RSL

The Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA), later simplified to the Returned Servicemen's League (RSL) formed after World War Ito represent the interests of servicemen who returned from war service overseas. In 1920, the RSL began vigorously arguing for the right to be recognised as the sole representative of returned soldiers, including all those disabled by the war.

The RSL operated its own social tourism program for the families of returned men. It created Furlough House at Narrabeen on Sydney's Northern Beaches. A tin shed on this property was once the base for lifesavers patrolling Narrabeen Beach. In 1970, Furlough House donated an old cottage to the Narrabeen Beach surf club which moved it closer to the beach to serve as its own clubhouse. Furlough House is  now a retirement village

After World War II, the RSL movement created licenced clubs and these in turn developed sporting teams and clubs, including swimming clubs. These RSL clubs are commonplace in Australian cities, suburbs and towns.

RSL members now include servicewomen, Aboriginal servicemen and women, and people who did not serve overseas as members of Australia's defence forces.

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