Speeches
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Centenary of the Morphett Vale RSL Sub Branch
Rod and I are pleased to be with you for the Morphett Vale RSL Centenary Dinner, marking 100 years since this sub-branch was established and celebrating a century of service to veterans, families and the wider community.
In the course of preparing this speech it was my pleasure to learn of some historical links between the Morphett Vale RSL and Governors of the day.
The earliest reference I could find was from 1938, when your sub-branch was only 12 years old.
Sir Winston Dugan and Lady Dugan attended a large ball at the Port Noarlunga Institute, organised by the Morphett Vale RSL and local sporting clubs, raising money for a Flinders Ranges hostel for people with tuberculosis.
While much of the newspaper reporting was devoted to detailed descriptions of the ladies’ ballgowns, it was clear the RSL sub-branch played a prominent and influential role in the local community.
A few years later, in 1945, Lieutenant-General Sir Willoughby Norrie attended the Morphett Vale RSL annual reunion dinner.
Sir Willoughby was an accomplished military man, and members were reported to have enjoyed “an interesting account of his experiences in the Middle East campaign” in 1941 and 1942.
It’s remarkable to think one of your current members, veteran Wilfred Taylor, has his own recollections of the Second World War.
Yesterday at Government House, Rod and I had the pleasure of meeting ‘Wilf’ at a morning tea for World War II veterans, of whom there remain about 20 in South Australia.
At 103 years of age, Wilf is very sharp and we had a good chat.
I imagine your community is extremely proud to count him among your members.
Friends,
A centenary is a significant milestone, and tonight is an opportunity to reflect on the those who have sustained this organisation through their commitment, generosity and sense of responsibility to others.
Established in 1926, Morphett Vale RSL has remained grounded in the fundamental purpose of the RSL: remembering those who served, supporting those who continue to serve, and providing care and connection for veterans and their families.
As Governor, I have had the privilege of engaging with RSL communities across South Australia, and have seen first-hand the profound impact they have.
The strength of the RSL is found not only in its structures or traditions, but in the people who give their time and energy as advocates, welfare supporters, volunteers and leaders within their communities.
I note that Morphett Vale RSL is a volunteer organisation, and this reflects something deeply important about the RSL tradition: that service does not end when a uniform is put away.
It continues through supporting others, maintaining friendships forged through shared experience, and ensuring no veteran or family feels alone.
During my term as Governor and as Patron of the RSL SA/NT Branch, I have watched the RSL continue to respond to changing needs while remaining true to its values.
I was pleased to learn that, earlier this year, your sub-branch won the City of Onkaparinga Community Event of the Year for your 2025 Dawn Service.
The service attracts thousands annually, making it one of the largest services in South Australia – something of which you can all be proud.
As Governor I also see RSL sub-branches placing strong emphasis on contemporary forms of support, including wellbeing, community connection and assistance for veterans and families.
Your regular fundraising at Bunnings Sausage Sizzles, and provision of food at Bunnings family nights, is one example that comes to mind.
That evolution is not a departure from the RSL’s values. It is an expression of them.
I thank the members, volunteers and leaders of Morphett Vale RSL for the dedication that has carried this sub-branch through its first century, and for the important contribution you continue to make to the South Australian community.
A centenary is not only a moment to look back with pride; it is also a moment to look forward with purpose.
The next 100 years will be shaped by the same qualities that have defined Morphett Vale RSL since 1926: service, friendship and a deep sense of commitment to others.
Morphett Vale RSL has served its community for 100 years; may it continue to strengthen, support and inspire in the century ahead.