Harbord RSL sub-Branch
The iconic Harbord Diggers RSL sub-Branch, on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, has a long and proud history of serving the veterans’ community of Freshwater, going back to the end of World War 1.
The sub-Branch continues to share a special partnership with The Harbord Diggers Club. Both are separate entities.
Both clubs, from the start, shared similar objectives with their membership.
The Harbord Legion of Ex-Servicemen’s Club, later to be called, Harbord Diggers Memorial Club (The Diggers) was born out of frustration with the RSL movement’s membership rules, which only allowed “returned veterans” to become full members of the RSL. Whereas the Diggers was made up of anyone that had served, including those that served on the “Homefront”. The Diggers Club was based more on community social activities. In the late 1950s both clubs shared joint committees. Mateship was at the core of both organisations.
Both clubs strive to uphold the three main objectives identified back in the 1930’s by the founders;
1. Look after the families of local men killed in WW1 - “Welfare”
2. Look after ex-servicemen who needed support - “Wellbeing”
3. Remember their service - “Ceremonial”