Our History

RSL LifeCare is a charitable organisation that was formed in 1911 to provide care and service to war veterans. Services were initially provided at Bare Island, Botany Bay, until moving to Narrabeen in 1939. From small beginnings providing care and service to just a handful of war veterans, the organisation has grown to be one of the largest retirement accommodation and aged care services in Australia. Caring for 4,000 across Independent Living, Community Care, Assisted Living, Dementia and Nursing Home, we have developed an extensive range of services that fosters independence and provides social, clinical, emotional and spiritual support. Our retirement accommodations are now spread across Australia, offering beautiful locales and unparalleled service and care. Our beginnings are best described in the following excerpt from “The Golden Years – A Story of Comradeship”

“In the dark days of the Depression in the early 30’s, men in threadbare clothing and down-at-heel footwear could be seen almost anywhere in Sydney as in other towns and cities across the world. Many of them had shared in the defence of the then Empire, in the tragic battles of Gallipoli, the stinking trenches of France and Belgium, and some in the Boer War at the start of the century. The desperate plight of so many of our national heroes was obvious when on ANZAC Day they marched to the rendezvous in Martin Place, behind the smartly turned out bands, to parade. These “Fighting Men of Australia” had, through no fault of their own, been reduced to straits of poverty and despair. In the years since the armistice of 1918, many had grown prematurely old or unfit, through war wounds and illness; many had no job and little hope of getting one. The idea of a “Haven of Rest” for those who had served their country in war became the obsession of Lt. Colonel (later Colonel) William Wood, O.B.E.”

After significant work by many, on ANZAC Sunday in 1938, the Foundation Stone was laid and construction commenced. The official opening of the Village was held on ANZAC Day in 1939 with the ANZAC Building providing accommodation for up to 43 men.

Despite our growth and the passage of time, RSL LifeCare remains true to its original aim and mission – to provide a home of peace and security to Senior Australians.