RSL springs into action when the need arises

When Lorraine Kinsey faced a battle with cancer while having to organise the sale of her home, help arrived.

A team from the Returned and Services League Kalamunda branch turned up in force.

They cleaned the home's gutters, tidied the yard, planted flowers and generally made the place look spick and span for a sale.

When Ms Kinsey moved into her new home, which was in need of a bit of love, they were there again to strip wallpaper, change light fittings and paint.

"They worked tirelessly," Ms Kinsey said.

That was about three years ago.

Last year, Ms Kinsey had another battle with cancer and the RSL team was there again, visiting her in hospital, dropping off food and making sure she could get to the club social functions.

It is little wonder that Ms Kinsey says they are like family.

"Nothing is too much trouble for them," she said.

Ms Kinsey said she first met members of the branch about five years ago, was now an affiliate member, served on the committee and was events co-ordinator.

She said the care and attention she received was replicated by the branch whenever members needed a bit of help.

It is a spirit combined with the links the branch has forged with the wider Hills community, which has seen membership thrive, with 143 service and ex-service members and 93 affiliate members.

The community links include visits to local schools and helping students go on trips, having groups such as scouts see the displays in the club's headquarters through to running local Anzac Day services and marches.

Branch treasurer Colin Jobling, of Lesmurdie, who served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969, said members shared a common bond and were "speaking the same language".

In the past few years the branch had welcomed veterans of recent conflicts including Afghanistan and Iraq, he said.

Frederick Smith, of Kalamunda, a national serviceman from 1958 to 1964, said the younger members brought in new ideas.

"We are open to their suggestions because they look at things a bit differently," he said.

Keith Battersby, who served in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968, said the branch kept an ear to the ground to ensure members in need were looked after.

"If someone needs help, someone will go around and see what the need is and a team will go around," he said.

Bill Dalgleish, who served in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967, said there had been a surge in interest in veterans' affairs in recent years and crowds at the local Anzac Day dawn service had swelled.

"This is a community-based club," he said. "The bottom line is we are all great mates."