
Our Writers
Since 1911 RSL LifeCare has been serving the community by providing professional, caring support for veterans. Today, we welcome all members of the public – whether veteran or non-veteran – to live in our villages, care homes or at your home.
RSL LifeCare is committed to sharing ‘real’ stories from our staff, residents and their family members from all our locations across NSW and ACT. Stories written by three local, dedicated and passionate members of the community, who care for our people and our history and share our same believe and vision of “Continuing in the ANZAC spirit”.
Our Writers
Helen joined RSL LifeCare in 2012 as a researcher and writer. In that time she has written articles for publication, newsletters, annual reports, the occasional speech and has built an archive of residents’ life stories focusing on the Second World War and Vietnam War periods. Originally an Honours Graduate in Modern History from UNSW and with over 20 years of experience in the media (culminating in the role of Research Director, Time Inc Magazines South Pacific), Helen is delighted to write and share stories that combines her skills, her passion for history and the power of story, and her heart for the seniors in our society.
– Helen Johnston
Liz McDougall’s grandfather Stephen Stack was, with Dr William Woods, the co-founders of the “War Vets”. Born and bred on the Northern Beaches, Liz worked at The Manly Daily over three decades then in media and communications with Legacy for almost 10 years. A highlight was travelling with 75 Legacy Juniors to the Centenary of Pozieres, on the Western Front in France, learning more about the sacrifice veterans and their families make. Liz has always been involved in the local community and is President of the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah. She has four adult daughters and one granddaughter.
“I am delighted to be writing for RSL LifeCare as I will be meeting many people who are benefiting from my grandfather’s vision,” Liz said.
– Liz McDougall
Rod Bennett has worked for more than 20 years as a journalist with The Manly Daily, reporting on entertainment, community goings-on, disability support, and sport. He loves writing features and has done stories across a wide range of subjects. During this time he was charged with writing many articles on the War Vets. He said he was excited to be able to tell some of the rich stories contained within RSL Lifecare – stories about its people, sacrifices made, and lives lived.
– Rod Bennett
Blog Posts

3 Mar 2023
Message from our CEO celebrating International Women’s Day
Good morning everyone, Today, on International Women’s Day, we take the opportunity to celebrate the contribution made by the...

6 Jun 2022
Vale Walter Williams OAM
RSL LifeCare staff and residents alike have been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of long – time...

5 May 2022
Giving our nurses a voice to lead
Today, on International Nurses Day (IND) we shine a light on our nursing staff and their vital work. Our nurses...
4 Apr 2022
RSL LifeCare Veteran Services – one team supporting veterans and their families
The delivery of Veteran Services has been core to RSL LifeCare since its beginnings over 100 years ago. Now,...

3 Mar 2022
How the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program helps veterans find work
Transitioning to a different career is not always easy for veterans returning to civilian life. The RSL Veterans’ Employment...
11 Nov 2021
RSL LifeCare Annual Report 2021
I am pleased to advise that the 2021 RSL LifeCare Annual Report is now available. This annual report is...
10 Oct 2021
Rapid Antigen Test kits now available to Aged Care providers.
The Department of Health is offering Rapid Antigen Test kits to aged care providers across NSW in high-risk Local...

8 Aug 2021
Aged Care Employee Day is a day to thank everyone at RSL LifeCare.
7th August is Aged Care Employee Day. This is a day for us to thank every person who works...

7 Jul 2021
World War 2 code breaker Marion Painter features in Sky News documentary
ANZAC Village, Narrabeen resident Marion Painter has featured in Sky News documentary, The Alliance, about her time as a...

6 Jun 2021
Aged care workers should be vaccinated on site.
AGED care provider, RSL LifeCare, have applauded the Australian Government for their decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for staff...

3 Mar 2016
Laughter is the best medicine
Laughter releases endorphins, giving us the ‘feel good factor’ Acts as aerobic exercise and is like ‘internal jogging’ Unleashes...

5 May 2016
A healthy diet for a healthy heart
Valentine’s Day saw people thinking of love and things of the heart and we thought it would be a...

10 Oct 2016
Pets and Positive Ageing
Animals play an important role in our lives. As Community Staff, we are blessed to see the bonds that...

More from the blog
Latest News
George Carpenter’s Inspiring Dedication to Preserving Military History
George Carpenter, an 87 year old resident of RSL ANZAC Village in Narrabeen, has been volunteering at the RSL LifeCare War Museum for three years...
Read moreFrom Stables to Retirement Living: Tim Cooke’s Life Journey
"My journey kicked off when I was just 14 years old. The year was 1963. I waved goodbye to school and hello to an apprenticeship...
Read moreJourney Through 102 Years: The Life of Helen Lea
"My name is Helen Lea, and I've been lucky enough to reach the grand age of 102. I've always felt pretty good for my age....
Read moreHonouring Malaya & Borneo Veterans: A Story of Sidney Peter Bryant
Today, on August 31, we commemorate Malaya & Borneo Veterans Day and take a moment to pay tribute to those who served in the Malayan...
Read moreFederal Government grant awarded to RSL LifeCare
RSL LifeCare has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Australian Government to support the development of a business case to establish a Veterans’ and...
Read moreRSL LifeCare a finalist in Best Graduate Development Program – Australian HR Awards 2023
August 2023 – RSL LifeCare’s Graduate Registered Nurse Program has been announced as a finalist in the Australian HR Awards 2023, Best Graduate Development Program...
Read moreRSL LifeCare successfully moves to the second stage in becoming the provider for a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in both the Tweed-North Coast region and Queanbeyan.
RSL LifeCare has welcomed the opportunity by the Federal Government to submit a business case to deliver a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in these critical...
Read moreAppointment of Elizabeth Cosson AM CSC to RSL LifeCare Board
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth (Liz) Cosson AM CSC as a Director of the RSL LifeCare Board as of Monday...
Read moreFree laptops give veterans access to employment and education opportunities
RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, in collaboration with Optus and ASI Solutions, are providing laptops to veterans and their families to access education courses and employment...
Read moreMeet Alan Buxton – RSL LifeCare resident and World War II veteran
103-year-old RSL LifeCare resident Alan Buxton has led a life of courage and service. His father served in World War I, and Alan followed in...
Read moreMessage from our CEO celebrating International Women’s Day
Good morning everyone, Today, on International Women's Day, we take the opportunity to celebrate the contribution made by the incredible women of RSL LifeCare and...
Read moreState-of-the-art Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre now open to veterans and their families
RSL LifeCare has officially opened its purpose built, state-of-the-art facility to permanently house the Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre, providing an expanded range of health and...
Read more