, Sue McNeill commented, “our local veterans have educated us on the courage of animals who have served their country and the peace they have fought hard to achieve. It is only fitting that we commemorate our service animals on this day, acknowledging the sacrifices they too have made’.

Cronulla RSL were announced a winner of the 2023 ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Awards, in the ‘Heart of the Community’ category, for their efforts in supporting animals impacted by war. The Heart of the Community Award recognises the outstanding efforts of clubs that have had a significant positive impact on their community by contributing to and/or improving the social, cultural, financial or environmental wellbeing of the community.

The Club’s nomination “No Dog Left Behind” was based on these club’s fundraising efforts to support the Australian War Animal Memorial Organsiation (AWAMO) and the Sutherland Shire’s local Veteran War Dog, Manic. Since 2021, The Club has raised $22,000 to support the cause. In addition, Cronulla RSL was recognised as the first RSL club in NSW to establish an AWAMO supported memorial plaque for war animals and the first club in Australia to provide a retired war veteran dog club membership.

Locals are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends to the memorial service, however it’s important to remember that dogs must be on a lead and cats must be contained, and under the effective control of a competent person.

For more information on War Animal Day visit https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/waranimalday

Learn more

How Cronulla RSL supports animals impacted by war

Honorary Membership for Manic

Cronulla RSL’s CEO Sue McNeill says ‘We were approached by Manic’s handler in 2021, to get permission for Manic to visit the club after the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. We approved without hesitation; service dogs are diggers too!’.

The Club was so welcoming, that Manic was announced as the first honorary four-legged member and was issued his own membership card.

‘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 McNeill. ‘We hope that our efforts encourage other clubs to support their local service dog, and get behind the AWAMO’.

Cronulla RSL CEO Sue McNeill presents retired Military Working Dog, Manic, with his membership card. Learn more.

Installation of memorial garden, dedicated to animals impacted by war

Cronulla RSL 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. Cronulla RSL were the first RSL Club in NSW, to install a Memorial Garden dedicated to animals impacted by war. Learn more.

Fundraising to support Manic & AWAMO

Cronulla RSL fundraising activities on ANZAC Day 2021, 2022 & 2023, have raised over $22,000 to support the efforts of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) & Veteran Service Animals.

Because of the typical age of military working dog’s 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.

AWAMO is a volunteer not-for-profit organisation made up of community members from diverse backgrounds, that have the like-minded aim to recognize the deeds of animals during Australian military service, and to educate generations to follow of the sacrifices of four legged diggers have made. Learn more.

Spreading the War Animal Day Message

Cronulla RSL encourage other clubss to include War Animal Day in their organisation’s commemorative calendar. They have created useful resources and templates to download. Learn more.

Recognition & Awards

ClubsNSW - Heart of the Community Award

Retired military war dog Manic was the centre of attention when Cronulla RSL Memorial Club took out a major award at the NSW Clubs and Community Awards Night. The Cronulla club won the ClubsNSW Heart of the Community Award for its work in supporting Manic and the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation. Learn more.

RSL & Services Clubs Association - Spirit of ANZAC

Cronulla RSL has been recognised by RSL & Services Clubs Association, for its outstanding contribution to members and the local community throughout the past 12 months, being awarded the “Spirit of ANZAC Award - Highly Commended”.

The award shines a spotlight on RSL clubs around the nation, who epitomise the sacrifice of those who served in the defence of our nation and in the traditions of the ANZAC's – courage, endurance, initiative, discipline and mateship. Learn more.

Beyond our primary role as a veterans' club, we have extended our reach to various community initiatives, charitable causes, and events that uplift and enrich the lives of individuals and families in the Sutherland Shire. Whether through sponsorships, donations, or volunteer efforts, Cronulla RSL has become a trusted and beloved institution, embodying the spirit of unity, compassion, and support. www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au

War Animal Day in Cronulla