Remembrance Day 2022: Veterans, RSL and ex-Wallaby join forces

Sydney Opera House has lit up as Remembrance Day marks 104 years since the guns fell silent to end WWI. Meanwhile, former Wallaby Phil Kearns has partnered with the RSL to help veterans with the battle of returning to civilian life.

Ex Wallaby player Phil Kearns (left) and former army sergeant Justin Donnelly (right) in Mosman on Thursday. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

It’s one of the few parallels between the footy field and the battlefield – the transition from an all-encompassing career to the ‘civilian’ life after.

That’s why this Remembrance Day RSL NSW is partnering with former Wallabies skipper Phil Kearns, in a bid to highlight the paths available to former servicemen and women looking to forge a career post military service.

“I was really lucky. I played two thirds of my career in the amateur days and we always knew when you were playing you needed something else to fall back on,” Mr Kearns said.

“Players now don’t have that … most of the young players haven’t had that pressure to have a life after the game. In the armed services there’s a similar thing, to step out is a difficult thing.

“Young rugby players have always struggled with it – when you go from a lifestyle that is regimented, and then integrating into more normal society, it’s difficult to do.”

Civilian struggles: Ex Wallaby player Phil Kearns (right) and former army sergeant Justin Donnelly (left) share stories in Mosman on Thursday. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

It’s something Justin Donnelly, a returned serviceman living in Alexandria, said he had to face himself after spending 13 years in the army including multiple deployments to the Middle East.

“I was forced to look for alternative career paths, I’ve been through navigating what comes next and (working out) how do I provide for my family,” he said upon his exit from the military, adding it was something many younger soldiers struggled with.

“Hearing the stories from privates and corporals coming back, the transition process is definitely improving – there are organisations that do facilitate those pathways.”

RSL NSW President Ray James said their work alongside Phil Kearns would help shine a spotlight on the services available to them, including their local RSL branch.

“This year, I am calling on veterans to join RSL NSW to tap into a wealth of support options available to them, and their families; including mentoring, events and community,” Mr James said.

The Sydney Opera House has been adorned in red poppies this year to commemorate our Diggers and those who lost their lives, and loved ones, during war.

The Opera House at dawn on Remembrance Day, 2022. Picture: John Grainger

The illuminated sails of the iconic building projected a deep red glow onto the calm harbour on Friday morning, creating a moving moment during sunrise.

The Daily Telegraph can also reveal for this Remembrance Day that the NSW Government will extend the NSW Government Veterans Employment Program, following the success of the scheme over the last seven years.

A beautiful, still morning created ideal conditions for the iconic venue to glow. Picture: John Grainger

Veterans Minister David Elliott said when the scheme was established under former Premier Mike Baird, it had a target of helping 200 veterans find jobs with the NSW public sector.

More than 2500 have gained jobs since its inception.

“It’s very exciting and I’m relishing in the challenge,” he said.

“As a veteran who had to transition back to civilian life when I returned from peacekeeping, I’m acutely aware of the skillset veterans can bring to employers.

“With the labour market so tight at the moment, veterans are enjoying multiple opportunities but my appeal to all employers of NSW is to consider veterans as employees as choice.”